Benefits of Exercise in Addiction Recovery

Drug and alcohol excess are both harmful physically and mentally. To be precise, addiction affects our body chemistry. However, on the other hand, once the substances are removed, you may be left feeling anxious, depressed, and sensitive to some of life’s major stressors. For this reason, it is demanding and quite challenging for someone who used to be in the process of recovery to quit. Therefore, some would prefer the assistance of specialists from medical facilities and institutions. For more on this, click here. But the good news is, exercise and other physical activity can help shift the tide on those negative emotions and bring you some positive results. Whether you are new in addiction recovery or have been away from harmful substances for many years, there are several proven benefits to getting regular exercise.

Stress Reduction and Better Sleep

Stress can be a particular problem during recovery from addiction and can lead to relapse if not treated properly. Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce and control it. Physical activity releases feel-good endorphins in the brain and improves circulation, both of which help with stress. If you’re not stressed, then chances are you’ll have a better sleep, which is also essential for well being. Sleep problems are not uncommon during the recovery phase. Many men and women start taking drugs or alcohol because they believe that they can help them get the rest they want. Routine exercise can improve both the quality and quantity of sleep.

Improved Mood and Increased Energy

According to the Mayo Clinic, only 30 minutes of exercise a day is enough to cause a favorable mood change. Mood changes are associated with addiction recovery. You can adjust your body to its new circumstances by resorting to naturally producing those feel-good chemicals that were sought artificially in drugs. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain, providing feelings of happiness and well being. According to the Mayo Clinic, just 30 minutes of exercise per day is enough to change mood positively. Mood improvement means an increase in energy. You may be expending plenty of power when you run, swim, or ride a bicycle, but you will also receive energy in exchange for your efforts. If recovery has left you feeling tired and lethargic at times, regular exercise is one way you can put some spring back in your step.

Stronger Immune System

Getting regular exercise helps protect your body from certain severe conditions such as cancer, stroke, heart disease, depression, diabetes, osteoporosis, and relapse prevention. A collection of studies suggest that regular exercise can increase the abstinence rate for substance use by 95 percent. Studies also found that exercise can help manage stress, depression, and anxiety, which can all contribute to substance use.