Yoga is a complex mind–body intervention involving spiritual practice, physical activity, breathing exercises, mindfulness and meditation [1142, 1143]. Although the traditional goal of yoga is to unite body, mind, and spirit and achieve self-awareness, yoga has become a popular method of maintaining physical and mental health [1142–1144]. Yoga practice commonly involves postures to improve strength and flexibility, breathing exercises to focus the mind and assist with relaxation, and meditation to calm the mind [1144].
Several systematic reviews have been conducted to assess the efficacy of yoga as an intervention for depression. These studies have found limited to moderate support for short-term improvements in severity of depression in yoga with meditation-based practice (as opposed to exercise-based practice) [1145–1148]. Further, yoga has been shown to result in similar remission rates compared to ECT, and similar short-term improvements in symptoms compared to antidepressant medication [1145]. However, the current evidence base is hampered by the limited number of RCTs comprising small samples.
Reviews of yoga efficacy among people with various standalone AOD use disorders have highlighted equivalent or superior improvements in AOD use and psychosocial outcomes when compared to controls (e.g., attention, waitlist, physical exercise). There is also evidence to suggest that it may enhance the effects of other evidence-based psychological treatments, such as CBT [1149, 1150]. However, only one study to date has examined the effect of yoga breathing (Sudarshana Kriya Yoga) on depressive symptoms among people with alcohol dependence [1151]. This study found that the yoga intervention was associated with reduced depressive symptoms compared to the control group. Although the effectiveness of yoga as a treatment for people with co-occurring AOD and depressive disorders needs further investigation, these findings indicate that yoga may be considered as an additional treatment for clients with co-occurring AOD use and depression.