Addiction Recovery Steps

Yoga in addiction recovery

Lately, Yoga is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. June 21 being declared as a World Yoga Day by UN has given further impetus to the popularity of this ancient Indian science of well being.

Addiction leads to all-round damage

Addiction is highly prevalent. Addictions devastate families and destroy communities. Addiction comes in various forms: alcoholism, drug abuse, eating disorders, gambling, nicotine, to name a few. Basically, an addiction is a habit that has gone out of control.

In addiction, the substance of choice becomes a necessity, while the body and mind undergo chemical changes and crave for the substance. It is a progressive ‘disease’ – the quantity and frequency keep increasing, along with the damages caused. It not only affects the person who is addicted but all those associated with him or her. It is often difficult to treat, since the person who is affected often cannot see the problem – denial becomes a barrier to recovery.

Addiction treatment – holistic is best

Addiction can be effectively and successfully treated. By addressing the underlying causes and learning new coping skills, the addict can move from the dark dungeons of abuse to the light of recovery and life. Since addiction affects all areas of the individual, a holistic recovery program is best suited. 12 Step programs, supplemented by medical and psychiatric/ psychological inputs are highly effective.

Yoga – an asset in addition recovery

The efficacy of Yoga in addiction treatment is increasing becoming popular. Yoga helps in breaking the addiction patterns and heals the body and mind in a gradual way. It addresses the disharmony on body, mind and spirit.

Yoga cultivates physical awareness bodily in a soft, nurturing way. It allows clients to start connecting with the body and breath and learn to sit calmly, and look within. Yoga helps in building awareness and compassion for self. It teaches the individual new way to deal with stress, leading to a positive outlook. Yoga teaches new coping strategies and positive patterns to emerge, bringing about change both on and off the mat.

Addiction experts do not recommend heavy physical exercise in early recovery. A regular gentle yoga practice will introduce balance and serenity to the mind and help to detoxify the body. Yoga has a positive impact on the body, especially the parts that are most often affected by substance abuse.

Hope Trust has recognized the immense benefits of Yoga in addiction treatment. Since its inception in 2002, Yoga is an integral part of the addiction therapy at Hope Trust. A qualified and experienced Yoga teacher comes daily to the facility to help clients in Yoga.