3 - (3 Min 4) Efficacy of Integrated Yoga Nidra and Cbt-based Intervention as Measured by Autonomic Nervous System Functions in Adolescents with Substance Use Disorder

Keywords: Adolescents, Substance Abuse, Emotion Regulation
Recommended Readings: The Integrated Yoga Nidra–based Comprehensive Intervention was administered to adolescents with substance use disorder (SUD) as a structured therapeutic module over a four-week period. The initial session focused on detailed psychoeducation to explain the rationale and structure of the intervention. Baseline assessments were completed, and participants were oriented to the therapeutic framework.
Therapeutic techniques including paradoxical intention, dereflection, socratic dialogue, the empty chair technique, meaning-making, and dialogic engagement were employed to facilitate authentic and responsible behavior while minimizing self-blame and externalization of responsibility. The overarching objective was to enhance self-awareness and encourage adolescents to access and utilize internal resources. These approaches were integrated across sessions.
Subsequent sessions introduced Yoga Nidra practice, guided by the therapist through structured stages including relaxation, rotation of consciousness, breath awareness, emotional observation, inner space visualization, and intention setting. Participants were encouraged to practice daily and maintain reflective diaries documenting their experiences following each session.
Distress tolerance and emotion regulation skills were emphasized during the next phase of intervention. Adolescents were trained in deep breathing techniques and crisis survival strategies using Dialectical Behavior Therapy based skills such as ACCEPTS, TIPP, and self-soothing through multisensory engagement. These methods aimed to reduce impulsive or self-destructive behaviors and enhance emotional regulation. Participants were also guided in identifying and labeling emotions to foster emotional responsibility and validation.
Decision-making skills were targeted in subsequent sessions through the use of a decision matrix to evaluate the short term and long term consequences of substance use. This process supported adolescents in developing insight into behavioral outcomes and personal accountability.
The intervention then focused on structured problem-solving training delivered through role-play exercises. Adolescents practiced information gathering, evaluating future consequences of present actions, and generating alternative solutions. Emphasis was placed on understanding how personal values and attitudes influence motivation and decision-making processes.
Later sessions incorporated principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to cultivate psychological flexibility. Core processes including acceptance, willingness, cognitive defusion, present-moment awareness, and self-as-context were practiced to align behavior with personal values. Therapeutic worksheets incorporating ACT metaphors (e.g., Heroes Exercise, Writing Your Biography, Values Clarification, and Committed Action planning) facilitated goal setting that was specific, measurable, and attainable.
The final session focused on reviewing self-monitoring assignments and consolidating learned skills. Adolescents collaboratively developed individualized relapse-prevention action plans to address potential future challenges and barriers to skill implementation.,   ,   ,   ,