Abstract
Background
Yoga has been shown to be an adjunct in the rehabilitation of drug abusers and alcoholics. Yoga’s appeal in addiction treatment programs is its emphasis on focus, concentration, and impulse control. Yoga can build up strength in addicts to fight their diseases while balancing self forgiveness with continued growth.
Method
Single Group Pre-post Design. A study was done to evaluate the effect of an integrated yoga approach on alcohol craving, withdrawal symptoms, depression and anxiety levels in Alcoholics. The total no of n=50 subjects between 19 to 66 years were assessed before and after one month of yoga intervention. All were men and alcoholics. Integrated yoga practices include Breathing Practices, loosening practices, yoga postures, meditation and relaxation techniques for one and half hours per day.
Result
The data were not normally distributed and were analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. There was a significant reduction in alcohol withdrawal symptoms scores (CIWA), anxiety and depression scores (HADS) and alcohol craving scores ACQ-SF-R (p<0.001) following Yoga intervention.
Conclusion
The result of present study showed significant reduction in alcohol craving, withdrawal symptoms, anxiety and depression in alcoholics. Overall the results suggest that alcohol craving, withdrawal symptoms, anxiety and depression in alcoholics reduce with yoga intervention.
Keywords
Alcohol craving Withdrawal symptoms Anxiety.
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