When entering into a drug rehab program, the goal of the program is not only to help treat any addiction the patient may be facing, but also to help them better themselves. During stays at many drug rehab programs, patients will take part in various types of adventure therapy and physical fitness programs. These programs are designed to help improve the body and mind of the patient, while they simultaneously receive treatment for their addiction.

How Yoga Benefits Drug Detox Programs

One very popular practice in various rehabilitation programs and a popular type of adventure therapy is yoga therapy. Identified as being physical, mental, and spiritual, yoga involves various stretching exercises and breathing techniques designed to increase flexibility in the body and improve the mind and spirit, bringing the three into alignment. Yoga therapy programs are designed to help empower patients to make positive progress in their recovery through yoga practices and teachings. Yoga and yoga therapy focus on using the human body, and the practice, therefore, requires very few supplies. Most yoga therapy programs can easily be tailored to fit each individual’s experience level.

Yoga has various positive effects on both the body and the mind. As far as effects on the mind, yoga has been proven to decrease the levels of cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone) secreted within the body. The practice emphasizes finding a sense of peace within oneself, and it is thought that keeping a sense of peace can help to ease any anxiousness being felt. Because of this, yoga therapy can have a considerable effect on easing the mind of someone taking part in a drug detox program.

On a more physical level, yoga has been proven to help reduce inflammation and help ease chronic pain in those taking part in the practice. Many people affected by addiction are dealing with chronic pain that they are mistreating with drugs or alcohol. Helping to treat that pain can reduce dependence on illicit substances.

Sleeping can be difficult when on the road to recovery, but there is a chance yoga therapy programs could help. Though the connection is not clear, yoga has been shown to increase levels of melatonin within the body, helping to aid in sleep.

Meditation as Part of Addiction Recovery

Meditation is a practice that involves trying to focus one’s attention on a single thing. The point of focus is subject to change within the practice. At times, the goal is to empty the mind, focusing on nothing but the present moment. Other times, the point of focus is a particular thought or mantra, meant to be repeated over and over again in the mind. On a more physical level, meditation can involve focusing on one’s breathing or the different sensations they are feeling within themselves. Many consider meditation to be a physical fitness program, and there are benefits meditation has on the body to back that assertion up.

Similar to yoga, meditation has a focus on inner peace and therefore helps relieve stress and anxiety among those who practice, improving sleep. Additionally, the practice of meditation has been proven to help lower the blood pressure of the meditator.

Meditation can have positive effects on the mental state of the person meditating as well. Over time, the practice helps patients learn skills on how to remain self-aware. This self-awareness helps combat any impulsive thoughts.

Meditation can be used as a technique after leaving a drug detox program as well. The skill can help calm a person’s stress or anxiety in a stressful situation, as well as calm any cravings that may present themselves.

Both meditation and yoga therapy programs are common practices within rehabilitation programs. These types of adventure therapy can help patients combat their problems with addiction on both a physical and a mental level.

Author Bio:
Mike is a health editor with a degree in Journalism and Social Communications, currently writing for several USA & UK publications. He is specialized in articles around health tips, workout plans, and other nutrition-related topics. His main aim is to help health charities to raise awareness on campaigns about misunderstood or commonly misdiagnosed conditions.