It has been suggested that yoga may be an effective adjunct intervention in the management of substance use disorders (SUD). Additionally, women with SUD require different treatment approaches than men. The objective of this study was to critically evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of yoga, specifically for women, as part of treatment for SUD. Nine electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) that evaluated any type of yoga, including yoga as a component of mindfulness-based treatment, against any type of control in individuals with any type of addiction were eligible. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Checklist and Statement, methodological quality was appraised using Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PE Dro) criteria. Ten RC Ts (eight mixed-gender and two female-focused) met the eligibility criteria. Most of these RCTs were small to medium-sized, with various methodological and analytical flaws and deficits. The types of addictions included in these studies were alcohol, drug, and nicotine addiction. Most RCTs suggested that various types of yoga, primarily Hatha Yoga and its components, led to favorable or equivalent results for SUD as an adjunct to control or treatment-as-usual interventions. There are limited results on the impact of yoga for SUD specifically focused on women and their unique needs. Although the results of mixed-gender articles are encouraging, large RCTs with gender-specific subanalyses are required to better determine the benefits specific to women incorporating yoga for SUD.

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Background: Women with substance use disorders (SUD) receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with behavioral interventions and counseling for recovery. Evidence supports the use of yoga for SUD; however few studies specifically feature women. Objectives: Community-based yoga may add to health promotion through preferable physical activity for women in recovery. The aims of this study are to explore demographics and quantitative measures relevant to recovery and capture and understand the subjective experience of one session of yoga. Study Design: The study design involves Descriptive/Cross-sectional. Methodology: Women in an inpatient SUD center attending weekly optional off-site yoga for recovery were recruited to capture first-time attendance. Survey data included Medical Outcomes Survey 12-item short-form (SF-12), Toronto Mindfulness Scale (TMS), and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), demographics, and narrative reflections. Recruitment opportunities occurred weekly during ongoing hour-long classes. Results: Twenty-nine women (average age 36.6) with primarily opiate-based addictions completed surveys. SF-12 was below the normative value of 50 for both subscales. BRS scores showed averages on the low end of normal resiliency. The frequency of responses to writing prompts confirmed physical and mental well-being through yoga intervention. Women shared potential relapse prevention specifically attributed to the mindfulness component of the intervention. Conclusion: The SF-12, BRS, and TMS are brief, valid, and reliable and can be easily incorporated in clinical practice or future research. Suboptimal SF-12 scores were found in women with SUD and, therefore important to note in the context of recovery to optimize treatment. Subjective reports from the participants find community-based yoga an enjoyable and beneficial type of physical activity. Yoga may be a viable option for comprehensive mind-body intervention for this population.