A RCY teacher needs to have a minimum 200 hour certification from a Yoga Alliance approved YTT program.  That’s it for formal qualifications.  However, in addition, the teachers must be in recovery; this is non-negotiable.  They must know the journey personally in order to weave their own experiences into their teaching.  Everyone in the class is both giving and receiving support.

Because addiction creates dysfunction in many parts of life, recovery support needs to be wide, deep and sustained.  Recovery Community Yoga is only one tool among many.  12 step and other recovery programs, recovery coaching, counseling, sober living, and recovery centers like Turning Point can provide the ongoing support which is at the heart of all successful efforts to make significant lifestyle changes. 

"The healing and centering of our guests who attend RCY has been profound. The classes are taught by instructors who themselves are in recovery and the sense of community is key.   Because of the success of the Recovery Community Yoga program, we launched a program of alternative healing practices at our Center. We are so fortunate to have benefited from the power of the Recovery Community Yoga Program.”  Gary De Carolis, Executive Director, Turning Point Center of Chittenden County

In November, 2016, the first Surgeon General’s report on alcohol, drugs and health was published.  The national statistics are staggering, and, on a more local and personal level, no one is spared from the realities of addiction in our communities and even our own families.  The good news from this report is that treatment and ongoing support work and that every dollar spent on treatment and recovery efforts saves money in health care and correctional costs (Facing Addiction in America, US Government publication).

The Surgeon General’s Report also states that support groups such as RCY enable and enhance recovery, “participation in the groups promotes an individual’s recovery by strengthening recovery-supportive social networks; increasing members’ ability to cope with risky social contexts and negative emotions; augmenting motivation to recover; reducing depression, craving, and impulsivity; and enhancing psychological and spiritual well-being.”

Check out this article about yoga and addiction in Yoga Journal.