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Traditional treatments like antidepressants have been less effective for opioid misuse recovery in the past. Studies suggest Tai Chi, a mind-body exercise, could prove useful in recovery. With no single solution to withdrawal and other conditions related to recovery, Tai Chi is shown to improve mental health at no cost.
In a study done by Dr. Pao-Feng Tsai, she looked into whether drug users would be open to a mind-body therapy such as Tai Chi (TC). The report noted, “At least 40.2 percent of participants expressed moderate or higher levels of interest in TC for improving health outcomes, with [meth] patients more interested in participating to ease mental and sleep problems.”
Various methods have been researched and tested to try to solve the opioid crisis. One of the more unknown techniques is Tai Chi. Tai Chi has helped many with depression and better cognitive function, both of which can be severely affected by opioids.
Opioids generally cause the body to release endorphins, which block the brain’s pain receptors. According to the article Opioid Use Disorder: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment, this essentially leads to more misuse of the drug and physical and mental health issues, including depression, various personality disorders, anxiety, and PTSD. Studies from UCLA Health show that “antidepressant medication alone found that more than 60% failed to achieve remission, facing a higher occurrence of chronic pain, illness and overall cognitive decline.”
So what does Tai Chi do that is helpful?
Well for one, Tai Chi is helpful to mental health. A study from JAMA Internal Medicine argues, “Tai Chi is practiced…and is also thought to improve psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression.” In addition, UCLA Health found the same results, stating “Those practicing Tai Chi were found to have a higher chance of achieving remission and demonstrated less severe symptoms and markers of stress, as well as improvements in cognitive functioning. ” Not only can it solve cognitive decline, but it can also address other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, both of which can be caused by opioids. Tai Chi has also been found to reduce opioid use that might be caused by depression. In an article by Zhanette Coffee and a multitude of other researchers, it’s stated that “Mind-body therapies (e.g., mindfulness, acupuncture, Tai Chi) have shown promise in reducing stress, drug cravings, and pain while improving well-being.”
Additionally, Tai Chi may be a money-free solution to the opioid epidemic.
Tai Chi is a gentle exercise that many people can practice in the park. Many people who were drug users can’t or won’t be able to pay for extracurricular programs, but Tai Chi is free. Oftentimes, there are community or neighborhood clubs that meet for fun at no cost. A public test run of a community Tai Chi group was done in Hong Kong in 2005, led by Dr. Alice Y. Jones and others, who stated, “..it should be considered as a public health strategy.”
Although opioid recovery is complex and difficult, there are many solutions other than antidepressants. Physical therapy, music therapy, and even a mind-body therapy like Tai Chi can help ease the opioid crisis and possibly show results.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
