Recovering from a drug or alcohol use disorder requires a great deal of inner work and personal reflection. That can take a different form from person to person. Numerous complementary therapies, such as our yoga therapy program, can have a major positive impact on some people.
To learn more about the question, “How can yoga help during addiction recovery?” call Woodland Recovery Center today at 662.222.2989.
What Is Yoga Therapy?
Yoga during addiction treatment is used to promote healing in the body and the mind. You may have an idea about yoga that isn’t completely accurate. Yoga is an ancient Hindu spiritual discipline that combines simple meditation, breath control, and body postures. You don’t have to be in top physical form to practice yoga or wrap yourself into a pretzel.
Yoga therapy relies on gentle stretching and fluid movements to improve balance and flexibility while also improving the connection between mind, body, and breath. This connection increases self-awareness, which is something many people with addiction disorders have forgotten (or have never known) how to do.
During a yoga therapy session, a trained yoga instructor will lead participants through a series of movements. Once you understand the basics of yoga and become comfortable with some simple postures, you can practice yoga almost anywhere.
Three Major Benefits of Yoga for Addiction Treatment
There are many benefits of yoga therapy, whether you are in a recovery program or practicing at home alone. In fact, one of the benefits is that yoga is a discipline you can use for the rest of your life, wherever you are. Yoga can also:
- Promote better sleep
- Increase energy
- Be helpful in trauma healing
- Build community
- Improve balance, flexibility, and joint health
- Build strength
- Increase self-confidence
If you are wondering, “How can yoga help during addiction recovery?” consider the following three major benefits of yoga for addiction recovery.
1. Reduces Withdrawal Symptoms Naturally
Going through detox can be uncomfortable, and depending on each patient’s health and addiction history, it can be emotionally and physically painful. Woodland Recovery Center provides medically supervised detox to help keep our patients comfortable throughout the process. However, therapies like yoga can help reduce withdrawal symptoms without the need for medical assistance.
Some specific yoga postures help patients relax their muscles and focus on neutral sensations in their bodies. According to Harvard Health Publishing, yoga can also decrease stress and anxiety and helps patients balance their emotions while going through the sometimes difficult process of detox.
2. Reduces Relapse Risk
Practicing yoga during addiction treatment helps patients learn self-control. Many people who enter treatment don’t have the skills to avoid compulsive cravings.
Yoga encourages people to challenge themselves in healthy ways and helps them meet new goals quickly through focused practice. Yoga students learn that through focus and relaxation, they are better able to control their own thoughts and behaviors and not give in to momentary desires.
3. Reduces Stress
Studies have shown that yoga increases the levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA works like a natural tranquilizer, helping the brain manage stress and anxiety. Learning how to reduce stress naturally helps addiction recovery patients feel empowered and in control of their emotions.
Learn More About Yoga Therapy at Woodland Recovery Center
Yoga therapy is just one of the complementary therapies offered at Woodland Recovery Center. Substance or alcohol addiction isn’t the same for every person, and recovery programs shouldn’t be either.
By providing holistic, science-based options like music and yoga therapy, we are better able to provide customized treatment plans that are effective for each patient. Call Woodland Recovery Center at 662.222.2989 today about yoga therapy and all our treatment programs.
