5th Edition of Addiction World Conference 2026

Abstract

Background: Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders present complex challenges for clinical recovery, often requiring integrated, non-stigmatizing interventions to address both emotional dysregulation and physiological stress. Emerging "Blue Health" research suggests that aquatic environments—or "blue spaces"—elicit unique psychophysiological responses, including parasympathetic activation and cortisol reduction, which may facilitate psychological restoration and emotional resilience (Britton et al., 2021; Zhou et al., 2025).

Objective: This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a structured aquatic therapy program in enhancing the psychological well-being of individuals with co-occurring disorders.

Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative measures included standardized scales for anxiety, depression, and subjective well-being (WHO-5). Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews exploring participants' embodied experiences of buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and sensory immersion.

Results: Preliminary findings indicate statistically significant improvements in affective balance and self-regulation. Qualitative themes revealed that the aquatic environment provided a "perceived safety" that reduced social anxiety and cognitive fatigue, aligning with Attention Restoration Theory (Gascon et al., 2015; White et al., 2020). Participants reported that the physical properties of water—specifically buoyancy—promoted a sense of physical and emotional "lightness," breaking the cycle of rumination common in dual-diagnosis populations.

Conclusion: Results suggest that aquatic therapy is a potent, evidence-informed modality for cultivating self-efficacy and mood regulation in co-occurring disorders. This study supports the integration of "blue care" into standard rehabilitative frameworks to provide a holistic, body-centered approach to mental health recovery.