Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Addiction Treatment

Abstract

ABSTRACT As adjunctive therapy, yoga is commonly integrated into addiction treatment. However, conventional yoga practice does not intentionally address the underlying trauma that many with addictive use disorders have experienced. Considering the growing body of evidence highlighting the significant role trauma plays in the development and exacerbation of substance use disorders, it is imperative that treatment approaches address trauma and addiction symptoms simultaneously. In this article, the authors explore the interplay of trauma and addictive use disorders, discuss how yoga is currently being implemented in addiction treatment, define trauma-informed yoga, and highlight the need for addiction treatment to be trauma-informed. Finally, we present a conceptual guide for incorporating and implementing trauma-informed yoga into addiction treatment.