Addiction refers to a chronic brain disorder in which a person cannot avoid or prevent themselves from depending on a substance or a behavior. The person can’t stop even when the addiction is causing adverse effects to their health or overall lifestyle. According to a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, around 35 million patients had suffered from drug use disorder in 2019. Addiction is nothing new. However, the good news is this neurological disorder is treatable.
So have you decided to detox yourself from addictive behavior and step on the road to recovery? In that case, exercise can help you achieve your goals and live a happier and healthier life. There is no denying that physical fitness offers numerous benefits for any average person. But do you know it can act as a catalyst in your addiction recovery treatment? Read on below to learn how embracing physical fitness can become a powerful tool in your addiction recovery process:
- Lessen Drug-Seeking Behavior
Withdrawal from your long-established addiction is no walk in the park. Many people have a strong urge to use drugs while on treatment. However, according to studies, different exercises such as walking, yoga, running, etc., can minimize the need to use drugs. Therefore, regular exercises can reduce the risk of drug-related activities, thus making it an effective tool for overcoming addiction.
However, at times, withdrawal may cause you to suffer from some uncomfortable symptoms. Therefore, you can consult any professional to help you in this situation. For instance, if you live in New Jersey, in that case, you can consult a group like Serenity at Summit to help you in addiction treatment. The team of professionals can help you get the right and unique treatment according to your needs. In addition, they will provide you with medically supervised treatment plans to help you with your recovery process.
- Alleviates Stress
Many addicts indeed prefer to take drugs or alcohol whenever they feel stressed out. However, regular exercises can help you release endorphins essential to reduce stress levels and improve your overall mood. In this manner, you can replace exercises with your habit of reaching for drugs and recover from your addictive behavior. Moreover, exercises are a great way to keep your focus on your movements and free yourself from the cause of your stress. You can also use exercises as a part of your meditation and clear your mind. You can use exercises as productive distractions in your recovery period.
- Promotes Quality Sleep
It is no secret that sleep plays a significant role in your recovery process. Without good quality sleep, you won’t be able to pay attention, make the right decisions, or work your best in any aspect of your life. If you have a substance abuse disorder, chances are you are suffering from sleeping problems, mainly insomnia. Moreover, your lack of sound sleep can worsen your withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, make exercises a part of your life and see the massive difference in your sleep quality. However, make sure not to exercise too late in the evening as it might negatively impact your sleep routine.
- Prevent from Diseases
Everything you consume has some effect on your body, whether positive or negative. If you intake a small number of drugs or alcohol, it won’t severely affect your body. However, if your consumption increases, you might have to suffer from some tragic health problems in the long run. For example, cocaine and amphetamines can cause increased blood pressure, heart rate, or even stroke. At the same time, smoking addictions can cause respiratory issues such as pneumonia, asthma, etc. However, with the help of regular exercise, you can prevent such illnesses and live a long and healthier life.
- Adds Structure to Your Life
Undoubtedly, creating a habit might take few days or even months. But, breaking it requires a significant period. The same is the case with addiction. You might develop addictive behavior within days, but letting it go is a long and strenuous process. Making exercising a part of your daily routine can help you avoid damaging habits, and you can add discipline to your life. One best way is to sign up for workout classes. In this way, your instructor can hold you accountable and motivate you for the betterment. Set your exercising session at a particular time to maintain a healthy routine.
- Boost Self-Esteem
Another critical benefit of exercises in the addiction recovery process is it boosts confidence and self-esteem. No wonder giving up on addiction is never easy and a lifelong process. At some point, you might lose hope and want to abandon your plan to detox. That is where your workout treatment comes in handy. Make a fitness goal. It can be a 30 minutes aerobic exercise or 45 minutes running, or any other fitness activity. Achieving your fitness objective will give you a sense of accomplishment. Try to set achievable goals so you can feel better about your mental and physical health.
Summing up
No wonder addiction might have adversely affected your physical health. However, creating a habit of engaging in practices that help you remain physically fit can do wonders for your mind and body. In reality, even deciding to seek treatment and detox yourself is itself a first step. Unfortunately, there is still a long and arduous route to cover before you can reap the benefits of all your struggles. Nevertheless, the right choice of exercises for your addiction recovery process can help you heal your body, mind, and spirit. You don’t essentially need to become a fitness freak to enjoy these benefits. You can go slowly at first and then take your physical fitness to the next level.
