If you’re struggling to overcome drug addiction, it’s safe to say you’re probably not feeling your best. Your body may not be in the best shape and you may feel like your life is out of control. The idea of exercise may seem ridiculous. However, exercise offers many benefits to recovering addicts. Even if you haven’t worked out in a long time, there’s some type of exercise you can do. If you have health challenges, even gentle movement can be beneficial. As you get fitter and healthier, you can challenge yourself even more. Let’s look at some of the ways exercise can help you as you work to recover from drug addiction.
It Can Add Structure to Your Day
Planning your day and sticking to the plan can help you to avoid the temptation to use drugs. Sign up for classes at the gym or commit to walking with a friend at a set time each morning. Knowing that you have commitments can ensure you practice good habits. You’re less likely to get high tonight if you know you have a Pilates class first thing in the morning.
It Takes Up Some of Your Free Time
When you stop using drugs, you’ll find you have some extra time on your hands. That’s because addiction usually involves periods of acquiring drugs, using them, and then recovering. Exercise can help to fill the time. If you’re physically capable, do a variety of activities during the week. You may go to the gym on two days and do your own workouts on other days. Getting ready, exercising, and freshening up will take several hours. When you’re occupied with productive activities, you can resist the urge to use drugs.
Exercise Makes You Feel Better
If you’ve been engaging in unhealthy practices for a while, it may take some time for exercise to feel good. However, as you begin to heal your mind and body, you’ll start to enjoy it. Of course, you may need to try a few different activities before you find the ones you love. You may prefer going for long walks with your dog while someone else enjoys taking aerobics classes or doing yoga. As you get stronger and more comfortable with movement, you can try additional things. Some people find that having a workout buddy or playing a team sport is especially beneficial.
Exercise Helps to Heal Your Brain and Body
Whether you’re in drug addiction recovery or not, exercise helps the body. When you improve your fitness, it improves your heart health and reduces the risk of chronic illness. Exercise also supports a healthy immune system and reduces the symptoms of depression. In addition, it can help your brain to heal since it increases the number of new nerve connections.
It Reduces Stress and Improves Sleep
Many people got started with drugs because they thought they would help them sleep or reduce their stress levels. However, many people in addiction recovery experience high levels of stress. If not managed properly, this can lead to relapse. Fortunately, one of the best ways to reduce stress is through exercise. It releases endorphins in the brain and improves the circulation of blood throughout the body. Both of these help to lower stress. Meanwhile, sleep problems are also common during recovery. Regular exercise can ensure you sleep better and for longer periods.
Learn How Exercise Can Help as You Recover From Drug Addiction
Exercise can be very beneficial on your journey to recover from drug addiction. However, it can’t be the only solution. Addicts need holistic therapy to break free from addiction. Exercise should be combined with residential or outpatient treatment; group, family or individual counseling and other interventions. Getting to the root of the addiction is essential if you want to ensure long-term recovery.
At Asheville Recovery Center, we will work with you to develop a plan that works for you. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach since we know that addicts have unique needs. You may be dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, financial difficulties, and even legal issues. Our team of professionals takes a comprehensive approach to each individual.
We’ll provide you with the tools and techniques to handle all the issues surrounding your addiction. Relapse is often part of the recovery process, but we’ll help you to avoid returning to drugs. Trying to recover on your own is extremely difficult. With our help, you’ll learn how to make better choices and live a healthier life. Contact us today to set up a consultation with one of our treatment professionals.
