According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse 23.5 million people over the age of 12 needed treatment for addiction in 2009. Those numbers represent people struggling with alcohol and “illicit drugs” alone, and are not a reflection of how many individuals actually received the care they needed that year.

Addiction isn’t a minority issue in the United States, it’s endemic. Despite an array of treatment options — from long term inpatient rehabilitation centers, to Alcoholic Anonymous/ Narcotics Anonymous meetings — many individuals are far from addiction free. If you, or someone you know is struggling with addiction, here are a few alternative methods to try in conjunction with more standard practices.

1. Meditation, mindfulness, and yoga

The practice of Yoga is meant to unite mind, body, and spirit through postures, meditation, and breathing. Often, addicts are disassociated from their bodies, minds, and feelings. Regaining themselves and learning to put the outside world away has proved beneficial for many addicts. [Read more…]