Yoga is associated with a range of positive mental and physical health outcomes. While it is often used for physical fitness, yoga sessions are commonly included in mental health and addiction treatment programs. And, there’s a good reason for it. So, what are the benefits of yoga for addiction treatment? Northstar Recovery Center is here to answer your questions. The foundation of our programs consists of evidence-based therapies for substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions. Supportive activities, like yoga, are also part of the treatment schedule you or your loved one will follow at Northstar Recovery Center.
What Are the Benefits of Yoga For Addiction Treatment?
Yoga is an excellent mindfulness practice. It can help you stay in the moment, anchor your breath, quiet the mind, and lower stress. This can put you in a good mindset and help you make decisions you are proud of. These aren’t just mere assumptions. Many studies have suggested that there are benefits of yoga in the management of substance use disorders. Some of these include:
- A reduction in substance use and cravings for substances.
- Better mood status and a decrease in feelings of depression.
- Improved quality of life.
- Lower anxiety levels.
For example, a randomized control trial found that people with alcohol dependence who received yoga therapy had significantly lower levels of alcohol cravings and perceived stress. Some studies have even indicated that yoga can have positive effects on the brain’s reward system. Though more research is needed, this is promising for those facing drug addiction.
With all of this in mind, it has been suggested that yoga may be a valuable adjunct treatment for people with substance use disorders, meaning that it can support positive outcomes when used alongside other treatments. That is exactly how we implement yoga into our programs.
Yoga for Addiction Treatment at Northstar Recovery
Northstar Recovery Center takes a whole-person approach to addiction recovery. In addition to the most evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders, which form the foundation of our programs, we practice yoga regularly at each location (three days per week in West Springfield, one day per week in Southborough).
To learn more about yoga for addiction treatment at Northstar Recovery, reach out to our team online or over the phone today.
Our Programs and Services
Ready to find out more about our programs and services? Here’s just some of what Northstar has to offer.
Addiction Day Treatment Programs In Massachusetts
Northstar Recovery Center’s addiction day treatment programs in Massachusetts meet six days per week. Also called a partial hospitalization program (PHP), the required time commitment for day treatment is similar to that of a typical work schedule. Monday through Friday, day treatment meets from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. On Saturdays, clients come from 9:00 AM and stay until 2:00 PM. During this time, you will participate in daily groups, at least weekly individual therapy sessions, and other activities, like yoga. Lunch is provided daily, as are snacks and beverages.
IOP in Massachusetts
The intensive outpatient program (IOP) in Massachusetts at Northstar is highly flexible. Clients can choose from our morning, afternoon, or evening IOP schedules. Regardless of which IOP schedule you follow, treatment sessions last for about three hours per day. This means you or your loved one will have extra time for external responsibilities, such as work or school.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual-diagnosis treatment is central to our whole-person approach. Offered at all care levels, dual-diagnosis treatment addresses addiction and mental health concerns simultaneously. This means that people in our programs with co-occurring conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression, can get comprehensive care for both these disorders and substance abuse.
Virtual Addiction Treatment In Massachusetts
In addition to our in-person recovery programs, we offer virtual addiction treatment in Massachusetts. This includes a fully virtual PHP, a fully virtual IOP, and hybrid scheduling. Those with hybrid treatment schedules can come to our center for in-person activities, like yoga, while participating in some of their therapy sessions online.
Call Northstar Recovery Center for Comprehensive Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts
Northstar Recovery is a leading provider of substance use disorder and mental health treatment, with locations in West Springfield and Southborough, MA. Providing personalized and flexible care, it’s our honor to act as a guiding light on your or your loved one’s addiction recovery journey. Please call Northstar Recovery Center for comprehensive addiction treatment in Massachusetts today at (833) 853-8153.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there other benefits of yoga for addiction treatment?
Yes. Alongside the potential of helping people manage stress, drug cravings, and other triggers, yoga for addiction treatment can come with additional benefits. It can aid the mind-body connection, support physical well-being, and may act as a new, healthy hobby or part of a person’s routine. Research also connects yoga to positive effects on brain health, including improvements in attention and protective effects against age-related cognitive decline.
What does the research say about yoga and physical health?
As you might expect, yoga can increase flexibility and strength, but that’s not all. Over the course of decades, research has found that a regular yoga practice can enhance overall well-being and quality of life. Yoga has been linked to better cardiovascular (heart) health, respiratory health, and sleep patterns. Sometimes, it is used to support the management of physical health concerns, including some types of chronic pain.
How is yoga used in addiction recovery programs?
In addiction recovery programs, yoga should be used alongside other treatments, as it is not a standalone treatment for substance use disorders. Instead, yoga can be a powerful supplementary or complementary treatment. The drug and alcohol rehab programs at Northstar Recovery Center incorporate yoga alongside treatments, such as:
- Behavioral therapies for substance abuse and mental health, which include but aren’t limited to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and other specialized trauma therapies.
- 12-step and niche recovery groups (e.g., Dharma Recovery, sound healing).
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
- Family therapy.
Northstar Recovery Center works closely with clients to create individualized treatment plans. Your treatment schedule and the types of therapy you participate in will be influenced by your personal and holistic needs.
Are there different types of yoga?
Yes. There are different types of yoga. They can vary in pace (some are faster than others) and difficulty level. If you have any concerns about participating in yoga sessions, just let us know. We’re here to personalize the treatment process and can adjust your schedule as needed.
Resources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5812135/
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1373866/full
