How often have you drunk, smoked, or used a drug more than you thought you would at a time?
Himanshu Nagarkar, a former chain smoker shares, “When I started, I smoked once a month. After some time, that figure became once a day, and then soon, I was smoking 40 cigarettes daily.”
Most substance users don’t realize when they start getting addicted. The same happened with Himanshu. After a car accident, doctors saw nicotine patches on his lungs and gave him an ultimatum: You will survive only for 15 days. That is when he resolved to change his life. He chanced about the Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique that helped him rejuvenate his lungs and quit smoking entirely. He is now a mountaineer and a lawyer.
The high, the crazy trips, the exhilaration, and the calm - all have a moment of expiry. The short-term good experiences hold little meaning when anxiety, aggression, desperation, and physical ailments (that initially skip your attention) take over in daily life.
Dr. Purshottam Wayal, a former alcohol addict and college professor shares, “Matters reached a flashpoint when I completely lost track of my life. I felt guilty that I was tarnishing the reputation of my family and college. On the other hand, I indulged in drinking to relieve myself from anxiety and tension.”
No substance user thinks that they will reach this stage, but many do. But all is not lost if you seek the right intervention at the right time.
Overcoming addiction with your breath
In 2015, eighty-four heroin users participated in a life-altering research study conducted by AIIMS. All of them were undergoing treatment at a community-based clinic of the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) in East Delhi.
The control group was given standard treatment -- pharmacotherapy and psychosocial intervention -- whereas the study groups, besides standard therapy, also learned the Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique. They were encouraged to practice the technique at home every day and advised to further participate in a weekly follow-up program.
It was observed that there was a higher percentage of relief seen in the group of users who, along with standard therapy, practiced Sudarshan Kriya and meditation. A similar study on those with alcohol addiction showed that regular practice of Sudarshan Kriya significantly reduced the urge to overdrink. The success of Sudarshan Kriya for deaddiction therapy has also been proven for other substances including tobacco.
Sudarshan Kriya for deaddiction therapy: How does it work
Several studies prove the role of Sudarshan Kriya in deaddiction. Even those who don’t identify themselves as addicts or dependent users have found the breathing technique useful in improving moods and reducing the urge to use substances. Here are four ways in which Sudarshan Kriya helps to reduce all kinds of addiction including drug addiction.
Reduces the anxiety & impulsivity to indulge
Most people experiencing addiction feel mighty anxious to get their next drink/ smoke or stash. Battling this intense anxiety is hard. Sudarshan Kriya helps mellow down this impairing anxiety. A user can regulate their emotions better. The anger, anxiety, and depression induced by substances begin to fall off. These negative emotions start having less control over one’s impulse to indulge in a substance.
Strengthens one’s resolve
Independent studies confirm that the breathing technique strengthens one’s self-esteem. As your self-confidence increases, your willpower to quit also increases.
Replaces the substance-induced high with a natural one
This one is special. If you can naturally experience the bliss and awareness of a ‘fantastic trip’, why would you want to risk your health, bear long-term damages, and spend crazy amounts of money because of substances? Sudarshan Kriya and meditation promise this side-effect-free state of bliss.
Increases awareness
When you are more aware, you are more likely to make the right decisions. Breathing and meditation improve one’s awareness. When your awareness wins over your impulses, you are less likely to pick that extra drink when no one is watching.
Inspiring stories
Helping people on the road to deaddiction
Experience freedom from addiction with Sudarshan Kriya in Wellness Program for Substance Users or Quit Tobacco Program.
Yes, people with a range of addictions have found relief. Talk to an expert to know more.
Sudarshan Kriya is a breathing technique that does not require a lot of time to practice and it makes it easy for anyone to meditate. When you learn the technique, there will be trained professionals to guide you and help you through every challenge.
Sudarshan Kriya has been proven to reduce anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors. So, yes it can definitely help.
Every user is vulnerable to becoming dependent as there is no way to predict who is likely to get hooked. Also, you’d be happy to know that relying on your breath for joy and happiness comes without any side-effects or withdrawal symptoms.
