Yoga as Addiction Treatment
When we think of addiction treatment or drug rehab, it is not usually a pleasant thought. Days of detox, going to individual or group therapy, completely reshaping your life—while these are all necessary steps on the road to overcoming an addiction, perhaps there is another more relaxing approach. Yoga.
The most basic principles of yoga combine mental as well as physical healing. It involves deep inward reflection, meditation, and prayer. Through yoga therapy the addict is challenged to look inside themselves and discover the root of the problem, which is sometimes tied to physical or emotional pain. Meditation is also a time to develop creative solutions for avoiding the addiction and its triggers in the future. The physical side of yoga not only challenges the body and helps improve physical wellness but also has many poses that can improve mental wellness. For example the Shavasana pose helps with relaxation and reducing restlessness and over activity while Kriyas helps fight insomnia – a condition many addicts are forced to live with while recovering.
An important thing to remember before trying any alternative medical treatments is to consult with your doctor first and, if possible, get a recommendation for a good yoga therapist. While Yoga therapy is becoming more accepted (it is now offered in many hospitals), it is best to exercise caution when choosing a therapist on your own. Many Yoga therapist are also physical therapist, nurses, or are Certified Yoga Therapists; however, some claim to be certified but aren’t, so always ask to view the credentials of whomever you would be working with. It is also important to consult with a therapist in case dual diagnosis treatment is required.
With the many advances being made in the addiction recovery field, there is something out there for everyone. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction find the recovery method that works best for them, whether it is traditional methods or something new and innovative, and get help now.