Can yoga be the key to overcoming drug and alcohol addiction?
If you are living with an addiction, and have decided to get help, treatment can come in many forms. Generally, you may attend a rehabilitation centre, where you will stop taking addictive substances and undergo detox. You may also focus on the mental side of rehab through regular therapy sessions. Many are looking towards yoga for overcoming addiction.
Detoxification and psychiatric care are essential for overcoming drug or alcohol addiction, but it is becoming increasingly commonplace to employ different treatments during rehab.
There are various methods you could choose to assist in your recovery. For instance, more and more people are taking a non-medical approach alongside conventional treatments.
Holistic therapies
There has been a rise in the use of holistic therapies, such as meditation, acupuncture, mindfulness and yoga. Yoga is an age-old form of alternative therapy, used to treat and stimulate the body and mind for centuries. It can be a powerful force in the fight against addiction. It is known for toning and strengthening the physique, and being a source of relaxation. So it is beneficial to both physical and mental health.
Alongside mindfulness meditation, yoga is one of the most widely used holistic therapies in rehab clinics across the UK. These can both help you counter the effects of withdrawal when you stop drinking or taking drugs. They may also decrease level of toxins in your system.
Yoga can assist with your breathing, helping you feel centred and experience a sense of peace. This allows you to clear your head and achieve emotional balance. What’s more it can help you feel more energised and self-confident, so you can find the motivation to continue with your rehab.
Type or exercises
When incorporating yoga as part of your drug or alcohol rehab treatment, you can begin with simple, easy to carry out exercises and positions.
When using Yoga for overcoming addiction, it is recommended engaging in yoga for half an hour each day. This will help you to help you relax and improve self-esteem. This leads to feelings of empowerment which can play a vital role in your fight against addiction.
The exercises can focus on the parts of the brain impacted by drug or alcohol addiction, as well as helping alleviate cravings. Yoga can prove invaluable for developing tolerance and dealing with any negative or destructive thoughts or feelings, thereby preventing relapse.
The popular holistic therapy involves carrying out a series of movements, referred to as postures. These concentrate on various areas, such as breathing, relaxation, flexibility, balance and strength.
Yoga for health
Yoga is known for its therapeutic properties, where it can aid a wide range of conditions, such as aches and lower back pain. It’s also useful in other health problems such as heart disease and high blood pleasure.
There are many different kinds of yoga, so whether you have been practising for a long time, or are a beginner, then you can find the right type to meet your needs. They include Sivananda, Hatha, Iyengar and Ashtanga etc.
Some may focus on a specific area, concentrating on breathing and posture and they may be more forceful or energetic. Others may prefer a more leisured style, but by consulting with staff in the rehab centre, you can choose the right yoga class to suit your fitness levels. This will help to get the best results.
Postures
There is a vast range of styles of you could try, some classes start as simply as with the Mountain Pose – a simple method of keeping a straight posture, while stretching your body from your head to toes.
Many include a pose called the Downward Facing Dog, and may progress to The Plank. The latter is simple pose used for strengthening the abdomen. Starting on all fours you lift yourself up off the ground into a push-up position. Balancing like this on your hands and toes, and creating a straight line with your body engages you abs and develops core strength.
Studies have also shown yoga increases the production of endorphins in the brain, the chemicals used to alleviate stress. Experts believe, by raising endorphin levels through yoga, it can improve your mental health, aiding with your recovery for drug and alcohol addiction.
Yoga in combination works well
Yoga can also help build up a stronger, healthier body, useful for overcoming the physical side effects of stopping taking substances and subsequent withdrawal. It is ideal for enhancing circulation and decreasing blood pressure.
Holistic therapy is also becoming more prevalent in rehab. Yoga is often employed alongside prescribed medication and a 12-step programme as part of an ongoing rehabilitation treatment. Therefore yoga, in conjunction with conventional medication, detox and therapy, can set you on your path to recovery.
The techniques learned (good posture, stretching and breathing) can help you relax, retain your strength and find peace of mind. It could be the key to overcoming drug or alcohol addiction, avoiding relapse and living a healthier lifestyle.
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