Substance use and addiction remains an important public health concern in the United States and is considered to be a chronic medical illness.  According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 40.3 million Americans who were 12 years or older battled a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2020.  There are a variety of methods and programs that are available to treat substance use and addiction, with more programs focusing on a holistic approach to treatment that includes alternative methods, such as yoga.

Yoga is a mind and body practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation to promote mental health and physical well-being.  Practicing yoga brings mental benefits, including reduced anxiety and depression, and is also recommended as a treatment for SUDs.  Yoga helps to lower stress and improve sleep, both of which contribute to improved mental health.

Performing yoga allows brain cells to develop new connections in learning and memory.  As with physical exercise, yoga triggers the release of the mood-boosting chemicals, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.  Yoga movements and poses elevate the heart rate and cause the muscles to work hard, stimulating the release of these chemicals in the body and resulting in the positive feeling that people achieve when they exercise.

Studies have indicated that yoga is beneficial to the recovery of patients with substance use disorders and may help decrease the chances of relapse.  When used in conjunction with treatment programs and addiction prevention methods, yoga can improve the quality of life in patients with substance use disorder by decreasing addictive behaviors, enhancing well-being, and improving cognitive flexibility.
Yoga can help those recovering from SUD by improving their focus and awareness.  Performing the various postures and breathing exercises can help them stay mentally strong and focus on their recovery goals.  In addition, patients become more mindful about their thoughts, feelings, and responses when practicing yoga, allowing them to learn the skills they need to tolerate the uncomfortable sensations that can lead to a relapse.

Yoga is very effective at regulating the stress hormones – cortisol and adrenaline.  An imbalance of these hormones can be associated with anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse.  Practicing yoga can help reduce or balance the stress hormones in the body, causing less stress and making a person less likely to seek substances to cope with their situation.
Shepherd Hill, the Behavioral Health Department of Licking Memorial Hospital, will soon offer yoga classes to its patients.  Shepherd Hill is a nationally accredited treatment center that focuses on the treatment of patients with substance use disorders.  The facility provides care for patients aged 18 and older and provides comprehensive treatment in the inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings.  For more information and to receive help, call (220) 564-HEAL.