Addictions often occur as a coping mechanism or as a way to satisfy an inner longing. Therefore, people under alcohol abuse treatment should learn to handle their emotions and the world around them in healthier ways, including practicing yoga. This is why in many conventional rehabilitation facilities, yoga is now part of the overall approach to treatment. Indeed, in the last few years, yoga has proven itself to be a perfect complement to orthodox alcohol abuse treatment, which generally works through chemical methods.
The following are the most common ways that yoga helps people working towards full addiction recovery:
Mental Healing
Research has revealed that yoga can inhibit the dopamine surge that addicts get whenever they take or even think of taking alcohol. In addition, it was found that the intense breathing patterns in certain types of yoga, such as Kundalini, release endorphins, the body’s happy hormone. What this means is that yoga can control addictive behaviors while regulating the brain’s dopamine functions.
Stress Reduction
Stressful situations can lead to addictive behavior and cravings. Just getting accustomed to a sober life can be very challenging for any recovering addict. With yoga promoting willpower and calmness of mind, those in recovery can develop strength to manage all that stress, fight off temptations, and finally take control of their bodies. Various types of yoga have different intensity levels, so people can pick what works the most for them. Yin yoga, for example, is mainly meditation and passive stretching; vinyasa yoga, on the other hand, has a quicker pace and works by increasing strength. Bikram yoga detoxifies the body through perspiration and is thus done in a hot room. Yoga comes in several types, even laughing yoga, which is said to improve a person’s overall sense of well-being, reduce pain and stress, and bolster the body’s defenses.
Spiritual Health
Yoga offers a spiritual environment for anyone, no matter their religious backgrounds. Taking it slow, mindfulness and acceptance are essential to yoga and the health of the soul. Routinely setting aside time for growth will certainly help in attaining complete recovery for someone who is undergoing alcohol abuse treatment.
Striking a Balance
Yoga helps bring balance among all the core aspects of existence, namely, mind, body and spirit. Without a doubt, this balance will be extremely beneficial to anyone who had once lived a troubled life.
Recovery is often a long and arduous process. By combining yoga into their recovery routine, people can learn new ways of unloading stress and connecting with their inner selves. When choosing an alcohol abuse treatment center for a loved one, consider facilities whose treatment programs include yoga therapy.