A new study published in the Frontiers in Psychiatry Journal this week has claimed to provide evidence that tailored programs including yoga and mindfulness for individuals in rehab could lead to remarkable effects with regard to blood pressure, vital capacity, flexibility, and aerobic endurance in comparison with conventional rehabilitation methods.
According to the 2019 World Drug Report, released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in June 2019, a total of 271 million people worldwide used illicit drugs in the previous year, whereby 35 million people were estimated to be suffering from substance use disorder (SUD)
This Chinese study includes a useful review of previous research and states that yoga and meditation “must be considered as an alternative treatment approach that can induce neuroplasticity on individuals with SUD” It points to some interesting work that demonstrates how mindful movement increases the concentration of neurotransmitters, which contribute to exercise-induced reward”. In addition, a meta-analysis shows that PE increases the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factors compared with control conditions. This kind of activity, they state “ evokes hippocampal neurogenesis, a process that may positively affect stress-related disorders”
The review article is useful as it brings together findings where several mind-body therapies have been reported to decrease indicators of sympathetic activation. “Mind-body approaches may satisfy unmet medical needs by relieving symptoms associated with chronic diseases in the management of mild-moderate mental and physical symptoms“, they state, adding “MBE, such as yoga, tai chi or qi gong are known to have a sustaining influence on the behavioral, psychological, and physiological levels of observation. By performing slow, coordinated movements in harmony with specific breathing rhythms and techniques, MBE not only affects the memory, but also demands multiple high-order cognitions (e.g., perceptual speed, visual-spatial ability, attention, multitasking, and planning) to maintain their postural stability.
This impact is supported by studies that associate functional changes with neurophysiological mechanisms, such as increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. Studies (linked to in the article) that connect plasticity in brain morphology and function, including processes central to executive function, which influence attention and memory, provide additional evidence of the far-reaching effects of these activities.
The new study argues that “a 12-weeks yoga intervention can reduce substance intake, relieve the stress of SUD, and support individuals with SUD in getting back to normal life. Notably, most results of these studies indicate the amelioration of life quality after yoga exercise”.
The authors also make the case that “Mindfulness meditation may be another important approach to treat addiction” A review showed that after mindfulness meditation training, individuals’ substance craving would decrease , and after 8 weeks of training, the risk of relapse would significantly reduce. This training approach improves the executive functions in adolescents with MA use disorders (38). Emerging evidence has shown that mindfulness meditation can treat and prevent SUD and other behavioral disorders by increasing the activity in areas of the brain involved in mood regulation (see link in article attached).
The study authors own research involved a single-blind (assessor-blind), 6-months randomized control trial. Participants were individuals with SUD randomly allocated to an MBE or Control group
The study concluded that “Tai chi, qi gong, and yoga MBEs using meditation, imagery, breathing, general relaxation, and stress reduction played active roles in the overall effects whilst practicing . A reduction of Blood Pressure might stem from the enhancement of the parasympathetic tone and reduction of the sympathetic tone during the MBEs”
And in their final discussion of results, the researchers state “Our findings indicate that Mind Body Exercise has better physical fitness and mental effects than the conventional physical rehabilitation method. This approach may help participants in maintaining their body weight, decreasing the deterioration of aerobic capacity, and alleviating the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The quality of life of individuals with SUD can be improved by continually practicing MBE after intervention”
You can access the research in full here
The Minded Institute is hosting a Yoga Therapy for Addictions Online Course in March, further info and booking here:
