How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Can Support Detox and Addiction Recovery
- Jan 11
- 3 min read
Many people choose certain times of the year to reset their health - cutting back on alcohol, sugar or other habits that no longer serve them. Many join a gym to lose surplus kilogrammes or simply feel fitter and stronger. These should not be just seasonal goals but healthy changes that last. They’re part of a long-term commitment to physical and mental health.
At HBOT Oasis in Manchester we take a holistic approach to health. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is not a detox treatment in itself but it can support the body and brain during detox and addiction recovery by improving oxygen delivery, reducing inflammation and supporting healing at a cellular level.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
HBOT involves breathing high-concentration oxygen inside a pressurised chamber. This allows oxygen to dissolve directly into the blood plasma, increasing oxygen delivery to tissues throughout the body - including areas with reduced circulation or inflammation.
HBOT has been used for decades to support wound healing, recovery from injury and neurological health. More recently, it has gained attention as a supportive therapy for detox, addiction recovery and nervous system regulation.
Why Detox and Recovery Are Hard on the Body
When someone stops drinking alcohol or using substances, the body has to work hard to rebalance itself. Detox can place extra strain on:
The liver and kidneys, which process and eliminate toxins
The brain, where addiction can disrupt oxygen use, blood flow, and neurotransmitter balance
The nervous system, often leading to anxiety, fatigue, poor sleep and brain fog
Supporting the body during this time can make recovery feel more manageable.
How HBOT May Support Detox and Addiction Recovery
1. Supports the Body’s Natural Detox
The liver and kidneys rely heavily on oxygen to function efficiently. By increasing oxygen availability, HBOT may help these organs work more effectively as the body clears toxins and metabolic waste.
Treatment in a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber may improve circulation and stimulate new blood vessel growth, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery. This supports repair of organs like the liver and pancreas damaged by substance use.
2. Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Substance use is linked to ongoing inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can slow healing and worsen symptoms like fatigue and pain.
Studies show HBOT can reduce inflammatory markers and improve cellular repair, creating a more supportive environment for recovery.
3. Supports Brain Healing and Mental Clarity
Addiction affects brain, blood flow and neuroplasticity. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been shown to improve oxygen delivery to the brain, which may help support cognitive function, emotional control and focus during recovery.
Some early studies suggest HBOT may help reduce cravings and withdrawal related discomfort when used alongside professional treatment.
Mental Wellbeing Matters in Recovery
Recovery is not just physical. Anxiety, low mood, sleep disruption and stress are common during detox. Many people report that HBOT sessions help them feel:
More relaxed and calm
Better rested
Clearer mentally
While experiences vary, these effects may help support emotional resilience during recovery.
How HBOT Fits Into a Recovery Plan
It’s important to be clear: HBOT is not a cure for addiction. It works best as a complementary therapy, alongside professional care, counselling, nutritional support and lifestyle changes.
At HBOT Oasis in Greater Manchester sessions are tailored to your individual needs and wellbeing goals.
Is HBOT Right for You?
If you are reducing alcohol intake, supporting detox or focusing on long-term recovery, HBOT may help by supporting oxygen delivery, reducing inflammation and aiding overall healing.
We recommend a free consultation to ensure HBOT is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Supporting Recovery, Any Time of Year
Whether you are resetting your habits, supporting detox or simply looking after your long-term health, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can form part of a balanced wellbeing approach.
We are based in Old Trafford, Manchester offering personalised hyperbaric oxygen therapy experience in a calm relaxing and supportive environment.
👉 Book a consultation today to find out if HBOT is right for you.
Resources:
Hyperbaric Oxygenation in Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal (2017 RCT)
Frontiers in Psychiatry (2022): Oxygen Therapy & HBOT in Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Clinical Trial (NCT03470168): HBOT for Alcohol Dependence Syndrome
Preclinical research on withdrawal and neuroinflammation https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-07937-z




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