Yoga and health benefits may extend to people struggling with addiction

Overcoming addiction is the subject of numerous inspirational stories for teens and adults, many of which focus on falling back on one's yoga community in times of need. Studies have shown that yoga and other complementary therapies may help individuals who are at risk for substance abuse problems. But who are these people? Dr. Richard Friedman recently answered this question in a popular New York Times essay.

He began by ruminating on the possible reasons behind the tragic and premature end of singer Amy Winehouse, who passed away on July 23. The 27-year-old's cause of death has not yet been released to the public, but Friedman notes that her battles with drugs, alcohol and mental health issues were well known, even before her death.

These, in fact, are some of the strongest risk factors for addiction: youth, mental illness and alcohol abuse.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people with anxiety or depression are more likely to use drugs, possibly as a way to cope with mental pressure. This is one reason why alternative therapists often push holistic regimens for addicts, since the connection between yoga and health benefits is well established, especially for people who need to mentally unburden themselves.

In 2007, Winehouse admitted to Rolling Stone that she suffered from depression and self-harming behavior.

"I do suffer from depression, I suppose. Which isn't that unusual. You know, a lot of people do. But I think because I had an older brother, I did a lot of that 'Oh, life's so depressing' stuff before I was even twelve," she told the magazine.

The singer was also known to be addicted to high-powered, intravenous drugs, which the National Institute on Drug Abuse says can increase the risk of addiction. The UK Telegraph reported that Winehouse was once hospitalized for an "overdose of heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine and alcohol."

Researchers are still exploring the benefits of yoga for people with substance abuse problems. Those with a known addiction may require medical intervention.

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