Drug and Alcohol Addiction

How Oxygen Support May Help the Brain Heal

Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is not just a behavioral journey. It is also a neurological one. Substance use places significant stress on the brain, disrupting oxygen utilization, neurotransmitter balance, and cellular repair. As addiction treatment continues to evolve, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) is gaining attention as a supportive wellness tool that may help the brain recover and function more efficiently during the recovery process.

mHBOT is not a replacement for detox programs, counseling, or medical care. Instead, it is increasingly explored as a complementary approach that supports the brain and body as healing takes place.

What Is Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves relaxing inside a softly pressurized chamber while breathing oxygen at slightly higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure, typically around 1.3 ATA. This gentle increase allows oxygen to dissolve directly into the plasma, lymphatic fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid, not just red blood cells.

The result is improved oxygen delivery to areas of the body and brain that may be under-oxygenated due to inflammation, injury, or long-term stress.

Why Oxygen Matters in Addiction Recovery

Substance use can impair mitochondrial function, increase inflammation, and disrupt normal brain signaling. Over time, this creates a brain environment that struggles to regulate mood, motivation, and stress responses. Supporting oxygen availability at the cellular level may help create conditions that allow the brain to repair and rebalance.

Potential Ways mHBOT May Support Addiction Recovery

Supports Brain Repair and Neuroplasticity

Research shows that hyperbaric oxygen exposure can stimulate neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections and repair damaged ones. This is especially relevant during recovery, when the brain is relearning regulation, impulse control, and emotional balance.

May Ease Physical and Mental Stress During Detox

Early research suggests oxygen-based therapies may help reduce physiological stress responses associated with withdrawal. Improved oxygen availability can support cellular energy production, which may help the body better tolerate the detox and early recovery phases.

May Help Reduce Cravings

Studies exploring hyperbaric oxygen and dopamine pathways suggest improved oxygenation may influence neurotransmitter regulation. This may help calm reward circuits that drive cravings, particularly in nicotine and substance dependency models.

Supports Mental Clarity and Emotional Stability

Many individuals in recovery experience anxiety, depression, or brain fog. By improving oxygen delivery to the brain, mHBOT may support mental clarity, mood stability, and overall cognitive function, making it easier to engage in therapy and daily routines.

Encourages Energy and Overall Well-Being

Fatigue is common during recovery. Oxygen plays a central role in ATP production, which fuels every cell. Many people report improved energy and resilience when mHBOT is used consistently as part of a wellness routine.

Using mHBOT as Part of a Comprehensive Recovery Plan

It is important to emphasize that mHBOT is not a standalone solution for addiction. Recovery is most successful when multiple supports are in place, including medical supervision, therapy, community support, nutrition, and lifestyle changes.

mHBOT may serve as a valuable addition by supporting the physical and neurological foundations of recovery, especially for those seeking non-invasive, drug-free wellness tools.

A Supportive Tool for Long-Term Healing

As research continues to explore the role of oxygen in brain health, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is emerging as a promising adjunct for individuals focused on long-term recovery and resilience. By supporting brain repair, reducing inflammation, and enhancing cellular energy, mHBOT may help create a more stable foundation for lasting change.

Anyone considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy should consult with their healthcare provider, particularly when navigating addiction recovery.

References

Zhang, K., Wang, L., Wang, H., Liu, Y., & Zhang, Q. (2020). Therapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen in a rat model of endothelin-1-induced focal cerebral ischemia. Brain Research, 1731, 146012.

Zhang, J. H., Lo, T., Mychaskiw, G., & Colohan, A. (2005). Mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygen and neuroprotection in stroke. Pathophysiology, 12(1), 63–77.

Liu, W., Khatibi, N., Sridharan, A., & Zhang, J. H. (2011). Application of medical gases in the field of neurobiology. Medical Gas Research, 1(1), 13.

Doležal, D., Lisy, J., Babula, P., & Cimr, D. (2017). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces craving for nicotine through modulation of dopamine-opioid pathways. Medical Hypotheses, 105, 34–36.

Boussi-Gross, R., et al. (2013). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve post-concussion syndrome years after mild traumatic brain injury. PLoS ONE, 8(11), e79995.

Efrati, S., & Ben-Jacob, E. (2014). Reflections on the neurotherapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 14(3), 233–236.