Study Finds Yoga Boosts Substance Use Recovery Outcomes

Integrating yoga into traditional treatment programs leads to significant improvements, researchers say.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:33am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph showing the intricate structure of a human spine, conveying the restorative power of yoga for the body and mind.An X-ray-like image revealing the delicate inner workings of the human body, representing how yoga can aid in the restorative process of substance use recovery.San Diego Today

A new study published in the Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research finds that integrating yoga into traditional substance use recovery programs significantly improves outcomes for participants, offering a promising low-cost adjunct to clinical treatment. Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, and the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 120 adults enrolled in outpatient recovery programs for alcohol and opioid use disorders.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that yoga can be an effective and accessible complement to standard substance use disorder treatment, potentially helping more people achieve long-term recovery. Incorporating yoga into recovery programs could improve outcomes and reduce relapse rates at a relatively low cost compared to other clinical interventions.

The details

Participants were divided into two groups: one received standard care including counseling and medication-assisted treatment, while the other received the same standard care plus two 60-minute yoga sessions per week for 12 weeks. The researchers found that the group receiving the yoga intervention showed significantly greater improvements in measures of substance use, mental health, and overall wellbeing compared to the control group.

  • The study was published on April 20, 2026 in the Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research.
  • The randomized controlled trial took place over a 12-week period.

The players

University of California, San Diego

A public research university located in San Diego, California, known for its programs in medicine, engineering, and the sciences.

Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System

A network of medical facilities operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that provides healthcare services to military veterans in the San Diego region.

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What they’re saying

“Integrating yoga into traditional substance use recovery programs can be a powerful, low-cost way to improve outcomes and support long-term sobriety.”

— Dr. Emily Chen, Lead Researcher, University of California, San Diego

The takeaway

This study adds to the growing body of evidence that complementary therapies like yoga can be highly beneficial for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. By incorporating accessible, holistic practices into traditional clinical treatment, recovery programs may be able to better support patients in achieving lasting sobriety and improved overall wellbeing.