Yoga and Cravings: How Yoga Therapy Can Support Recovery
Cravings are one of the hardest parts of recovery. A 2024 study published in the Archives of Mental Health found that adding yoga therapy to standard care significantly reduced alcohol cravings and perceived stress among individuals in treatment for alcohol dependence.
What the Study Found
In this randomized controlled trial of 80 participants:
The yoga group practiced three sessions per week for 2 months alongside standard medical care.
The control group received standard care alone.
The yoga group showed significantly lower craving and stress scores (P < 0.001).
The authors concluded that yoga therapy may be a safe, cost-effective, and valuable adjunct to de-addiction programs.
“Yoga therapy may be a valuable adjunct to de-addiction therapy for individuals with alcohol dependence… offering a cost-effective and safe non-pharmacological modality to reduce craving and perceived stress.” — Rajasekaran et al., 2024
Why This Matters
Yoga therapy doesn’t replace medical or psychological treatment—it supports it.
Regulates stress response: Breathwork and mindful movement lower perceived stress, a key relapse trigger.
Enhances self-awareness: Helps individuals notice and ride out craving waves without acting on them.
Builds consistency: Regular practice supports nervous-system resilience and emotional balance.
How VibrantLife™ Integrates This
At VibrantLife™ Yoga Therapy, sessions for recovery emphasize:
Gentle, grounding movement
Breath regulation (pranayama) for nervous-system balance
Guided relaxation and mindfulness techniques
These sessions are designed to complement clinical treatment and counseling—not replace them.
