Aromatherapy in Substance Withdrawal Treatment Programs in Adults: A Systematic Review [paper]

Substance use disorders are chronic conditions associated with withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, and relapse risk, all resulting in difficulty in ensuring abstinence. Current therapy has proven to be successful, but providers seek to incorporate integrative therapies as adjunctive therapy. This systematic review examines and evaluates the effectiveness of aromatherapy compared with the standard treatment of care in reducing withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and complications among adults with substance use disorders. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library databases for studies published between 2018 and 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled, quasi-experimental, and observational designs assessing essential oils (used in the method of aromatherapy) in adult substance use disorders. Data were synthesized using an integrative review framework, and a quality appraisal was conducted using validated checklists. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Across the studies (totaling 396 participants), aromatherapy demonstrated significantly reduced anxiety, heart rate, and craving intensity during withdrawal (particularly noticeable in the nicotine- and opioid-dependent populations). Commonly used essential oils include lavender, bergamot, thyme, lemon, black pepper, and angelica. Most interventions were short-term and well-tolerated, with minor adverse effects. Aromatherapy demonstrated promise as an adjunctive, cost-effective intervention for alleviating withdrawal symptoms and promoting comfort among adults with substance use disorders. Future large-scale, United States-based primary research incorporating longer follow-up times is needed to confirm efficacy, generalizability, and to examine complications of therapy.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Nursing

Grantor

Texas State University

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Spikes, Katherina

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Smith, Tracey

• aromatherapy
• essential oils
• substance use disorders
• withdrawal
• cravings
• integrative therapy

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10877/23381

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digital.library.txst.edu:10877/23381