Silent healer: Meditation and its effects on treating substance abuse

Addiction has become a public health crisis today, affecting millions of lives worldwide.

- DR ISHAN SHIVANAND

Synthetic opioids like illicit fentanyl have worsened the concern, leading to devastating consequences. According to a WHO report, 80% of drug-related deaths in 2019 were linked to opioids, with 25% attributed to overdoses. While traditional treatment methods play a critical role, the complexity of addiction calls for innovative approaches that go beyond conventional therapies. As part of native medicine, yogabased meditative interventions have always existed as powerful tools to combat this battle. Leveraging the traditional Indian Knowledge Systems and the brilliance of modern science, they offer a holistic approach to healing, addressing the root causes of addiction and paving the way for lasting recovery.

MBRT, a combination of meditation, breathwork and yogic practices - based on the principles of evidence-based Yoga of Immortals (YOI) modalities offers an integrative approach to preventing and managing addiction.