Can Yoga Help With Addiction Recovery? Benefits and Considerations

Yoga is sometimes used as part of recovery from substance use. It combines movement and meditation. These practices may help with stress and other problems that can make recovery harder. Research on yoga and substance use is promising, but it is still limited, and yoga should not replace medical care or medicines that may be needed during recovery.

A WHO report estimates that about 39.5 million people aged 15–64 were affected by drug use disorders worldwide, based on 2021 data. WHO also reports that about 296 million people in this age group had used psychoactive drugs that year.  In this article, we will look at how yoga for addiction recovery may help, and how to use it safely.

What Is Yoga for Addiction Recovery?

Yoga uses physical poses and meditation. Different types of yoga can be very different. Some are slow and gentle. Others use stronger movements.

The idea behind yoga for addiction recovery is not that yoga can cure addiction. Instead, it can be used as a support alongside established treatment.

A 2021 systematic review looked at eight randomized controlled trials involving adults with substance use disorders. The studies included people with tobacco and opioid use disorders, among other groups. Some studies reported improvements in areas such as:

• Substance use
• Cravings
• Pain
• Stress
• Anxiety

However, the researchers also noted that there were only a small number of studies. The yoga programs and study methods also varied.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says yoga may be a useful addition to treatment programs for substance use disorders. It reports that seven of eight studies in a 2021 review showed some helpful effects.

How Might Yoga Support Recovery?

Recovery can affect your body and daily routine. Yoga may help with some parts of this process.

1. It May Help With Stress

Stress can make it harder to manage cravings and daily problems. Research has found that yoga may help lower perceived stress. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that a 2020 review of 12 studies found helpful effects from different types of yoga on perceived stress in healthy adults.

Lower stress does not mean that yoga treats a substance use disorder. It may simply give you another way to handle stress.

2. It May Help With Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety can occur along with substance use disorders and some people may also use substances to cope with difficult feelings.

Research suggests that yoga may help with some anxiety symptoms. However, the evidence is less certain for diagnosed anxiety disorders.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says more high-quality research is needed before yoga can be used as a main treatment for anxiety disorders.

This matters during recovery. Yoga may be a useful support activity. But, anxiety that needs treatment should still be assessed by a qualified health professional.

3. It May Help You Manage Cravings

Cravings can be hard to manage during recovery. Research on yoga and cravings is still developing. The 2021 systematic review included studies that looked at cravings and substance use.

The results suggested possible benefits. However, the evidence was not strong enough to use yoga instead of standard addiction care. Yoga can give you a structured activity when you notice stress or difficult emotions and it can also give you time to pause before acting on an urge.

4. It May Support Sleep

Sleep problems can happen during recovery. Poor sleep can also affect your mood, and daily routine. Research has found possible benefits from yoga for sleep in several groups. However, the strength of the evidence varies between conditions and populations.

A regular and gentle yoga routine may therefore support a healthy sleep routine. It should not replace medical care when severe or ongoing sleep problems need assessment.

5. It Can Give You a Regular Routine

Recovery often involves building new habits. A short yoga session can give you a regular time for movement and quiet attention and you might practice in the morning, or at another time that fits your treatment plan. The benefit may come partly from having a repeatable activity that does not involve substance use.

Can Yoga Replace Addiction Treatment?

No. Yoga for addiction recovery should be used as a complementary practice. It should not replace evidence-based treatment.

Substance use disorders can require different types of care. Depending on the substance and your health, treatment may include:

• Behavioral therapy
• Medicines
• Medical monitoring
• Peer support
• A combination of these approaches

Yoga cannot manage every medical risk linked to withdrawal. Some substances can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms when you stop suddenly. Medical care may be needed, especially with alcohol, or other substances.

Do not stop prescribed medicines or change your addiction treatment plan because you start yoga.

What Does the Research Actually Show?

The research is promising, but it has limits. A 2021 systematic review found eight randomized controlled trials involving adults with substance use disorders. The studies looked at different types of yoga and different substances.

Some studies found possible benefits for areas such as cravings, and pain.

However, the studies were small and used different methods and this means the results cannot prove that one specific yoga program will work for everyone with a substance use disorder.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has reached a similar view. It describes yoga as a possible addition to treatment programs for substance use disorders but notes that only a small amount of research has studied this use.

The simple takeaway is that yoga may support some parts of recovery. More research is needed to learn which practices may help, and how yoga should be used.

How to Add Yoga to a Recovery Plan

Start with a simple routine.

You could try:

• Five to 10 minutes of gentle movement
• Slow breathing exercises
• Simple stretches
• A short guided relaxation session
• A beginner yoga class with a qualified instructor

You do not need an intense workout. Your routine should match your physical health and your current stage of recovery. You can also use yoga with other recovery activities. For example, you might practice before therapy, or during a stressful part of your day.

Safety Considerations

Yoga is generally considered safe for healthy people when practiced properly. Injuries can still happen.

Sprains and strains are among the more common injuries linked to yoga. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health recommends learning from a qualified instructor, especially when you are new to yoga.

You may need to change some poses if you have:

• An injury
• A medical condition
• Balance problems
• Another health concern

Do not push your body into painful positions. You should also take care with intense breathing exercises. Slow and comfortable breathing may be a better choice when you are starting. Most importantly, do not use yoga to manage dangerous withdrawal symptoms on your own.

When Should You Talk to a Health Professional?

Talk to a qualified health professional when substance use affects your health, or daily life. You should also seek medical advice when:

• You have withdrawal symptoms
• Use substances every day
• You have strong or frequent cravings
• You have overdosed or may be at risk of overdose
• You use several substances
• You have severe anxiety, depression, or other mental health symptoms
• You are unsure how to stop safely

Yoga can be part of your routine. When treatment is needed, it should be used as part of a wider recovery plan.

Final Takeaway

Yoga for addiction recovery may offer support with stress and healthy routines. Research has found promising results. But the evidence is still limited. Yoga should therefore be used as a supportive practice rather than as the only treatment for a substance use disorder.

A simple and gentle routine may be easier to maintain than an intense program. Start at a level that feels safe for you. Talk to your care team about any health concerns.

For people considering supportive recovery practices, Ikon Recovery Centers can be part of the information you review, and a qualified health professional can help you decide what treatment and support are appropriate for your needs.