YOGA FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY

AMY CATHERINE MATELIC, LICENSED MASTER SOCIAL WORKER AND REGISTERED CERTIFIED 200 HOUR YOGA TEACHER

YOGA FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY

• Websites: yogaofrecovery.com, yogafortrauma.com• What is yoga?• Most people think yoga is asana’s (poses), breathing, relaxation, diet

and meditation• Most people think yoga is how we use the mind• Most people think people who practice yoga look forward to their day• Most people think yoga is living a well life one day at a time

YOGA FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY

• Some people think yoga gives us a place to go beyond our suffering• Some people think yoga is about love and truthfulness• Some people think everything people do in the nature of suffering

leads to recovery• Yoga is a physical and metaphysical aspect to healing• The people who say “I cant do yoga,” are the people who need yoga

and meditation the most• Meditation is yoga=yoga is mediation of the mind

INSTEAD OF CALLING IT “YOGA” LETS CALL IT “EXERCISE THERAPY”

• Why?• People here the word “yoga” and they think they are going to be put

into a “pretzel type figure”• “Talk therapy” does not reach every aspect of the mind. • It does not activate the neurotransmitters in the brain.• Yoga should be done in a group setting in a safe place and in a safe

space.

YOGA IS AND WHAT YOGA IS NOT

NOT• A protocol• A prescription• A policy or procedure• A drug related phenomena

IS• An invitation• Physical and mental

conversation about how addiction has affected your life today

• Centered around a holistic practice

YOGA PRACTICE

YES• Personal practice at home• Group practice at work• Proper diet and nutrition• Community involvement

NO• Labeling• Judgmental attitudes• Comparisons of others

FROM ILLNESS TO WELLNESSBENEFITS

GOOD STRESS MODE ACTIVATIONPOSSIBLE HAPPINESSSELF INTROSPECTION

OBSESSION VERSUS REALITYA ROAD MAP NOT A DESTINATION

HAVING A SENSE OF PLAY“KARMA”

SELF HARM REDUCTIONSAFE ADDICTION TO EXERCISE THERAPY

YOGA CAN BE A PATH TO SOMETHING GREATER…..