Namrata Walia, MD, MHA; Jennifer Matas, MPH; Acara Turner, MD; Sandra Gonzalez, PhD; Roger Zoorob, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Corresponding Author: Namrata Walia, MD, MHA; Department of Family and Community Medicine - Baylor College of Medicine. Email: namrata.walia@bcm.edu
Section: Original Research
Publication: September 16, 2021
Introduction: Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are characterized by complex interactions between various genetic, environmental, developmental, and social factors. Yoga is recommended as a non-mainstream treatment for many health conditions, including SUDs. Methods: Five databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated yoga as an intervention in adults with any type of substance use disorder. The interventions being studied included Hatha yoga, Sudarshan Kriya yoga, breathing yoga exercises, and meditation. Studies where yoga was combined with other interventions, were excluded. The effect of yoga as an intervention was analyzed using primary outcomes such as anxiety, pain and craving. Eight RCTs met the eligibility criteria, and quality analysis was conducted using the Cochrane criteria. Results: Among the eight final studies that were eligible for quality analysis, two had undefined substance use, while the others were focused on tobacco, alcohol or opioids. Seven out of a total of eight studies showed significant results and improved primary outcomes such as anxiety, pain or substance use. Seven out of the eight studies showed significant positive outcomes using yoga in conjunction with other pharmacological treatment modalities like opioid substitution therapy. Conclusions: Concluding the quality analysis of the included studies, six out of eight studies showed low concerns while two studies showed some concerns in the risk of bias judgement. Although the results look encouraging, RCTs with larger sample size are needed to better evaluate the effectiveness of yoga as a treatment modality for substance use.