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Addictions usually begin as a coping mechanism or as a way to fill a certain void inside. Therefore, people under alcohol abuse treatment should learn to handle their emotions and the world around them in healthier ways, including practicing yoga. This is why in many conventional rehabilitation facilities, yoga is now part of the overall approach to treatment. Indeed, in the last few years, yoga has proven itself to be a perfect complement to orthodox alcohol abuse treatment, which generally works through chemical methods.
Below are the most common benefits offered by yoga to people recovering from alcohol addiction:
Mind Healing
Experts have studied the biological effects of yoga on alcohol abuse and consistently found a correlation between yoga the inhibition of the dopamine surge that addicts get from taking or even just thinking about taking alcohol. Moreover, it was established that the heavy breathing patterns in specific forms of yoga – for example, Kundalini – promotes the release of the body’s own pleasure inducers known as endorphins. What this means is that yoga can control addictive behaviors while regulating the brain’s dopamine functions.
Stress Management
Stressful scenarios can set off addictive behavior, including cravings. Any recovering addict will find reorienting to a sober life extremely tough. With yoga promoting willpower and calmness of mind, those in recovery can develop strength to manage all that stress, fight off temptations, and finally take control of their bodies. Various types of yoga have different intensity levels, so people can pick what works the most for them. Yin yoga, for example, is mainly meditation and passive stretching; vinyasa yoga, on the other hand, has a quicker pace and works by increasing strength. Bikram yoga rids the body of toxins through sweat and is hence practiced in a warm room. There is even laughing yoga, which is believed to promote an overall sense of happiness, strengthen the immune system, and control pain and stress.
Spiritual Enhancement
Yoga presents a spiritual environment to everyone, whatever their religious beliefs may be. Slowing down, mindfulness and acceptance are basic to yoga and a thriving spirit. Routinely setting aside time for growth will certainly help in attaining complete recovery for someone who is undergoing alcohol abuse treatment.
Finding a Balance
Yoga helps bring balance among all the core aspects of existence, namely, mind, body and spirit. Without a doubt, this balance will be extremely beneficial to anyone who had once lived a troubled life.
Recovery is an extensive and usually very taxing process. By putting yoga on their road to recovery, people can learn new methods of handling stress and discovering their hidden strengths. When deciding which alcohol abuse treatment center to choose for a loved one, consider those that include yoga therapy in their approach to treatment.