Yoga Therapy
Yoga Therapy in Addiction Treatment
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition. Overcoming SUD can be very challenging and typically requires intensive, comprehensive treatment.
Comprehensive treatment programs include medications, behavioral therapies, counseling, education, and holistic therapies like yoga. Yoga is a holistic therapy people can use to reduce stress and support long-term recovery from substance use disorder.
This article will explore the benefits of practicing yoga in addiction recovery. You will learn:
- Different types of yoga and their benefits
- How to incorporate a yoga practice into addiction treatment
- The physical and mental benefits of practicing yoga in addiction recovery
- How to determine if you need addiction treatment
- Where to find SUD treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love needs treatment to address substance use disorder, you are not alone. Contact the Blue Star Recovery specialists to learn about our holistic treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out to explore your treatment options or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a physical practice that developed in India many centuries ago. One of its primary goals is to strengthen the connection between the mind, body, and spirit.
While people may have an idea of what yoga entails from movies and TV shows, there are many forms of yoga. Each form has its own movements, goals, and effects.
Here is a quick overview of several types of yoga.
Hatha is a traditional form of yoga that focuses on several physical asanas (postures). This technique also uses specialized breathing techniques to calm the mind and body.
Ashtanga yoga is another traditional form that teaches people a series of postures. People learn to perform the movements in a specific order. This form of yoga can help people get out of their minds and into their bodies. It may improve focus and bring mental clarity.
Vinyasa is a traditional form of yoga that encourages participants to pair movements with breath. People perform a series of movements, using the breath to guide the poses. This form of yoga can help to restore balance and build physical strength in the body.
Bikram is a modern style of yoga. Some refer to it as “hot yoga” because it involves practicing postures in a heated room. Advocates for Bikram yoga say it can help cleanse the body and mind while strengthening the body.
Yoga Nidra combines yoga and meditation. People may participate in relaxation exercises, including visualization and guided meditations. This form of yoga can help people ease anxiety, promote calm, and prepare for sleep.
Power yoga is a modern form of yoga that uses bodyweight exercises and yoga moves to build strength. This approach to yoga can help people develop flexibility while building muscle and improving their heart health.
Yoga is not a one-size-fits-all form of exercise. Instead, people can find a yoga class to help them meet their unique goals. People of all ages, genders, levels of ability, and body types can find a kind of yoga that benefits them.
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How to Use Yoga in Addiction Treatment
Substance use disorder (SUD) is not just a physical condition. SUD has roots in a person’s mental and physical health, environment, past experiences, and more.
Recovering from SUD requires comprehensive treatment, including holistic therapies. Yoga can support a person’s recovery journey in several ways. Some of the most significant benefits of using yoga in recovery include
- Improving mental health
- Reducing stress
- Supporting quality sleep
- Improving the body’s health
- Strengthening the mind-body connection
- Soothing the muscles
- Helping people stay rooted in the present
- Improve quality of life
- Provide structure
- A social outlet and a way to connect with others
- Combats boredom and loneliness
People can use yoga as a healthy coping skill to manage cravings, stress, and other challenges at every stage of recovery.
People can incorporate yoga into a comprehensive rehab program that includes:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other specialized therapeutic techniques
- Medications and medical care
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Relapse prevention education
- Yoga and other holistic therapies
- Aftercare planning
After completing a rehab program, people can continue to use yoga as part of their aftercare plan.
Do I Need Addiction Treatment?
It is critical to seek treatment for substance use disorder as soon as you recognize a problem. Some of the signs you may need addiction treatment include:
- Using drugs or alcohol more often than before
- Taking risks while using substances
- Having legal, social, or financial trouble because of your substance use
- Needing to use more of a substance to get the effects you want
- Having cravings for drugs or alcohol
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you cut back or stop using a substance
- Wanting to stop using drugs or alcohol but discovering you can’t do it on your own
Anyone can develop substance use disorder (SUD), regardless of risk factors. Don’t wait for the help you need. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of SUD.
Find Addiction Treatment Now
Don’t wait for another day to get the help you need to put substance misuse in the past. Contact the Blue Star Recovery specialists to learn more about the benefits of yoga in addiction treatment or to explore our programs. Reach out with questions, to verify insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Role of Yoga in Management of Substance-use Disorders: A Narrative Review
- Science Direct: Yoga and substance use disorders: A narrative review
- Harvard Health Publishing: Yoga for better mental health
