Addiction, Recovery & Yoga
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Adaptation
Overview
In this lesson, we lay the foundation for exploring the topics of addiction and recovery, and how yoga can play a supportive role.
Objective
Gain a foundational understanding of the characteristics of addiction and considerations from a yogic perspective.
What You'll Get
Define addiction in a nutshell and provide other expert definitions. Aside from the most obvious substances of drugs and alcohol, disclose the other items that make up the “Big 6 Addictions” according to expert Tommy Rosen. Expound on the thesis that addiction is the greatest social problem of our time. Note the prevalence of alcohol use disorder and drug use disorder. Describe a common stereotype about addiction and contrast this with the Eastern perspective of addiction. Detail what each of us can do to begin to soften the stigma around addiction. Experts consistently agree that yoga is not a cure for addiction, but rather is a tool in the recovery toolbox. Provide information that supports this statement. Recount three general ways in which yoga can help with addiction recovery, and also provide three specific ways. Specify how spiritual well-being may relate to addiction recovery, and other considerations that may be key to successful recovery.
Defining Addiction
In a Nutshell
I define addiction as any behavior you continue to do despite the fact that it brings negative consequences to your life. — Tommy Rosen
More Definitions
- “A person suffering from addiction cannot control how much or how often they partake in a substance or engage in an activity, and they become dependent on it in order to cope with daily life.” (Adam Felman)
- “A mental disorder which compels someone to repeatedly use substances or engage in behaviors even though they have harmful consequences.” (Addiction Center)
- “Anything used to escape an intolerable reality is something that could lead to or form an addiction, including, but not limited to: food, sex, exercise, work/activity, caffeine, media, alcohol, shopping, OCD behaviors, nicotine, gambling, relationships, power and control, and illegal prescription drugs.” (Nikki Meyers).
- Although he is clear that any behavior with negative consequences constitutes an addiction, Tommy Rosen enumerates what he calls the Big 6 Addictions: drugs, alcohol, food, people, money, and technology. (Recovery 2.0)
Prevalence
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Discussion
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