Is Holotropic Breathwork addictive?

Holotropic breathwork can develop into a problematic relationship in which a person keeps seeking intense experiences and finds it hard to take a break. This should not automatically be equated with clinical addiction, but it would also be wrong to claim that such a practice can never become part of a compulsive behavioral pattern.

Attending workshops regularly is not in itself a sign of a problem. For some people, holotropic breathwork is occasional support in personal exploration or part of their spiritual practice. A sense of acceptance and belonging to a group can also matter. When assessing the situation, it therefore makes sense to look at what role the practice plays in a person's life, how much freedom they have in deciding to take part, and what consequences it brings.

Attention is needed, however, when the main goal becomes chasing "high-octane" experiences: powerful emotional releases, ecstasy, dramatic breakthroughs or a sense of transcending oneself. A person may begin to see a calmer experience as a failure and expect that the next workshop will finally bring a definitive resolution. New experiences pile up, while there is less and less room to understand them and integrate them into everyday life.

A powerful experience does not in itself mean lasting change. It is worth asking: after workshops, does the person find it easier to stay in touch with themselves and with others? Do they recognize their needs better, set boundaries and make everyday decisions? Or do the workshops increasingly become a refuge from relationships, responsibilities and unpleasant feelings? Even a sincere wish to heal can become intertwined with avoidance.

Practitioners also carry important responsibility here. They must support participants' independence, make it possible to talk about attachment to the practice, the group or the facilitator, and, where needed, recommend a break, integration support or other professional help. The ethical principles of holotropic breathwork emphasize participants' autonomy, the prevention of exploitation and appropriate follow-up support.

A psychospiritual crisis likewise does not in itself mean that a person needs even more intense experiences. In cases of marked overwhelm or loss of stability, professional assessment is needed; the focus may need to be on calming down, daily structure, relationships and support. The decision to deepen the process further must take into account the person's current state and the help available. Intense breathing practices can also pose a risk of further destabilization for vulnerable individuals.

For people with addiction, an individual professional assessment is necessary, especially in cases of active substance use, withdrawal problems or unstable recovery. For some, holotropic breathwork may be complementary support, but it does not replace addiction treatment. Reports of favorable outcomes have been published, including a description of four cases of long-term abstinence with its complementary use, but such reports do not allow conclusions about general effectiveness or suitability for everyone.