Summary
People with substance use disorders show significantly lower resting HRV than healthy controls. Lower HRV correlates with stress, cravings, and symptom severity, and may predict relapse risk.
Methods
Comprehensive narrative review of HRV in SUD
Key Findings
- Significantly decreased resting HRV in substance users
- Lower HRV associated with greater craving intensity
- HRV correlates with SUD symptom severity
- Acute and chronic substance use diminishes HRV
- HRV may indicate early relapse risk
Limitations
Heterogeneous substances and study designs
What This Means for You
If you're in recovery, HRV tracking may help monitor your autonomic health and identify high-risk periods. Declining HRV may signal increased stress and relapse vulnerability.
Source
Read the original paper in Biological Research for Nursing ↗
Added to HRV Zone: 2025-01-10