Outpatient treatment for addiction has evolved in recent years, utilizing some of the most effective, holistic, and fun treatments available. Yoga and meditation in outpatient rehab are two proven and effective practices that can help individuals in recovery develop a stronger mind-body connection and promote overall well-being. For those curious and skeptical, here’s what you need to know about these practices and how they can benefit those in outpatient rehab.
What is the Mind-Body Connection?
The mind-body connection is the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and mental state directly influence our physical health and well-being. Most people think of the phrase, “Calm mind, calm body,” when focusing on this connection.
Modern science has also recognized the powerful effects of this connection. Research has shown that there is now solid evidence that a part of the brain attributed to thinking and planning also shares connections with involuntary movements including breathing and heart rate. This proves further what ancient Buddhists and yoga practitioners have always known – that the mind and body are intimately connected.
How Can Yoga and Meditation Help in Outpatient Rehab?
Both yoga and meditation are ancient practices that have been used for centuries to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. In recent years, they have gained recognition in the medical field for their effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions, including addiction.
Benefits of Yoga
Yoga combines physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and a stronger mind-body connection. In terms of substance abuse, research has shown that yoga has several benefits, including:
- Decreased depressive symptoms in people with alcohol use disorder
- Significantly better improvement in mood status and quality of life for people with opioid use disorder
- Less distress and better stress levels in people with cocaine use disorder
- Reduced tobacco cravings for nicotine users
It’s clear that as an adjunct to regular addiction treatment, yoga in outpatient treatment can have significant effects in several types of addiction disorders.
Benefits of Meditation
Meditation is part of several mindfulness-based interventions, or MBIs. MBIs are now showing promise in treating substance use disorder. research shows that MBIs are powerful for people with addiction, offering benefits such as:
- Decreasing stress reactivity that can lead to using substances
- Promoting self-control to reduce automatic drug or alcohol use
- Enhance positive emotions by teaching people to “Savor” the moment
- Intervene in substance use disorder
- Prevent relapse
Meditation is incredibly flexible and provides a wide range of benefits, especially for those in the recovery process. During outpatient treatment, meditation might be the extra tool someone can use to examine their drug use, eliminate negative thinking before or after a relapse, and learn how to better manage overwhelming cravings.
Yoga and Meditation in Outpatient Rehab – What to Expect
The beautiful thing about both yoga and meditation is that they require little to no equipment, and you can practice them anywhere. Even older adults can practice chair yoga, which can reduce symptoms of depression and pain.
Both modified yoga and full yoga sessions are readily available during outpatient and inpatient treatment. During your yoga session, a yoga instructor or occupational therapist will guide you through the different poses, allowing you to focus on your breathing while fostering a sense of calmness and relaxation.
Yoga involves stretching, breathing, and holding body positions. The focus on the breath is an integral part of yoga practice as it allows for relaxation while moving through poses that can be physically challenging. Yoga in outpatient rehab might also help with:
- Reducing stress
- Improving self-esteem
- Boosting mood
- Managing chronic pain and discomfort
Meditation, on the other hand, focuses on training the mind to acknowledge one’s thoughts or surroundings without judgement. The ultimate goal is to learn to be present despite any external distractions or internal thoughts. For instance, during meditation, someone might be trying to be mindful while experiencing intrusive, negative self-talk.
These negative thoughts can increase the risk of relapse, particularly during challenging times. But, with meditation, people learn to dismiss these negative thoughts and focus on being present in the moment.
In outpatient rehab, meditation can be taught in different forms such as:
- Guided meditation
- Mindful breathing exercises
- Body scan meditations
- Progressive muscle relaxation
During these sessions, individuals will learn how to become more aware of their thoughts and emotions without getting attached to them. This practice can help during times of high-stress situations or overwhelming emotions that might trigger a relapse.
Discover Innovative Outpatient Treatment
Yoga and meditation are powerful tools that can enhance the recovery process during outpatient treatment. At the Berman Center, our intensive outpatient treatment program and partial hospitalization program in Atlanta uses innovative, evidence-based practices to support individuals in their journey towards sobriety. Our mental health, addiction, and dual diagnosis treatment programs are second to none. We understand that recovery is a unique journey for each individual, which is why we offer personalized treatment plans tailored to each person’s needs. Call us today to learn more about our outpatient treatment programs and how we can support you or your loved one on the path to sobriety.
