Holistic approaches are part of many recovery programs.
They can help you heal and grow through all stages of recovery.
- Yoga
Yoga combines a set of exercises (called poses or postures) with slow breathing to release tension, calm the mind, and develop patience. It can be used both as a physical and spiritual practice.
When done regularly it can help reduce cravings, anxiety, and fear – common causes of relapse.

Yoga of 12 Step Recovery
Y12SR is a holistic approach to recovery. It combines the physical aspects of yoga with the 12-step recovery model. Their website has a locator to help you find a meeting near you. Each meeting has a group sharing circle and a yoga class taught by a certified Y12SR leader.

Yoga Studio Mobile App
Fit for Life, LLCAvailability: iOS
Price: $3.99
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
With 65 easy to follow yoga and meditation classes and a collection of over 280 poses with detailed instructions you can create your own unique HD video classes. Good for both beginners and more experienced practitioners. It works on the iPhone, iPad and new Apple TV.

Seated Yoga Poses
These eight classic seated yoga poses from Shatterproof can be practiced almost anywhere to help you feel calm, centered and more balanced. Try the ones that you are able to do with ease.
Research StudiesResearch Studies
Three studies looked at yoga for treating substance use disorder. In one study those who did yoga (once a day for 6 weeks) felt better and had less anxiety. Another found that people who did yoga had positive changes in alcohol use 6 months after the study ended. In the third study yoga improved mood, comfort and health in women in outpatient detox for heroin after 6 months.
Yoga for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression, and Substance Abuse: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2015 Jun 22. SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE.
A small but growing number of good studies on smoking, alcohol, and drug use disorders support yoga and mindfulness-based therapies as added treatments for recovery.
Khanna S, Greeson JM. A narrative review of yoga and mindfulness as complementary therapies for addiction. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 21(3):244-52, 2013.
This article describes specific yoga techniques used for detox and rehabilitation including breath control, relaxation and meditation, yoga postures, diet, and chanting. Research strongly suggests that yoga is a positive addition to rehab and an aid to detox. If used with counseling and group work, yoga can further help the healing process.
Lohman R. Yoga techniques applicable within drug and alcohol rehabilitation programmes. Therapeutic Communities. 20(1): 61-71, 1999.
- Acupuncture
- Animal/Pet Therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Biofeedback
- Creative Arts Therapy: Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Poetry
- Coloring Therapy
- Gardening
- Guided Imagery
- Herbal Therapy
- Homeopathy
- Hypnosis
- Journaling
- Massage Therapy and Bodywork
- Meditation/Mindfulness
- Nature
- Nutrition
- QiGONG