Yoga for substance abuse
Heal drug and alcohol addiction using yoga
Picture this: a dimly lit room with cozy blankets spread throughout. A diffuser slowly spreads a light peppermint scent. It’s a calming room where people come to relax, focus on their breathing, and open the mind.
This is what many of the yoga rooms within RCA’s facilities look like. The power of yoga in recovery is undeniable- which is why yoga is offered at many RCA sites.
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A focus on wellness
Yoga is an integral part of the focus on wellness at RCA facilities. Practicing yoga while in addiction treatment can help naturally balance your body and mind. On top of the physical benefits, yoga fosters emotional benefits, too. When you practice yoga, you’re more aware of what’s going on with your body and your breathing – all essential for staying strong in recovery.
Yoga may increase energy levels, encourage healthy eating habits, and even help with sleep that may be interrupted by withdrawal symptoms. When you feel better physically, you’re able to better handle stress or challenges that could otherwise put a bump in your recovery.
“I start every class by reading the group to see how each person is feeling,” says RCA at Devon yoga instructor Amanda Hershey. “We’re getting into the mind, starting with the breath. We aren’t leaving enough space for the brain to focus on chaos.”
“Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me. I’m committed to making yoga an essential part of my recovery journey. Knowing I had yoga during the day gave me much excitement. I’ll never forget the gift of inner peace you gave me.” – Former patient
The mind/body connection
Many 12-step programs and yoga go hand-in-hand, as both are born in spirituality. Yoga can bring spirituality to the surface, and help you discover or foster your spiritual connection with various breathing exercises and quiet meditation. Yoga and meditation give your mind and body some much-needed quiet time for you to focus on finding inner peace and happiness. It’s often the go-to exercise needed to calm yourself and clear your mind.
“It’s their time, they can do what they want with it. If they want to meditate in silence, we do that. If they want to talk, we’ll do that, too,” Hershey says. “I use guided imagery a lot to help patients experience letting go. I have them envision themselves standing on the edge of a cliff with a bag. Then I tell them to picture putting everything that’s weighing them down in that bag. It could be their addiction, a trauma, anything – put it in the bag. Then throw that bag over the cliff and watch it disappear.”
Get help for your addiction today
Learn more about how Recovery Centers of America treats patients and their families struggling with addiction. Our evidence-based addiction treatment helps patients remain committed to getting on the road to recovery. With our team of masters level clinicians, primary therapists, doctors, psychiatrists, and nurses, RCA at Devon has everything you or your loved one needs to get well again.
