Recovery Through Yoga: Yoga Therapy for Substance Abuse

Recovery Through Yoga: Yoga Therapy for Substance Abuse

Grace A. Kelley

Lesley University

INTRODUCTION

            The practice of yoga has become increasingly popular recently. There are over 15 million Americans who practice yoga (Li & Goldsmith, 2012). Many people have started practicing yoga for a variety of reasons. Some individuals practice yoga to increase the relationship with their body or connect with their "higher self" (Thobaben, 2004). Others practice yoga to reduce stress and develop emotional balance (Thobaben, 2004). There are also many people who use yoga as a way to increase their physical strength and stay in shape (Thobaben, 2004). Yoga has been used to improve physical and mental health (Thobaben, 2004). Physically, yoga can provide individuals with stretches and movements that increase strength, tone the body, and increase flexibility (Thobaben, 2004). It can also be beneficial for organs within the body (Thobaben, 2004). Certain postures help the nervous system to relax as well as balance hormones within the body (Apostolides, 1996). Mentally, yoga can help individuals cope with the effects of stress, increase concentration, and clear out emotional baggage (Thobaben, 2004). Yoga has been used to treat medical conditions, psychological disorders, and forms of addiction (Thobaben, 2004).

 REASONS FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND TREATMENT

            Yoga has been used to help treat many different forms of addiction. One specific form of addiction yoga has been found to be helpful with is substance abuse. Substance abuse is described as the use of a substance, usually drugs or alcohol, which leads to significant problems or distress (Ohio State University, n.d.). There are many reasons for addiction or substance abuse problems. Genetics, societal pressures, environmental stressors, and psychological issues, such as trauma or abuse, can all result in substance abuse problems (Ohio State University, n.d). Substance abuse can impact anyone, including adolescents, adults, and the elderly (Ohio State University, n.d.). Treatment for substance abuse usually includes detoxification, and then a program to help the individual stay on track (Ohio State University, n.d.). These programs usually include individualized therapy, as well as group meetings (Ohio State University, n.d.). These types of programs have been extremely helpful for individuals, however many people have been seeking other forms of treatment.

            Alternative approaches to healing and mental health care are becoming recognized as forms of treatment (Thobaben, 2004). Society has become more accepting of holistic forms of therapy, and many more individuals are turning to these forms of treatment (Apostolides, 1996).  Many physicians and health care facilities are beginning to recommend and incorporate alternative forms of treatment (Apostolides, 1996). They are also being combined with other forms of treatment to provide patients with a more beneficial outcome (Apostolides, 1996).  Complementary and alternative medicines focus on the relationship between the mind, body, and spirit (Thobaben, 2004). Many people are looking for treatments, or ways of healing, that involve more than just taking a pill to get a quick fix. Yoga is considered to be a culturally based healing art that can be combined with other methods to help in recovery (Thobaben, 2004). Many people find relief for a variety of problems through the physical movements, breathing exercises and meditation that are offered through the practice of yoga (O'Neill, 2007).

BENEFITS OF YOGA DURING RECOVERY

            For most individuals living a modern day lifestyle, life is filled with stress (Sharma, Sharma, & Sood, 2009). Many diseases are a result of the stress we put upon ourselves (Sharma et al., 2009). Addiction and substance abuse can be brought on by stress (Sharma et al., 2009). Oftentimes people are looking for a way out of the suffering they are experiencing and turn to drugs or alcohol as a solution (Sharma et al., 2009). Because holistic therapies are becoming increasingly popular however, people are turning to other ways to deal with stress (Li & Goldsmith, 2012). Instead of using drugs or alcohol to help dilute the pain and stress they are struggling with, substance abusers can turn to yoga as a coping mechanism. Yoga can help transform the mind through meditation and postures (Sharma et al., 2009). It can be a great tool to reduce stress and help with relaxation.

            Addictions and substance abuse problems are also formed when an individual is trying to deal with problems within themselves. These could be self esteem issues, negative feelings caused by abuse or trauma, or personal imperfections (Apostolides, 1996). Often times addictions are developed to "correct an imbalance" within oneself (Apostolides, 1996). Yoga can be used to restore the balance (Apostolides, 1996). Yoga allows individuals to achieve a higher state of mind, and see the impacts that they are having on their body (Apostolides, 1996). By clearing their minds through meditation and yoga, people are able to see what it is like to not be dependent on drugs (Apostolides, 1996). Drug abusers become so dependent on the drug and the effects that are produced, they often forget what it feels like to be sober (Apostolides, 1996). They are living in an altered reality, and most likely will no longer be able to deal with the realities of life without drugs (Apostolides, 1996). Yoga will provide substance abusers with a method to ease the mind (Li & Goldsmith, 2012). Meditation will allow them to clear their thoughts as they begin to become sober (Apostolides, 1996).

            Addicts have also been found to be lacking in self-soothing abilities (Kissen & Kissen-Kohn, 2009). They struggle with self-regulation and cannot handle or balance the positive and negative events that occur within their lives (Kissen & Kissen-Kohn, 2009). They rely on drugs or alcohol to deal with the events that occur, and use that as their coping mechanism (Kissen & Kissen Kohn, 2009). Different forms of yoga and meditation have been found to help substance abusers increase their capacity to self soothe (Kissen and Kissen Kohn, 2009). Stretches and different posture shifts increase energy, as well as a sense of balance and relaxation (Kissen & Kissen-Kohn, 2009). This allows individuals to focus more on the inner functions of themselves and less on the external factors that impact their lives (Kissen & Kissen-Kohn, 2009). 

            Through yoga, addicts can develop a sense of control and not be as focused on the negative aspects of their lives (Kissen & Kissen-Kohn, 2009). Addicts rely on different substances to produce a "high." Yoga can help addicts achieve a different "high" by allowing them to let go of all the negative feelings and find an inner sense of peace (Kissen & Kissen-Kohn, 2009). Yoga and meditation can provide individuals with a sense of clarity and balance (Apostolides, 1996). It can also provide addicts with a sense of liberation and even a connection with a "higher self" or a form of enlightenment (Apostolides, 1996). Substance abusers may not be religious, but may be able to experience and develop their own form of spirituality (Apostolides, 1996). This alone can be an uplifting and life changing experience (Apostolides, 1996). Addicts can try and replace an artificial high with a new natural high (Apostolides, 1996).

            Yoga can also be used to help with the physical impacts that substance abuse has on the body. Abusing drugs and alcohol over long periods of time can have serious negative effects on the body. Certain postures in yoga help the nervous system to relax, and can also help certain organs such as the liver or kidneys dispel certain toxins that accumulate from substance abuse (Apostolides, 1996). Yoga postures also impact different glands that secrete certain hormones (Marefat, Peymanzad, & Alikhajeh, 2011). If substance abusers are stressed or suffer from severe anxiety, yoga can help to balance the release of these hormones and chemicals within the body (Marefat et al., 2011). Drugs and alcohol over stimulate the body, which leads to problems in the nervous system (O'Neill, 2007). Certain yoga postures can help to relax the body and restore the parts that have been damaged (O'Neill, 2007).

            Yoga also provides substance abusers with a way to strengthen the connection between their body and mind (O'Neill, 2007). When this connection is strengthened, it will allow the addict to build up their self discipline (O'Neill, 2007). Self discipline and self control areas of significant weakness for addicts (Marefat et al., 2011). It is also beneficial for substance abusers to take classes together (Marefat et al., 2011). When individuals begin and develop their yoga practice together, they will form strong bonds that will be beneficial through their treatment (Marefat et al., 2011). Including yoga into daily or weekly schedules will also create a sense of stability and consistency which helps aid in recovery (Marefat et al., 2011). 

YOGA AND AYURVEDA

            The popularity of alternative medicine and approaches to healing has resulted in many combinations of different holistic treatments. One combination that has been found to be beneficial in regards to treating substance abuse is yoga and Ayurveda (O'Neill, 2007). Ayurveda along with a change in diet and herbal remedies is combined with yoga to aid in the substance abuse recovery (O'Neill, 2007).  The yoga portion of this combination focuses on the Asana and the Prananyama (O'Neill, 2007) Asana, or the physical exercises in yoga, aid in the proper function of the internal organs (O'Neill, 2007). As stated before, they also promote balance and correct the imbalances caused by drug and alcohol abuse (O'Neill, 2007). Pranayama, or the breathing exercises in yoga, work to balance and calm the mind (O'Neill, 2007). Deep breathing also calms the central nervous system, helping the body to recover from the damage it has experienced (O'Neill, 2007). Combinations of holistic approaches are being used more frequently.

TREATMENT SUPPORT (WHO AND WHY)

            The use of yoga and other holistic forms of treatment is still fairly new, and still being developed (13). There are some physicians who are becoming more open to the idea of using a combination form of treatment (Li & Goldsmith, 2012). Some rehab centers provide alternative forms of rehab along with medication and a "12 step" treatment plan (Rotella, Gold, Chenoweth, & Zaleski, 2003). Usually however, the holistic types of therapy are made available through yoga centers or facilities (Rotella et al., 2003). These facilities are usually based on certain yoga theories that are applied to the practice (Chaoul & Cohen, 2010). Even though western culture is very material based, there is a growing interest in spirituality (Kissman & Maurer, 2002). Western religion has been very focused on a higher power or god-like figure (Kissman & Maurer, 2002). Eastern religion and meditation has some similar qualities, but the focus is more about promoting feelings of inner peace and comfort (Kissman & Maurer, 2002). Western culture has adapted some of these ideals (Kissman & Maurer, 2002). Most individuals will not fully incorporate the theories and teachings of yoga into their everyday lives (Kissman & Maurer, 2002). However, they may be able to incorporate parts of the practice of yoga that are meaningful and will aid them in recovery (Kissman & Maurer, 2002).

RESEARCH

            Studies have been performed to see the effects of yoga as a form of treatment. However, because yoga as substance abuse treatment is still a developing method, research studies are scarce. A clinical trial was done at Harvard Medical School (Apostolides, 1996). The trial showed that Hatha yoga is as effective as traditional group therapy (Apostolides, 1996). Participants practiced yoga for 75 minutes once a week as well as participated in individual therapy once a week (Apostolides, 1996). Individuals who did this reduced their drug use just as much as those who went to group therapy (Apostolides, 1996). Another study was done in India with male substance abusers (Khalsa, Khalsa, Khalsa, & Khalsa, 2008). Subjects were volunteers who participated in a 90 day treatment program that used a combination of yoga and meditation (Khalsa et al., 2008). Three classes were held per day (Khalsa et al., 2008). Participants found that their physical strength and overall health improved (Khalsa et al., 2008). There was also a decrease in impulsive actions and addictive behaviors (Khalsa et al., 2008).

            The studies mentioned above produced positive outcomes in regards to the use of yoga in substance abuse treatment. All studies however have weaknesses. These two studies did not have a large number of participants or a varied group of participants, which makes for bias results. Many physicians and medical groups are still skeptical about alternative forms of therapy (Ospina et al., 2008). Many say that there is not enough research to back these ideas (Ospina et al., 2008). Regulations and standards used when conducting these studies are also questionable (Li & Goldsmith, 2012). Many medical professionals think that there is no proof that the use of yoga or other alternative methods will lead to a life without substance abuse (Li & Goldsmith, 2012).

CONCLUSION

            The point of this research paper is to explore yoga as a treatment of substance abuse. Some of the research suggests that yoga is an effective treatment for substance abuse. A combination of yoga along with medical treatment has been found to be most beneficial (Khalsa et al., 2008). Yoga has been found to provide a higher state of consciousness through physical postures, breathing, and meditation (Khalsa et al., 2008). This natural "higher state" has been found to replace the desire for an artificial high achieved through the use of drugs or alcohol (Khalsa et al., 2008). Yoga postures help to heal the mind and body of substance abusers (Kissen & Kissen-Kohn, 2009). The postures and mediation reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are all related to substance abuse (Kissen & Kissen-Kohn, 2009). They also help heal some of the physical affects that drug use has on the body (Kissen & Kissen-Kohn, 2009).

            Many articles discuss the benefits of yoga as a complementary form of treatment for substance abuse. However, it was difficult to find actual studies that were done to prove that yoga is beneficial. I was only able to find two fairly recent studies, and they were not as informative as I would have preferred. The lack of studies and medical information does lead me to be somewhat skeptical. Some physicians and medical professionals believe that there is not enough evidence or research to prove that yoga does actually aid in the treatment of substance abuse (Ospina et al., 2008).

            Personally, I think it depends on the individual. Yoga may be beneficial in the treatment of substance abuse for some individuals and not for others. It may provide some addicts with a new way of dealing with their problems instead of turning to drugs or alcohol. However, some individuals may need traditional forms of treatment such as AA or other therapy groups. Alternative forms of medicine and therapy are becoming more accepted. I think it is important to have alternative forms of treatment for every patient. I do believe it is important for more research to be conducted, so that it is possible to see the benefits yoga can provide.

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