More and more people are discovering the benefits of yoga for those individuals who are seeking recovery from addiction. Roy King, PhD, MD from Stanford University has studied the biological impact of yoga on drug abuse. What he found is that by inhibiting the dopamine impulse, which addicts get from using, yoga helps to inhibit cravings and the emotional shifts that trigger drug use. Dr. Mary Margaret Frederick, of New York University found that yoga treats the biology and the psychology of an addict, by helping people regain control of their bodies and their minds.
Yoga has many potential benefits that include; stress relief, increased physical stamina, self-reflection and increased self-awareness, healthier exercise and eating habits, heightened self-confidence, pain relief, sleep benefits, increased energy, emotional healing, and overall health and wellness improvements.
When someone has been abusing drugs and alcohol regularly, some of the brain’s pathways are altered. This can affect one’s ability to regulate emotions, make decisions, and control impulses. Abstinence can help the brain’s chemistry to heal and rebuild itself and yoga has been found to be helpful in this process. Harvard Health has reported that there is scientific evidence showing a link between practicing yoga and the reduction of stress. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reported on a study that showed an increase in the levels of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), a kind of natural tranquilizer, with the practice of yoga techniques.
Yoga has been found to help prevent relapse, reduce withdrawal symptoms and drug and alcohol cravings while providing spirituality and new coping skills. Countless individuals have discovered the benefits of yoga while beginning their recovery in the over twenty years that New Bridge has been providing yoga to its clients.
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