title: Effectiveness of yogic breathing intervention on quality of life of opioid dependent users.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The quality of life (QOL) of substance users is known to be impaired. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a yogic breathing program has potential to improve QOL and needs evaluation in an Indian setting.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Study aimed to assess changes in QOL in treatment seeking male opioid dependent users following practice of SKY program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Users were randomized into study (n = 55) and control group (n = 29). Study group besides standard treatment (long term pharmacotherapy with buprenorphine in flexible dosing schedule) underwent a 3 days, 12 h SKY program while control group received standard treatment alone.
  
  
  METHODS
  World Health Organization QOL-brief scale was used to measure QOL and urine tested to assess recent drug use. Assessments were made at baseline and at 3 and 6 months.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were analyzed using generalized estimation equation to assess within group change with time and the overall difference between groups for changes at assessment points.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overtime within study group, all four QOL domain scores were significantly higher at 6 months. Between group comparison showed significant increase in physical (P < 0.05); psychological (P < 0.001) and environment domains (P < 0.001) for study group while control group showed significant changes in social relationship domain only. Urine screening results were negative for study group indicating no drug use at 6 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SKY as a complementary therapy was found beneficial in improving QOL for group practicing it and is recommended for use as low cost and low-risk adjunct in substance treatment settings in India.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Anju
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dhawan
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chopra
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Raka
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Deepak
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yadav
authors.affiliation: VVMVP International Art of Living Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.lastname: Vedamurthachar
keywords: Effectiveness; India; Sudarshan Kriya Yoga; quality of life; substance use