Yoga May Support Opioid Detox Recovery

A recent study conducted in India in India analyzed opioid detox outcomes in recovery programs that incorporated yoga.

The study, led by Suffala Goutham from the Department of Integrative Medicine, which falls under the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, found that those doing yoga experienced faster stabilization of opioid withdrawal symptoms during detox and improved autonomic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for all our bodies’ “basic” involuntary systems, like digestion, breathing and the beating of our hearts. Dysregulation of this system leads to discomfort felt by patients suffering through opiate withdrawal.

Goutham’s team identified that yoga and other holistic therapies may be able to treat the symptoms of autonomic imbalance that more traditional treatment methods can’t address.

Yoga as Support During Opioid Detox

For the purposes of this study, a randomized group of patients was admitted into an inpatient facility between April 2023 and March 2024.

Fifty-nine randomly selected male patients between the ages of 18 and 50 were either given buprenorphine.

It’s a recognized medication assisted treatment (MAT) used in opioid detox and withdrawal management, on its own or MAT that included regular yoga sessions. Those in the yoga group received 10 yoga classes that lasted 45 minutes each.

Can Yoga Improve Opioid Withdrawal Outcomes?

Goutham’s study yielded several promising results that showed how adding yoga to an opiate recovery plan can speed up recovery.

Notably, the group receiving yoga stabilized their opioid withdrawal symptoms in roughly five days, approximately four days faster than the control group. 

The yoga group also showed better autonomic balance and regulation in a shorter time, faster reduction in reported anxiety levels, better sleep and less pain.

Although the researchers acknowledged a few limitations, such as the focus on men, the overarching result still indicates that yoga and other mindfulness or wellness practices can significantly improve the lives and treatment outcomes of those recovering from opiate addictions.

Find Holistic Treatment Options

Yoga is a great resource and is often included in holistic treatment programs. You can search detox.com’s list of detox centers to find one that can supplement opioid detox with yoga and other forms of exercise. You can also call 800-996-6135(Sponsored) for additional support.