How Yoga Can Aid in Recovery

A huge population of the world is dealing with addiction. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 2021 survey details that over 46 million people meet the criteria for having substance use disorder. Fortunately, the recovery rate has been encouraging, thanks to holistic treatment methods like yoga.

Yoga has become essential in treating addiction, and many rehabilitation centers have incorporated it into their various treatment programs. Sometimes, it is combined with other treatment options to help with withdrawal symptoms and strengthen sobriety. Are you wondering how yoga can help in recovery? Contact us if you need help with men’s Colorado drug rehab programs.

How Yoga Aids in Recovery

You must have known by now that yoga helps through the recovery process, but how? Drugs and alcohol alter the brain’s composition. They oversaturate the brain’s nerves with dopamine, influencing its production. Dopamine is a brain chemical associated with movement, pleasure, and reward because the brain has less influence over dopamine, drugs, and alcohol, causing the individual to feel erratic and ecstatic, which usually leads to overdose if intake isn’t stopped.

Addiction also affects the GABA neurotransmitter, the chemical responsible for reducing stress and anxiety. The imbalance of GABA and dopamine affects the normal functioning of the central nervous system. Unbelievably high anxiety, stress, and cravings become evident if the individual suffers from drug withdrawal.

Yoga helps to restore these brain chemicals to normalization and suppress substance cravings. By regulating stress and anxiety hormones, the individual feels less stressed and anxious and has an improved recovery rate. Yoga is an effective tool for stress management and eliminates stressors that could hinder long-term sobriety.

History of Yoga

Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that focuses on liberating the mind by connecting it to a Higher Power. It is rooted in Hinduism and dates back over 5000 years. It was first observed in Vedic texts, which suggests that the practice may be older. It emerged from the word “yuj,” meaning to unite. This could explain the concept behind the practice – to unite the body, mind, and spirit.

Yoga became more prominent in the West after realizing its physical and spiritual benefits. Yoga has evolved over the years, with most of the techniques modified. However, the objective is still clear – to train the consciousness for a balanced state of mind and tranquility.

Yoga has many types, including Vinyasa, Hatha, Restorative, Bikram, and Ashtanga. Each type has its objectives and suits a particular set of people. For example, Vinyasa yoga is suited to experienced practitioners because of its dynamism and fast pace. Hatha, on the other hand, is great for beginners. 

Benefits of Yoga

Because yoga focuses on the mind and body, it benefits physically and mentally. For individuals in recovery, the following explains the importance of yoga in recovery:

• Yoga relaxes the body and mind. This is one of the popular reasons for practicing yoga –mindful movement and deep breathing help to lower heart rate, tension, and stress.
• It improves physical well-being by promoting strength, fitness, and muscle flexibility. Substance abuse can weaken the muscles, but regular yoga practice can increase the body’s vitality.
• It detoxifies the body by increasing the cell’s oxygen supply. It is a physical activity that involves movement, which helps to remove toxins.
• Yoga incorporates mindfulness meditation, which trains our thoughts to become aware of our environment and feelings.
• Although yoga reduces anxiety and stress, it can be a mood booster. Yoga increases GABA production, which helps to elevate mood.
• Yoga is also a confidence booster. Many people with addiction feel they can’t control their lives or pull themselves back up. It is all due to addiction. With yoga, you can learn discipline and become more responsible for your actions. It helps to reestablish control over your body and mind.
• It promotes inner tranquility and calms through regular meditation. Practicing yoga makes you stronger emotionally, thus giving you more control over your life.
• Yoga is effective against relapse. Nearly 90% of people in recovery experience a relapse, but patients can overcome this through yoga. Practicing it teaches them to recognize triggers and warning signs of deterioration. In addition, yoga eliminates harmful behaviors that could contribute to a relapse.
• Yoga builds a sense of connection among participants. It establishes a bond that combats isolation and provides support. Being part of this community can strengthen recovery.

Healing Pines Offers Yoga Addiction Recovery in Colorado

Yoga can be incredibly useful in addiction recovery, given its holistic nature. Individuals can control and live an addiction-free life when combined with other treatment methods.Looking for Colorado yoga programs? Healthy Pines offer a comprehensive and holistic yoga program for individuals in recovery. Call us today to learn more about yoga addiction recovery in Colorado.