Rehab Centers That Offer Yoga Therapy

In addition to more traditional addiction treatment methods like behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), more rehab centers are starting to implement holistic treatment methods like yoga therapy into their substance abuse recovery programs.

Yoga therapy uses the practice of yoga to help treat addiction through its mental, physical, and emotional benefits. As more research and case studies have come out about the treatment method, there has been an uptick in the use of yoga therapy among recovery centers.

As a holistic treatment, yoga therapy has unique benefits for both addiction and mental health disorders. It also allows for reconnection between the body and mind.

Read on to learn more about yoga therapy including specific benefits, types of yoga used in addiction treatment, cost and insurance information, and more.

Before we dive into the specifics of yoga therapy in rehab, it’s important to first understand the treatment as a concept and the science behind it.

Yoga therapy is a specialized form of yoga that focuses on therapeutic healing through movement, breathwork, meditation, and relaxation techniques.

As a practice, yoga originated thousands of years ago in India. It spread throughout the world in the 1800s, but started to gain traction as a form of therapy in the 1980s in the U.S. Since then, yoga therapy has continued to evolve and increase in popularity as a rehab service.

While yoga therapy uses the foundations of the practice, it’s important to note that general yoga and yoga therapy have some key differences.

Both yoga and yoga therapy can benefit the overall well-being of your body and mind. However, general yoga is typically taught in a group setting and focuses on teaching the practice of yoga for general health benefits.

On the other hand, yoga therapy is often provided in a one-on-one setting (though group settings are also available) and narrows in on specific challenges the individual is facing. Yoga therapists are trained to use the key components of yoga to help treat specific symptoms and problems. Yoga therapy also focuses on empowerment in one’s health journey and teaching healthy coping skills.

There is endless research on the science of yoga therapy. Yoga therapy has been shown to help with emotional regulation, stress reduction, and calming the nervous system. This is because yoga postures, breathwork, and meditation all work together to avoid overstimulation and slow your heart rate and breathing. Additionally, yoga directly affects the functions of certain parts of your brain that contribute to anxiety, stress, and fear. Further, it can stimulate parts of the brain that are in charge of pleasure.

Yoga therapy serves several roles in addiction treatment including stress and anxiety reduction, detoxification, and improving physical health.

Yoga therapy is incredibly effective in helping common mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and emotional imbalances. This is because, as mentioned above, yoga directly impacts parts of the brain that are in charge of emotions and emotional regulation.

In addition to that, yoga therapy soothes the nervous system, which leads to a reduction in stress, anxiety, and other negative emotional experiences. Through slowing one’s breathing, slowing one’s heart rate, and focusing on mindfulness, many people find they are able to navigate intense and challenging emotions that arise throughout their addiction recovery journey.

Breathing exercises, traditionally called pranayama, and mindfulness techniques play a pivotal role in these goals. Essentially, breathwork helps you relax and reduces your body’s automatic stress responses – or the “fight or flight” response.

In addition to the role yoga therapy can play in your mental health, it can also have an immense impact on your physical health.

Yoga therapy can help enhance detoxification (detox), the process of removing toxins such as addictive substances from your body. Additionally, it helps promote the flow of energy in the body, enhancing recovery and healing. In regards to physical health benefits, yoga therapy can increase blood flow, improve oxygen levels, reduce the risk of blood clots, reduce pain, and more.

Breathwork, meditation, and yoga poses (asanas) themselves support the healing process in addiction recovery by regulating important bodily processes and reducing inflammation.

The use of yoga therapy in addiction treatment programs is linked to a myriad of benefits.

Emotional healing is one of the greatest benefits of yoga therapy. The techniques used in yoga therapy such as meditation, relaxation, and movement encourage emotional release, acceptance, and self-awareness. This can uniquely facilitate emotional healing compared to other treatment approaches.

Similarly, the mindfulness practices used in yoga therapy help teach emotional regulation, being present, and navigating obstacles and triggers. As a result, the mindfulness strategies learned in yoga therapy have long-term benefits on the emotional wellness of many individuals. This is beneficial not only during recovery but also after recovery, increasing the likelihood of long-lasting sobriety.

In addition to the physical benefits we previously touched on, yoga therapy promotes physical healing and fitness. Yoga therapy has been shown to improve flexibility, muscle strength, and physical endurance. Believe it or not, all of these benefits can greatly impact your body’s ability to recover from the physical toll of addiction.

On top of this, consistent yoga practice can help reduce cravings. This is in part because yoga focuses on mindfulness and being present. With reduced stress, anxiety, and physical pain, many people find they are less tempted to reach for addictive substances.

As a result, regular yoga therapy sessions are shown to improve treatment outcomes. With fewer cravings and the proper skills to navigate triggers, it’s more likely you’ll experience long-term recovery and a reduced risk of relapse.

There are several types of yoga practices used in rehab facilities. Let’s explore a few of the most common practices: Hatha yoga, Kundalini yoga, restorative yoga, and Yoga Nidra.

Hatha yoga is a more gentle approach to yoga therapy that focuses on balancing the body and mind. It is a slower practice than others and tends to focus on static yoga postures, breath control, and relaxation.

Because it is slow and gentle, Hatha yoga can be a good starting point for those new to yoga therapy. That being said, it is still challenging and effective in treating addiction.

Kundalini yoga is a more spiritual practice than other types of yoga. This practice focuses on emotional healing and spiritual connection through precise and repetitive techniques.

Practices like breathwork, repetitive movement, mantras, chanting, and singing are used to promote emotional and spiritual health in Kundalini yoga.

Restorative yoga is a more restful approach that focuses on relaxation and healing. More specifically, it focuses on the meditative components of yoga.

What sets restorative yoga apart from other practices is the use of supported poses held for long periods of time to aid the body in releasing tension and fostering calmness. Yoga blocks, blankets, and bolsters are used for support.

Yoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep, is a very slow practice that focuses on deep relaxation. Unlike other techniques, Yoga Nidra does not implement yoga poses. Instead, the practice uses guided meditation to reduce anxiety, promote healing, and improve sleep patterns.

Meditation techniques used in Yoga Nidra help individuals access the delta state, which is what we experience during the deepest point of sleep. The delta state allows for deep relaxation and healing, making it perfect for addiction recovery.

While yoga therapy has its own benefits, it is most effective when used in combination with other treatment methods. Yoga therapy has been shown to complement treatment services like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and other holistic therapies.

CBT is a type of behavioral therapy often used in addiction and mental illness treatment. It focuses on reframing thought patterns and changing behavioral habits that exacerbate mental health disorders. It also encourages the use of healthy coping skills to deal with symptoms of addiction.

When used with yoga therapy, the two treatment methods complement each other greatly as they both focus on mindfulness, self-awareness, and managing triggers and stress.

MAT is an evidence-based treatment method that uses U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications to treat addiction by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms or limiting the effects of addictive substances.

Both yoga therapy and MAT can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making them perfect for use simultaneously. Additionally, with reduced cravings, many people find they can focus on their recovery better, allowing for improved healing and treatment outcomes.

Yoga therapy is a holistic approach in itself, so it makes sense that it perfectly complements other holistic therapies. Holistic therapies focus on non-traditional methods to treat the person as a whole. In other words, holistic methods treat the body, soul, and mind at once.

Other holistic therapies can include services like acupuncture, meditation, music therapy, art therapy, nutrition, massage, and animal therapies. Implementing several of these therapies simultaneously allows for a well-rounded, comprehensive treatment plan.

When choosing a treatment facility for yoga therapy, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind.

First, take a look at the yoga therapy program itself. Yoga therapy programs should be administered by licensed yoga therapists with the proper qualifications. You must work with certified yoga therapists during this process as they are trained to understand the specific needs of individuals in recovery and treat them accordingly.

Additionally, you’ll want to take a look at the types of yoga offered. If you find yourself interested in a particular type, ensure the center you choose offers that type.

You’ll also want to consider whether you’d like to enroll in an inpatient or outpatient program. Inpatient programs require individuals to live in a treatment facility for the length of the program for optimal care and supervision, while outpatient treatment is provided in a recovery center that patients travel to several times a week for treatment. Based on which is the right fit for you, you’ll be able to narrow down your options.

Yoga therapy, while supported by science, unfortunately, faces a few challenges and misconceptions.

Common misconceptions include that yoga therapy is only meant for advanced practitioners of yoga or people who are physically flexible. This is not the case. Almost anyone, beginner to expert, can engage in yoga therapy. It is meant to be an accessible treatment method with plenty of support and instruction.

There is also a stigma around yoga therapy because it is an alternative treatment method. Some people believe holistic treatment options like yoga therapy are not effective because they are not traditional. However, there is plenty of evidence to back the effectiveness of yoga therapy. It is different from what many people may be used to, but alternative therapies offer unique benefits that complement traditional approaches well.

At the end of the day, yoga therapy is not the end all be all, and there are limitations to the practice. It’s important to understand that yoga therapy is most effective when used in conjunction with other treatment methods rather than as a standalone solution.

The cost of yoga therapy can range greatly between treatment centers, but average costs are around $130-$200 per session. Some rehab centers offer packages that allow you to purchase several sessions at once for a discounted price.

Factors that affect cost include location, whether the program is inpatient or outpatient, frequency of sessions, and the length of the program.

If you have health insurance, you may be able to get at least part of your treatment covered through your plan. Make sure to verify with your insurance company that the program you choose is in network and you have met any prerequisites for coverage such as meeting your deductible.

If you don’t have insurance, some treatment centers offer alternative payment options like sliding scale fees, payment plans, and even scholarships or grants.

Yoga therapy seems to be trending upward regarding its use in addiction treatment for several reasons.

First and foremost, emerging trends like the integration of technology into yoga practices and the availability of online yoga therapy options continue to make the practice more effective and accessible.

As a result, we’re seeing more rehab centers implement yoga therapy. The expansion of this treatment service as part of a comprehensive treatment plan is quite promising for the approach.

Finally, continued research supporting the effectiveness of yoga therapy in treating addiction and mental illnesses demonstrates the potential for expansion. For example, a recent study published in Frontiers supports the effect of yoga on the brain’s reward system and how this can help treat drug addiction.

To find a qualified, reliable rehab facility that offers yoga therapy, we recommend using online directories like the NIH National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) search engine, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) treatment locator, or our lists of top rehab centers in each state.

It’s also a good idea to verify the yoga therapists at recovery centers have the appropriate licenses and certifications. Make sure to check out client reviews as well for an idea of the patient experience.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask questions like:

• Do you offer yoga therapy?
• What do your housing arrangements look like? Will I be sharing a room?
• Do you offer any amenities?
• Is your program inpatient or outpatient?
• Do you have a board-certified yoga therapist?
• Do you offer personalized treatment plans?
• What are your payment options?
• How will my treatment plan be developed?
• What are your visitor restrictions?
• What aftercare support do you offer?
• How long is your treatment program?
• Do you offer dual diagnosis treatment?

Yoga therapy is a unique addiction treatment service that offers a wide range of benefits and can complement other treatment strategies when used simultaneously. Individuals who implement yoga therapy into their recovery see countless physical, emotional, and mental benefits. Not to mention, it has been shown to improve treatment outcomes.

If you or a loved one wants to learn more about yoga therapy in addiction recovery, give our helpline a call today for more guidance.