A narrative review of yoga and mindfulness as complementary therapies for addiction

Abstract

Summary This paper reviews the philosophical origins, current scientific evidence, and clinical promise of yoga and mindfulness as complementary therapies for addiction. Historically, there are eight elements of yoga that, together, comprise ethical principles & practices for living a meaningful, purposeful, moral and self-disciplined life. Traditional yoga practices, including postures and meditation, direct attention towards one’s health, while acknowledging the spiritual aspects of one’s nature. Mindfulness derives from ancient Buddhist philosophy, and mindfulness meditation practices, such as gentle Hatha yoga and mindful breathing, are increasingly integrated into secular health care settings. Current theoretical models suggest that the skills, insights, and self-awareness learned through yoga and mindfulness practice can target multiple psychological, neural, physiological, and behavioral processes implicated in addiction and relapse. A small but growing number of well-designed clinical trials and experimental laboratory studies on smoking, alcohol dependence, and illicit substance use support the clinical effectiveness and hypothesized mechanisms of action underlying mindfulness-based interventions for treating addiction. Because very few studies have been conducted on the specific role of yoga in treating or preventing addiction, we propose a conceptual model to inform future studies on outcomes and possible mechanisms. Additional research is also needed to better understand what types of yoga and mindfulness-based interventions work best for what types of addiction, what types of patients, and under what conditions. Overall, current findings increasingly support yoga and mindfulness as promising complementary therapies for treating and preventing addictive behaviors.

Effects of Yoga on Measures of Health-related Quality of Life from SF-36 and SF-12 Assessments: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…The Hindu philosophy of yoga, originating during the second century B.C, is based on eight limbs of Ashtang yoga: 1) compromised of ethical disciplines, 2) individual observances, 3) posture, 4) breath control, 5) withdrawal of senses, 6) concentration, 7) meditation, and 8) enlightenment [1]. In western societies, the term yoga is now a general term that describes a practice which focuses on breathing techniques, postures, strengthening exercises, and meditation [2].…”

Role of Yoga and Meditation in Prevention of Obesity.

“…35 Khanna S, in a narrative review suggested that the skills, insights, and self-awareness learned through yoga and mindfulness practice can target multiple psychological, neural, physiological, and behavioral processes implicated in addiction and relapse. 34 As described by Bernstein, yoga and meditation may also act by targeting the comorbid conditions of obesity and assist with weight loss or maintenance in the following ways: 28  Increasing energy expenditure during yoga sessions;  Allowing for additional exercise outside yoga sessions by reducing back and joint pain; 343  Heightening mindfulness, improving mood, and reducing stress, which may help reduce food intake;  Allowing individuals to feel more connected to their bodies, leading to enhanced awareness of satiety and the discomfort of overeating;  Decreasing emotional eating (eating in response to negative emotions such as boredom, stress, or sadness) and external eating (eating in response to food-related stimuli such as the taste, sight, or smell of palatable foods;  Achieving relaxation that helps to cope with stressful situations which cause addictive behaviors, like comfort food overconsumption and alcohol intake.…”

“…33 Yoga and meditation can target multiple brain regions, and change the functional connections between them, that lead to addictive behaviors. 34 It also acts by increased present moment and self awareness, greater self regulation and reduced reactivity to substance cues. 35 Khanna S, in a narrative review suggested that the skills, insights, and self-awareness learned through yoga and mindfulness practice can target multiple psychological, neural, physiological, and behavioral processes implicated in addiction and relapse.…”

Proper Drug Disposal: Studying a Solution to Household Prescription and Over-the- Counter Drug Abuse

“…Exercise and yoga may reduce levels of stress and anxiety that lead people to misuse prescription and OTC drugs [30,31]. Extracurricular classes (e.g.…”