Inspirations on De-addiction to Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in Our Ancient Indian Yogic Texts

Abstract

It has become obvious that `the war on drugs` has not dampened the use, abuse and trade of drugs; In fact, their use has increased. It is now long overdue to look into other reasons as to why drug use is so prevalent, especially in the modernized world, and how ancient knowledge of human being and spiritualized focus systems like yoga can contribute to our understanding of our tendency towards drug use. The marijuana, cocaine ecstasy, speed, alcohol, psychedelics, heroin and pharmaceuticals have effects on the body, mind and spirit according to the science of yoga. Yoga is an alternative, a positive way to generate a change in consciousness that instead of providing an escape empowers people with an ability to access a peaceful, restorative inner state that integrates mind, body and spirit. Yoga is a great way to slowly reintroduce someone to physical sensation. It is also very relaxing. So, in terms of anxiety, stress and depression that arise from intoxication, yoga is invaluable in helping people stay calm and grounded. It is increasingly being used in substance abuse treatment programs and through recovery to help prevent relapse, reduce withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. It provides a healthy outlet to cope with potential triggers and daily life stressors. The yoga does not require expensive equipmentor a special location. It can be practiced anywhere at any time as needed. Coming from the Sanskrit word Yuj, which is interpreted to mean `union’, yoga is an ancient technique designed to bring mind and body closer together with the use of exercise, meditation and breathing. It has been traditionally recognized as a metaphysical and spiritual science leading to the union of individual consciousness and cosmic being with integration of body, mind and spirit. The psycho-somatic diseases and the therapy engulfing the modern world has already been dealt in detail through the psychotherapeutic concepts in the various yogic scripts right from the Vedic period up to the recent modern age. The ancient Vedicscripts vehemently discourage the usage of drugs for recreational purpose. Overuse of alcohol or any other intoxicant is condemned upon and there are lots of references that teach against using any such substance for intoxication. Desire leads to repeated sensual pleasure which leads to addiction. Addiction to alcohol can be overcome by diverting the mind to a spiritual path characterized by doing one`s duty coupled with yoga, meditation and relaxation techniques. The ancient Indian yogic texts strongly advocate the significance of de-addiction to alcoholism and drug abuse.

Keywords: Addiction to alcohols, deaddiction, ways of deaddiction, yoga in ancient texts, Vedic scriptures, Patanjali Yoga Sutra

Cite this Article
Ramadhevi R., Ramadas V. Inspirations on De-Addiction to Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in Our Ancient Indian Yogic Texts. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Ayurvedic Science, Yoga and Naturopathy. 2019; 6(3): 38–43p.