Recovering from an addiction is a long, difficult road for anyone to take on their own. Having a good support structure in place can help to make this process easier, but there is still a lot of legwork that the recovering addict has to do on their own in order to ensure that they don’t relapse. One of the best tools to combat this is exercise. Here’s why getting fit can help an individual recover from addiction.
It’s Overall Very Good For You
Exercise is great for addiction recovery because it helps with managing stress levels. It causes the body to resolve endorphins that can reduce stress in a natural way, it replaces drug cravings by providing an alternative reward for the body, and it gives the recovering addict a goal to strive towards so that self-confidence is boosted. Exercise has been known to restore brain function that might have become impaired during the substance abuse process.
Exercise Boosts Emotional And Cognitive Health
Other than cardiovascular health and weight management, exercise can alleviate mild to moderate depression. Engaging in exercise can raise your serotonin and dopamine levels, which are used to combat stress and provide you with an overall good feeling. Improved blood flow to the brain increases oxygen to the brain cells and helps with the regeneration of new ones.
It Works As A Coping Mechanism
When an addict is in the recovery process, they need a way to cope with the body’s need for the substance, and that means giving it an alternative to focus on. Exercise can be that alternative since all of the hard work triggers the reward center of the brain. Exercise can also provide a sense of community and social support since the addict can exercise with other people and even form exercise groups that work out together on a regular basis.
It Helps The Body Heal
Addiction can take a toll on the human body, leaving it in a state that makes it prone to chronic diseases. However, exercise can improve the body so that it can better combat these diseases or prevent them altogether. It can be difficult to develop a routine and keep the body moving on a regular basis, but once the good habit is established, the physical body is well on its way to becoming well and healthy again.
What Kind Of Exercises Are Best For Addiction Recovery?
Any type of physical activity can get the job done. However, strength training and cardiovascular exercises are the best choices, as they can really get the blood moving and develop larger muscle groups. Exercise that promotes mindfulness, such as yoga or tai chi, works well at reducing overall stress.
Don’t mistake all these benefits as promoting exercise as a standalone treatment for addiction. It is a valuable component, but it needs to be paired with comprehensive professional care in order to make the most out of the addiction recovery process. Speak to a professional if you fear you might have an addiction and need some support to beat it.
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