Harnessing the Power of Yoga in Recovery: Healing Depression at Alta Mira

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide. For many, it shows up as persistent sadness, fatigue, loss of motivation, or feelings of hopelessness. When depression goes untreated, it can drive people to seek temporary relief in alcohol or drugs. Substances may dull the pain in the moment, but over time they often deepen the depression; creating a destructive cycle that is difficult to break alone. 

Substance use can also trigger depressive symptoms. The brain and body become dependent on chemicals that alter mood, sleep, and energy levels. When those substances wear off, depression can worsen. 

At Alta Mira, we specialize in treating these co-occurring conditions together. Instead of addressing depression or addiction in isolation, we recognize how they interact. This integrated care is essential for lasting recovery. 

Yoga is far more than stretching or physical exercise. It is a practice of uniting the body and mind through movement, breath, and mindfulness. For individuals struggling with depression and addiction, yoga can provide meaningful relief and open the door to deeper healing. 

Some of the proven benefits of yoga include: 

• Reducing stress and anxiety. Slow, mindful breathing helps calm the nervous system and regulate stress hormones. 

• Improving mood. Regular practice has been shown to increase serotonin and other neurotransmitters that support emotional balance. 

• Cultivating body awareness. Many people disconnect from their bodies during addiction or depression. Yoga helps restore this connection in a safe and healing way. 

• Supporting emotional regulation. Through movement and meditation, yoga teaches skills to manage overwhelming emotions without turning to substances. 

• Encouraging spiritual growth. For many, yoga fosters a sense of inner peace and connection that can be deeply restorative during recovery. 

At Alta Mira, yoga is part of a larger suite of holistic therapies, including massage, acupuncture, guided meditation, personal training, equine-assisted therapy, and physical therapy if needed. These practices complement our clinical treatments and give clients a variety of tools for long-term wellness. 

What sets Alta Mira apart is our ability to bring together advanced clinical care with holistic therapies in a supportive environment. When someone enters our program, they receive a comprehensive assessment, including advanced psychological and neuropsychological testing. This helps us understand the full scope of conditions including depression, trauma, ADHD, anxiety, or substance-induced mood disorders—and design a treatment plan tailored to their needs. 

Our multidisciplinary team includes board-certified addiction psychiatrists, physicians, psychologists, and therapists who collaborate to ensure each client receives integrated care. Evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Motivational Interviewing are combined with holistic practices like yoga to create a well-rounded healing experience. 

We also recognize that recovery is relational. Alta Mira offers an intensive 3-Day Family Program, which gives loved ones tools to better understand addiction and depression while strengthening connections that support long-term recovery. 

Located in the serene setting of Sausalito, California, Alta Mira provides a peaceful retreat where healing can take root. Clients benefit from chef-prepared meals, comfortable accommodations, and opportunities to bring pets with them. 

Recovery doesn’t end at discharge. Our continuing care program includes relapse prevention, alumni groups, and ongoing peer support to help clients maintain progress after treatment.

While medication, therapy, and medical support are essential for treating depression and addiction, practices like yoga offer something unique. They give individuals an opportunity to feel better in their bodies, practice self-compassion, and build healthy coping strategies that can be carried into daily life. 

Yoga sessions at Alta Mira are not about achieving perfection or mastering poses. Instead, they are about creating space for self-discovery, healing, and growth. Clients often find that yoga helps them feel more present, less anxious, and more capable of managing cravings and negative thoughts.