Yoga can assist recovering addicts in maintaining the focus required to remain mentally strong and goal-focused. Additionally, yoga instruction places an emphasis on being aware of one's thoughts and feelings without the need to "numb out" with drugs.
Yoga can significantly reduce cravings by assisting people in achieving a calmer state of mind. Yoga has also been demonstrated to naturally raise dopamine levels in the brain following withdrawal, when the brain is practically deprived of the pleasurable chemical.
The prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for self-control and one that is severely damaged by substance use, is developed with regular yoga practise.
Yoga provides downtime for the nervous system, with the by-product being better sleep.