Overview

• Peer-reviewed results in JAMA Psychiatry report that an HRV biofeedback smart patch reduced the day-level likelihood of alcohol or drug use in early recovery by 64%.
• The Mass General Brigham team randomized 115 adults in their first year of abstinence-based recovery to patch plus usual care versus usual care for eight weeks.
• The Lief HRVB Smart Patch monitored heart rate variability to detect stress or craving states and cued brief breathing exercises via a connected app and gentle vibrations.
• Participants assigned to the device were instructed to wear it at least eight hours daily with 10 minutes of scheduled breathing practice plus prompted sessions.
• The treatment group reported fewer cravings and lower negative affect, the study was nationally funded, the lead author disclosed industry advisory roles, and investigators call for larger, longer trials to test durability and generalizability.