Yoga Can Help Cut Severe, Initial Opioid-Withdrawal Period in Half, Study Finds

Researchers say results could dramatically increase chances of recovery

Just 10 sessions of yoga can cut the length of the initial, most severe period of opioid withdrawal nearly in half, dramatically increasing the odds of successful recovery, new research shows.

The first days of withdrawal pose highest risk of dropout and relapse as they are marked by often severe sleeplessness, anxiety, pain, and other symptoms, according to Associate Professor of Psychiatry Kevin Hill of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center’s Division of Addiction Psychiatry and an author of the study.

“If we can make the treatment period shorter and more pleasant we have a better chance of success,” Hill said.