Can Yoga Change the Detox Experience?
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By
January 12, 2026
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3 min
A randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry showed that a structured yoga program significantly improved recovery outcomes for men with opioid use disorder receiving standard buprenorphine treatment. Conducted in India with 59 adult male participants experiencing opioid withdrawal, the study found that those in the yoga group reached stabilization in withdrawal more quickly, showing a median time of 5 days compared to 9 days for the standard care group. Autonomic regulation also improved, evidenced by enhanced heart rate variability. The feasibility of a yoga adjunct intervention in acute withdrawal settings was demonstrated, indicating it could be a valuable and scalable resource in opioid use disorder treatment.
1. Yoga significantly accelerated recovery from opioid withdrawal alongside buprenorphine. 2. Participants in the yoga group stabilized in 5 days vs. 9 days for standard care. 3. Heart rate variability improved with the yoga intervention. 4. Over 90% of patients attended at least 8 yoga sessions. 5. Patients reported reduced anxiety and improved sleep latency.
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