9 January 2026: A new study by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) has found that structured yoga-based interventions can significantly reduce the duration and severity of opioid withdrawal, cutting recovery time by nearly half when combined with standard medical care.
The research, conducted at NIMHANS’ Centre for Addiction Medicine in Bengaluru, focused on patients undergoing treatment for opioid dependence. According to the findings, individuals who practiced guided yoga alongside conventional pharmacological therapy experienced faster detoxification, reduced cravings, and improved overall well-being compared to those who received medical treatment alone.
Opioid dependence remains a major public health challenge in India, particularly in northern states, where misuse of prescription painkillers and illicit opioids has risen sharply over the past decade. Withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, body pain, gastrointestinal distress, and intense cravings often make recovery difficult, increasing the risk of relapse.
The NIMHANS study observed patients over several weeks during the detoxification and early recovery phase. Participants in the yoga group followed a structured daily routine that included breathing exercises (pranayama), physical postures (asanas), relaxation techniques, and meditation. These sessions were supervised by trained instructors and tailored to suit patients in withdrawal.
Researchers found that patients practicing yoga showed quicker stabilization of withdrawal symptoms, with many completing the acute withdrawal phase in nearly half the time typically expected. In addition to faster physical recovery, the yoga group also demonstrated lower anxiety levels, improved sleep patterns, and better emotional regulation.
One of the key benefits highlighted by the study was yoga’s impact on the nervous system. Withdrawal is known to cause heightened stress responses and dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. Yoga practices, particularly controlled breathing and meditation, were found to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping reduce stress, calm the mind, and ease physical discomfort.
Mental health experts involved in the study noted that yoga also helped patients cope with psychological cravings, which are often the biggest barrier to sustained recovery. By improving self-awareness and emotional control, yoga appeared to reduce impulsive behavior and the urge to relapse during early treatment.
Importantly, researchers stressed that yoga is not a standalone cure for opioid addiction. Instead, it works best as an adjunct to evidence-based medical treatments such as medication-assisted therapy and counseling. When integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan, yoga can enhance outcomes, improve patient engagement, and support long-term recovery.
The findings have drawn attention from public health experts and policymakers, who see yoga as a low-cost, accessible, and culturally acceptable intervention that could be scaled up across government-run de-addiction centers. Unlike many pharmacological treatments, yoga has minimal side effects and can be practiced even after discharge, offering continued support during rehabilitation.
NIMHANS officials said the study strengthens the case for integrating traditional wellness practices with modern medicine, especially in mental health and addiction care. They also called for larger, multi-center trials to further validate the results and develop standardized yoga protocols for substance use disorders.
As India continues to grapple with opioid misuse, the study offers renewed hope that holistic approaches combining medical science with mind-body practices can play a crucial role in addressing addiction and supporting recovery.
Summary :
A NIMHANS study finds that adding structured yoga therapy to standard treatment can cut opioid withdrawal time by nearly half, easing symptoms, reducing cravings, and improving recovery outcomes.