Using Fitness to Aid Your Recovery: How Exercise Can Help You Overcome Addiction

When we talk about addiction, mostly the treatments that come first to our mind will involve some “talk therapy” or counseling. These treatments are necessary as they will help the individual understand the reason for the addiction despite being aware of the negative consequences. The therapies will also help individuals develop effective strategies to manage emotions that can smoothen the bumpy road of recovery.

While these methods of treatment are beneficial to a lot of individuals with addiction, some might require an approach that tackles the physical aspects along with the mental and emotional aspects of addiction. 

In the past, exercise has been acknowledged as a method of self-help for individuals recovering from addictions to aid their recovery. However, only recently has exercise been acknowledged as a standalone treatment for addiction. Today many addiction recovery centers like Muse Treatment Alcohol & Drug Rehab LA provide physical therapy, which can help individuals overcome physical limitations that were caused or exacerbated by their addiction. The physical therapy program includes stretching, strength training, and cardiovascular exercises, all of which can help improve the overall physical health of individuals in recovery.

According to experts, engaging in regular physical activity is a healthy alternative to addiction. This is because both exercise and drugs work on a similar part of the brain; both activate the reward pathway that leads to the release of chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. Read the article to learn more about how exercise can help in overcoming recovery.

Help you fight Cravings

One of the most challenging parts of addiction recovery is overcoming cravings. Although exercise will not completely erase cravings, it will provide you the strength to resist alcohol or other substances and stay sober.

Exercising regularly can enhance blood flow which facilitates the faster transfer of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and to the muscles. As a result, it can increase energy levels and improve mental clarity and cognition, which can help you stay away from drugs or alcohol, especially when experiencing cravings.

Eases Withdrawal Symptoms

Researchers found that physical exercise eases withdrawal symptoms by up to 95%. Additionally, exercising during drug withdrawal can help you navigate through the detox period without much pain and discomfort.

However, you should be aware that exercise won’t treat detox symptoms completely. Individuals who are undergoing detoxification should always be monitored by medical professionals, especially in case of any risk. It is best to go to a reputed West Hollywood addiction center such as Muse Treatments, which conducts the detox program under medical supervision with healthcare professionals experienced in addiction treatments. They can provide medication and counseling along with other recovery activities that can help individuals safely and comfortably withdraw from drugs or alcohol. 

Relieve Stress

One of the major triggers that are faced by most people undergoing recovery is stress. Exercise can help in relieving stress, making it a vital component of addiction recovery.

Regular exercise has been found to be beneficial in releasing tension and improving mood, and it enhances an individual’s ability to manage stress, according to research. This is particularly important for those in recovery, as stress can be a major factor contributing to relapse.

Give you a healthy routine

Following a regular exercise routine provides structure and predictability, which helps the brain combat stress. This is particularly important for individuals in rehab or sober living environments who benefit from having a consistent schedule to aid their recovery.

Exercising regularly will help in maintaining a structure even after the addiction treatment is completed. By regularly participating in exercise, whether through attending classes or working with a trainer, joining a sports club, or creating a home-based fitness routine, you can establish a consistent schedule that benefits both your physical and mental health.

Boost your self-esteem

Self-esteem is a vital part of addiction recovery. Individuals with healthy self-confidence and a positive self-image will be able to sustain their sobriety and continue with their recovery activities. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize self-esteem building in the recovery process.

One of the best ways to build self-confidence is by being fit. Regular exercise can provide an energy boost and improve cognitive function, which can lead to an increase in self-confidence. In addition, the physical benefits of exercise, such as improved appearance and strength, can also contribute to greater self-esteem.

 Key Takeaway

Exercise has great potential as a supplementary treatment for addiction. It has various benefits, such as easing the withdrawal symptoms along with elevation the mood, making it a good tool for assisting individuals in recovery from addiction to feel healthier and happier. Therefore, it is highly recommended that individuals who are working towards achieving sobriety incorporate exercise into their regular routine. However, you need to keep in mind that exercise is just one of the many addiction recovery activities available and to maintain sobriety, it’s important to utilize as many tools as possible.