For individuals struggling with a substance use disorder, whether drugs or alcohol, recovery takes time. Even when an individual finds treatment and is able to heal from the disease of addiction, they still need support to maintain their sobriety. One way to work at staying sober is through practicing holistic therapies like yoga. Understanding the benefits of yoga in treating addiction can be very useful.
Yoga is an ancient practice that encompasses breathing exercises, meditation, and specific physical poses and postures. The practice of yoga can improve the harmony of the body, mind, and spirit, which may prove to be incredibly beneficial to men and women attempting to recover from the damage done by their time in active addiction. At Oceanfront Recovery, we understand that each individual’s path to recovery is unique. Therefore, we offer a wide range of therapeutic services to support recovery.
What Does Yoga Therapy Entail?
There are many different types of yoga, and each provides an array of physical and mental health benefits. The goal of yoga is to improve well-being at many different levels. Physically, yoga provides many of the same benefits as other forms of exercise. Dr. Natalie Nevins, an osteopathic family physician, yoga instructor, and member of the American Osteopathic Association, explains, “The relaxation techniques incorporated in yoga can lessen chronic pain, such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Yoga can also lower blood pressure and reduce insomnia.”
One of the benefits of yoga is that it helps individuals rebuild and restore their body to a healthy state. Often, abusing drugs or alcohol takes a severe toll on the individual’s physical health. Yoga is one way to get back on track to healthy living.
Benefits of Yoga in Recovery
Other physical benefits include; “increased flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, improved respiration, energy, and vitality, maintaining a balanced metabolism, weight reduction, cardio and circulatory health, improved athletic performance, and protection from injury.”
Many men and women did major damage to their physical well-being due to drug and alcohol abuse, and yoga may be one of the most effective ways of promoting physical healing. The mental benefits of yoga can be beneficial to someone struggling with the disease of addiction. Yoga incorporates meditation and breathing techniques that provide stress relief, mental clarity, and calmness. Anxiety and fear are very common for a person in early sobriety. Still, by focusing on mental awareness in yoga, a person is better able to let go of their past and future worries.
Yoga can also help with body-image issues and self-confidence. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Surveys have found that those who practiced yoga were more aware of their bodies than people who didn’t practice yoga. They were also more satisfied with and less critical of their bodies. For these reasons, yoga has become an integral part of the treatment of eating disorders and programs that promote positive body image and self-esteem.” The incorporation of yoga can help nearly every common problem that faces a person in early sobriety into their life.
Get the Support You Need at Oceanfront Recovery
Health and happiness can be a part of your story. Recovery from addiction and alcoholism is possible, and a brighter future is waiting for you in sobriety. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment facility in beautiful Laguna Beach, California, offers yoga and meditation as one of our residential treatment programs’ treatment techniques. Some of our other treatment programs include:
- Intensive outpatient program
- Executive rehab center
- Men’s rehab program
- Women’s rehab program
- Sober living homes
- Aftercare program
For more information, contact us today at 877.296.7477. We can answer your questions and address your concerns as we help you find the right treatment for your needs.
