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For years, people have talked about how exercise is good for your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Whether you’re going through scientific studies or just looking at CrossFit photos on Facebook, it’s clear that exercise has its perks, and there’s more to it than you might think.
When your body adjusts to a life without alcohol or drugs, it goes through various changes that, while beneficial in the long run, can seem tough at first. So, let’s explore how exercise can help with addiction recovery.
Many people struggle with addiction because of underlying mental health issues, which is why rehab centers often use dual diagnosis treatments. Regardless of whether your mental health problems led to addiction or vice versa, exercise can be a huge help during this phase.
When someone becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, the initial stress relief they got from substances quickly fades. In fact, substance abuse often becomes a direct source of stress. So, when someone seeks treatment, that stress doesn’t just disappear. Luckily, any physical activity that raises your heart rate can help reduce stress.
Sleep problems are common, especially in early recovery. Whether the substance was a stimulant like cocaine or a depressant like alcohol, stopping their use can mess with sleep. People might struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel tired during the day. While some over-the-counter meds can help, exercise is a more natural solution. Regular exercise can improve both the quality and duration of sleep and help you avoid daytime naps.
Exercising uses energy, but in doing so, it also boosts your energy levels. It gets your heart pumping and increases oxygen levels in your body, which enhances overall energy. As your cardiovascular and physical fitness improve, daily tasks become easier. That’s why many people like to exercise in the morning to fuel their energy for the rest of the day.
Mood swings are another common issue during and after detox. One minute you might feel great, and the next, you’re down. This is normal as your body adjusts to life without substances. Exercise can help here too by releasing endorphins, which make you feel happy and relaxed, similar to the feelings alcohol or drugs once provided.
Long-term substance abuse can damage the brain’s white matter, but regular aerobic exercise, like running or cycling, can help protect your brain. Studies have shown that regular exercise can lessen the likelihood of seizures during alcohol withdrawal and protect against the effects of various drugs.
Exercise can also reduce the urge to smoke and other drug-seeking behaviors. Combining cognitive-behavioral therapy with exercise can help people quit addictions. For example, women who exercised regularly were more likely to quit smoking than those who didn’t.
Since addiction disrupts your health and wellbeing, regular exercise can set things right. Aerobic exercise helps with weight loss and heart health, while high-intensity interval training is both effective and time-efficient. Even activities like walking count. Strength training builds muscle and can make daily activities easier.
With so many benefits, including exercise in your daily routine can make a big difference in addiction recovery. Once it becomes a habit, you’ll see how much smoother your recovery journey can be. If you need more information, feel free to ask in the comments.
