Yoga, celebrated globally recently on International Yoga Day, shows promise as a low-cost and low-risk adjunct therapy for reducing opioid dependence, according to recent research.

A yoga module developed specifically for opioid use disorder (OUD) patients aims to offer an alternative or complementary treatment to traditional methods. Opioids, which include natural compounds like heroin and morphine as well as synthetic drugs such as codeine and tramadol, interact with receptors in the brain to reduce pain. However, prolonged use can lead to severe physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Opioid use disorder is a serious condition often associated with significant social, occupational, and financial impairments. Symptoms of withdrawal can be intense, including severe body aches, anxiety, and sleeplessness.

In search of alternative treatments, Dr. Hemant Bhargav from the Integrated Centre for Yoga at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore conducted a study supported by the Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM) program. This research aimed to test the feasibility and reliability of a yoga module delivered through telehealth.

The findings were promising. Yoga was shown to increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and oxytocin in the brain, which are beneficial in managing withdrawal symptoms and preventing relapse. Additionally, yoga was found to enhance prefrontal brain activation, reduce impulsivity, and promote positive behavioral changes, aiding self-regulation.

In an initial clinical case study with a nine-month follow-up, the yoga module provided significant relief for patients suffering from opioid dependence. Following this, a randomized controlled trial involving 60 participants was conducted. One group received yoga therapy alongside standard treatment, while another group participated in exercise routines in addition to standard treatment. After 12 weeks, the yoga group was 2.68 times more likely to test negative for opioids compared to the exercise group.

The study concluded that yoga not only supports abstinence but also significantly reduces pain, craving, anxiety, and depression, while improving sleep quality and overall quality of life. Brain imaging revealed that OUD patients showed reduced activation in brain regions associated with craving and stress after practicing yoga, suggesting a potential mechanism for its effectiveness.

Yoga presents a viable and economical adjunct therapy for those battling opioid dependence, enhancing the effectiveness of conventional treatments and improving patients' overall well-being.