Yoga used in regards to addiction and mental health could be beneficial, but at the same time, I feel like it would depend on the context in which it is being used. As a singular treatment, I do not think that it would be effective for addiction or mental health. Using yoga as part of a treatment regimen would be a better use.
For addiction, I feel that yoga would be useful for giving an addict a way to focus. Many times an addict has lost friends and family, and even their jobs. They have a lot of free time due to this when they decide to get clean. Having yoga would give them something to do that is not meetings that would help keep them busy and keep their minds occupied. Another thing it could help with is giving addicts a new crowd to hang with, so to speak. One of the key things they talk about in addiction counseling is people and places. Attending a yoga class would give the addict a new place and new people that have nothing to do with their addiction. On the other hand, having an addictive personality could mean that yoga could become another addiction, or possibly be used as a crutch.
For mental health, I believe that yoga could be beneficial depending on the type of mental illness. Mental illnesses that manifest physically as well as mentally could prohibit the individual from being able to do many of the postures in a safe manner. Therefore, it could cause physical trauma to the individual. Also, those with certain mental illnesses that affect the individual's ability to learn new things could also pose a safety risk if they aren't able to understand the directions being given to them. On the other hand, for those with mental illnesses such as bipolar or manic depression yoga could be a good thing to add to their treatment regimens. It would give them a means of connecting with others in a safe or non-judgemental environment. It would also give them something to focus on that is positive.
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