Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) in methamphetamine use disorder: a pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Addiction Medicine
• Psychology

Background:

• Current treatments for methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) are insufficient for withdrawal management and relapse prevention.
• Negative affect is a significant factor in drug craving and relapse.
• Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) has shown efficacy in reducing negative affect in other conditions but not MUD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility, tolerability, and safety of a single session of REST using a floatation pool (pool-REST) in individuals with MUD.
• To compare the effects of pool-REST with a chair-REST active comparator on affect, interoception, and craving.

Main Methods:

• A within-subject crossover design was employed with 78 participants diagnosed with MUD.
• Participants completed one session each of pool-REST and chair-REST.
• Feasibility, tolerability, and safety were assessed through completion rates, duration of use, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes included self-reported affect, interoceptive sensation, and stimulant craving.

Main Results:

• 74% of participants completed both REST sessions, indicating good feasibility.
• Sessions were well-tolerated with no serious adverse events reported.
• Both conditions reduced stress, negative affect, and craving; pool-REST showed greater increases in positive affect and cardiorespiratory interoceptive awareness.

Conclusions:

• REST sessions, particularly pool-REST, are feasible, well-tolerated, and safe for individuals with MUD.
• Preliminary findings suggest potential benefits of pool-REST in improving positive affect and interoceptive awareness.
• Further randomized controlled trials are recommended to confirm the efficacy of pool-REST for MUD remission and recovery.