When we get stressed out or feel overwhelmed, it’s really important to have an outlet – a way to chill out. Although some people work out, play sports or talk to their friends, more and more people are popping pills to feel better and it’s getting out of control. The use of spiritual practice (trained breathing, meditation, yoga) can be a very effective lifetime substitute for popping pills.

The Beverly Hills Center for Self-Control and Lifestyle Addictions recognizes the importance of spiritual work in the treatment of self control & addiction. The growing trend of scientific research clearly shows the integration of mind-body medicine to be a key component in decreasing anxiety and rage symptoms as well as maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse. As such, we have developed a spiritual program that will be used in conjunction with medical, nutritional and therapy based treatment models to form a fully integrated care system.

Research in the field of spirituality and addiction shows many positive effects including:

Meditation:  The use of meditation improves both structural and functional brain changes. Researchers found that even for beginners, meditation enhances one's ability to focus attention and alters resting brain patterns. Neuro-imaging reveals that meditation can increase cortical thickness.

Yoga and Breathing techniques:   The use of Yoga and breathing techniques, such as pranayama, can stabilize the central nervous system assisting in addiction recovery and improved impulse control. Studies on Yoga reveal increased GABA levels in the brain with associated improvement in anxiety, depression and addictions. Yoga and breathing techniques help in the reduction of stress, tension and cortisol (a stress hormone) and can improve sleep, reduce pain, and increase serotonin (5-HT) which can improve memory, appetite and overall moodl.

Personalized Transformational Therapy: Can be used to stabilize the nervous system from compulsive and addictive patterns. Our 12 week program consists of various yogic techniques including specialized breathing practice, guided meditation, dietary assessment, and holistic psychotherapy. Our therapy uses yogic breathing techniques for relaxation and to balance the nervous system and clear the mind and body from habituated patterns. The relaxation practice of Yoga Nidra is prescribed and has been medically researched to aid in addiction recovery. The Control Center’s personalized integrative program blends western medicine with eastern therapeutic modalities.