People abuse drugs for various reasons. It could begin as recreational, used only in social settings; it’s usage can progress to becoming a coping mechanism when life gets tough, and/or to mask physical or emotional pain.  Whatever the reason, it serves as a temporary escape from a person’s own reality.  Over time, the person becomes addicted to being in an unnatural state in consciousness and forgets what it feels like to enjoy life naturally.

The practice of Yoga can alter the state of consciousness naturally, as it provides the practitioner with an inner-peace through meditation and breathing techniques (pranayama) and the flow of  energy (chi) through the various postures (asanas).  Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) teaches recovering addicts that they are powerless over their addiction and must rely on their “Higher Power” for strength.  As a spiritual practice (not to be confused with religion) Yoga allows an individual to draw on their inner-strength by going within and connecting with that "Higher Power" through the stillness of meditation. 

Proven studies have revealed that yoga also helps addicts with the issue of relapsing.  According to an article by Stacie Stukin, published in the 2012 October Issue of Yoga Journal, a small 2007 pilot study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, demonstrated that yoga may be able to change brain chemistry. Low levels of GABA are associated with anxiety and depression, conditions often considered to underlie addiction and trigger relapse.

Having worked with women who were in recovery from substance abuse for several years, I understand the shame their addictive behavior had caused.  They didn’t like who they had become and suffered from having low self-esteem and self-worth. Taking yoga helped them to transform their feelings about themselves and have given them a more positive outlook on life.