Dr. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard University, stated in an interview with Oprah.com, “Yoga is a way of coping with stress at a fundamental level that changes both your stress response and your perception of it.”
In the past, addiction recovery has been centered on detoxification, medication, and therapy (both at individual and group levels). Elements of recovery have evolved over the years, with more holistic options also being added to the mix. Holistic interventions can be excellent for addiction recovery because they add another dimension to treatment without being intrusive. Examples of holistic therapy include meditation, acupuncture, chiropractic services, massage therapy, yoga, and more.
Over 20 million people in the United States practice yoga; it has become used more widely in addiction recovery, as people are finding ways to ground themselves in treatment. For example, a 2014 study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine sought to explore the effects of yoga on those with alcohol dependence. A total of 18 participants were involved in the study, and engaged in either a 10-week yoga intervention while also being encouraged to practice at home on their own, or their usual treatment program.
Researchers measured participants’ alcohol consumption, symptoms, quality of life, and stress during this time period. Overall, researchers found that yoga was an effective addition to treatment for those with alcohol dependency, as their alcohol consumption reduced more for those involved in yoga interventions compared to those who continued regular treatment.
There are now 12-step yoga programs that individuals in recovery can become involved in. They follow similar principles to that of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), but add various movements and postures of yoga. There are many benefits of yoga, including: added strength, flexibility, heightened awareness, better sense of self, improved coping mechanisms, and more. If you haven’t already, speak with a professional from a reputable treatment center today to learn more about yoga and how you can incorporate this into your treatment regime.
Men can find freedom from addiction. At Tree House Recovery in Portland, Oregon, we are helping men transform their lives in mind, body, and spirit. The Tree House Man is a new breed, creating sustainable recovery through sustainable changes. Call us today for information on our programs: (503) 850-2474
