In 1997, Shaffer, et. al., conducted the study about the rise in methadone treatment programs aimed at addressing substance abuse and HIV infection among intravenous drug users has led to a quest for more cost-effective and beneficial treatment approaches. In this context, researchers sought to investigate whether incorporating Hatha yoga in a group setting could yield more favorable treatment outcomes compared to conventional group psychodynamic therapy for patients in outpatient methadone maintenance treatment.

A randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 61 patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment. Following a 5-day assessment period, participants were randomly assigned to receive either traditional group psychotherapy (conventional methadone treatment) or an alternative Hatha yoga therapy (alternative methadone treatment). Over the course of 6 months, patients were closely monitored and evaluated using a range of psychological, sociological, and biological measures. The primary psychological measures were obtained using the revised Symptom Check List, while various indices of addictive behaviors were assessed using the Addiction Severity Index.

Surprisingly, the study findings revealed no significant differences between the traditional psychodynamic group therapy and Hatha yoga administered in a group setting. Both treatment approaches contributed to a treatment regimen that effectively reduced drug use and criminal activities among the patients. Interestingly, the severity of psychopathology at the beginning of the study significantly influenced program participation, irrespective of the treatment group assigned.

Apart from investigating patient characteristics relevant to treatment, this study also brought to light unforeseen staff-related issues that complicated the integration of both alternative and traditional treatment strategies.

Contrary to the initial hypothesis, the study did not find Hatha yoga to be more effective than conventional methadone treatment. However, the results indicated that certain patients may derive greater benefits from the alternative methadone treatment compared to the conventional approach. As a result, further research is warranted to identify specific patient characteristics that may indicate suitability for alternative methadone treatment. Such insights could help optimize treatment selection and improve overall outcomes in methadone maintenance programs.

Reference: Shaffer, H. J., LaSalvia, T. A., & Stein, J. P. (1997). Comparing Hatha yoga with dynamic group psychotherapy for enhancing methadone maintenance treatment: a randomized clinical trial. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 3, 57-67.