Yoga for Substance Use: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are complex interactions between various genetic, environmental, developmental, and social factors. Yoga is recommended as a nonmainstream treatment for many health conditions, including SUDs.Methods: Five databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated yoga as an intervention in adults with any type of substance use disorder. The interventions being studied included Hatha yoga, Sudarshan Kriya yoga, breathing yoga exercises, and meditation. Studies, where yoga was combined with other interventions were excluded. The effect of yoga as an intervention was analyzed using primary outcomes such as anxiety, pain, and craving. Eight RCTs met the eligibility criteria, and quality analysis was conducted using the Cochrane criteria.Results: Among the 8 final studies eligible for quality analysis, 2 had undefined substance use, while the others were focused on tobacco, alcohol, or opioids. Seven out of 8 studies showed significant results and improved primary outcomes such as anxiety, pain, or substance use. Seven out of the 8 studies showed significant positive outcomes using yoga in conjunction with other pharmacological treatment modalities like opioid substitution therapy.Conclusions: Six out of 8 studies showed low concerns, while 2 studies showed some concerns about the risk of bias judgment. Although the results look encouraging, RCTs with larger sample size are needed to better evaluate the effectiveness of yoga as a treatment modality for substance use.

Characteristics and impact of physical activity interventions during substance use disorder treatment excluding tobacco: A systematic review

“…Given the literature shows that this activity attracts more women than men, it may be important to consider gender balance ratio in a facility for adherence to the activity [ 72 ]. Also, previous reviews underlined the potential role of yoga in the treatment of SUD [ 73 , 74 ] and suggest that this activity could reduce anxiety symptoms, pain, and substance use [ 74 ].…”

Integrative Treatment for Substance Use Disorders: Improving Outcomes Through Evidence-based Practice of Yoga-derived Breathwork and Meditation

“…Two studies focused on alcohol use disorder and 1 each for opioid use disorder, psychoactive SUD, and tobacco use disorder. The systematic reviews 7,9,11 covered a range of substances and also included breathwork and meditative practices other than SKY. The studies included a range of treatment settings from outpatient 32,33 to inpatient 34,35 to carceral.…”

“…6 There is a well-established evidence base for integrative substance use treatment using yoga-derived practices such as breathwork (controlled or paced breathing) and meditation. [7][8][9][10][11] Yoga-derived practices induce dopamine homeostasis and enhance autonomic regulation by modulating vagal tone. The vagus nerve is a critical component of the parasympathetic nervous system.…”

The Impact of One-Time Relaxation Training on Attention Efficiency Measured by Continuous Performance Test in Depressive Disorders

“…Because of their properties, relaxation techniques are used in the treatment of numerous mental [ 31 ] and somatic disorders [ 32 ]. The effectiveness of such programs is well documented in terms of regulating emotional responses in depression (relapse prevention), anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, addictions, and eating disorders [ 33 ]. Moreover, converging evidence supports the hypothesis that mindfulness practice improves cognitive abilities, particularly the ability to maintain attention and think more flexibly [ 34 ].…”