Yoga therapy is a holistic approach that treatment experts with other addiction treatment programs to ensure a long-lasting recovery. Yoga relieves stress, calms the nervous system, and increases feelings of relaxation. It also induces a higher sense of well-being, which will help you coast through the challenges you might face during your recovery. Reach out to an addiction treatment professional at 866.516.8356 to learn more about yoga and recovery and start your journey towards a sober and healthy life.
What Is the Origin of Yoga Therapy in Addiction Treatment?
Yoga is a spiritual discipline that focuses on bringing harmony between the body and mind using breath control, simple meditation, and specific bodily postures. The origin of yoga can be traced back thousands of years, at the dawn of civilization. It was first used as a therapy in the 20th century to treat health conditions. Since then, yoga therapy has been widely adopted in the 21st century as an adjunct therapy for drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
Is Yoga Therapy Effective in Addiction Treatment and Recovery?
Yoga and recovery are two closely related topics. Past results have shown that yoga can help prevent relapse, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and cope with drug use triggers. Yoga practices can also help you regain healthy control over your physical and mental health. Drug and alcohol addiction alters your brain’s ability to produce dopamine naturally. When you discontinue using drugs, the brain struggles to release dopamine by itself, which manifests as drug withdrawal symptoms. Through yoga therapy, you can rewire the pathways involved in producing this chemical so that your brain reverts to producing dopamine naturally.
Research has found that people addicted to drugs have lower levels of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), which is the neurotransmitter responsible for controlling fear and anxiety. Both of these feelings are common symptoms of drug withdrawal. Yoga therapy can suppress these symptoms since doing yoga increases the production of GABA.
Doing yoga also increases your self-awareness and self-control. This means that you can recognize cravings as they start to appear and have enough willpower to manage the cravings healthily.
What Can You Expect During Yoga Therapy?
Yoga helps in physical well-being and spiritual self-realization. The physical branch of yoga, known as Hatha yoga, is mostly used in addiction recovery. Some of the practices that you will participate in during yoga therapy include:
- Breathing exercises (Pranayama): Pranayama involves a series of breathing exercises that teach you how to control your breath.
- Physical postures (Asana): Different physical postures produce different results, and you will learn poses to address symptoms such as stress, insomnia, and anxiety.
- Meditation: Combining yoga poses with meditation increases mindfulness and self-awareness. These, in turn, improve your ability to cope with triggers and drug cravings.
- Guided imagery: It is a form of hypnotherapy where the therapist uses guided visualization to bring inner peace. Guided imagery is an effective way to improve your emotional state and, therefore, reduce anxiety during withdrawal.
Yoga therapy doesn’t require expensive equipment. Therefore, after learning the relevant techniques from a qualified yoga therapist, you can incorporate it into your daily routine at home as a tool for continued sobriety.
Learn More About Yoga and Recovery at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we combine holistic therapies with traditional addiction therapy services to promote quicker and long-lasting recovery. Some of our traditional drug treatment programs include:
- Behavioral therapy program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Trauma therapy program
- Family therapy program
- Group therapy program
- Individual therapy program
Adding a holistic approach like yoga to your addiction treatment regimen can produce incredible results. Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston today at 866.516.8356 and learn more about yoga and recovery programs that can help you lead a sober life.
