Exercise in Addiction Recovery

The Importance of Exercise In Addiction Recovery

For people struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction, the thought of life without a drink or drugs can seem almost impossible. The unfortunate reality is that the majority of individuals seeking help for their addiction problem will not find success for any sustained period. While the recovery rate for alcohol and chemical use disorders may be low, there is something that can be done to significantly increase the chances of kicking the habit once and for all. The good news is that the answer will not only help you to stay addiction-free over the long term, but it is inexpensive or free! So what is it? It’s exercise in addiction recovery.

Exercise

Have no fear; we are not talking about becoming an ultra-endurance athlete, a pumped-up gym rat, or an Olympian. Just the simple inclusion of some physical activity can have a noteworthy impact on your quality of life and chances of sobriety.

How Does It Work?

During active addiction, the drugs and alcohol that a person consumes have a significant impact on a complex set of structures in the brain called the limbic system. This part of the brain is largely responsible for creating a person’s feelings and motivations. In short, this system plays a major role in how a person sees the world and subsequently behaves in it.

While substance abuse does warp and alter this brain system, exercise can actually have the opposite effect. A regular exercise routine helps to grow new cells in this area and puts the brain in homeostasis. We know that drugs and alcohol impact chemicals in the body, including serotonin and dopamine. For someone new to addiction recovery who is trying to rebalance these neurotransmitters, physical activity can help to speed up the process.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)

Prolonged substance abuse creates dependence, and with that comes a period of withdrawal when a person stops using. Some physical characteristics include shaking, extremes in body temperature, nausea, and vomiting. In addition to these physical ailments, other difficulties can last from 5-10 days or as long as a year and a half. These are referred to as post-acute withdrawal symptoms or PAWS, and may include insomnia, depression, anxiety, irritability, trouble thinking clearly, and difficulty with coordination. Not only are these feelings uncomfortable, they are particularly dangerous for the recovering addict, as they can be contributing factors for relapse.

The great news is that you can be proactive in your recovery, and by adding exercise to your daily routine, you can have a serious impact on these symptoms. Physical activity, whether it be lifting weights or going for a jog can be used as a safety valve to help vent feelings of agitation and stress. By participating in activities like these, it gives a person time to separate from whatever situation is causing the agitation. This time spent physically moving can be a period to think instead of acting impulsively and potentially dangerously.

New Habits

Most people that are entering recovery did not arrive on a particularly positive note or a winning streak. In most cases, individuals that are newly sober reached this part of their life through a string of harmful consequences and hard times. This can have a negative impact on self-esteem and belief in one’s self.

The good news is that this particular area is one in which exercise can have a direct impact. By setting and reaching small goals with physical activity, a person may start to lay the foundation for winning behavior. Small successes with exercise can help to build confidence and lead to commitment and motivation in other areas of life. As self-efficacy increases, a person can continue to produce positive results as they gain confidence and handle situations as they arise.

When starting down the road to recovery, it is common that people find themselves with an abundance of extra time on their hands. During a person’s drinking or drug using career, the majority of the day was spent thinking about using, actively using, or recovering from using. In sobriety, there are suddenly a large number of hours each day that are unaccounted for. This down time, if not filled with something positive or healthful, can be potentially dangerous for the recovering addict. This extra time is perfect for an individual to start an exercise program. The less time a person spends on the couch thinking about the past, the better.

Where To Start

We know that exercise and being physically active can have a major impact on a person’s chances of staying sober, but where do you begin? The best way to implement a new workout routine is to be honest about where you are starting and have realistic goals. This may be as simple as a ten minute walk around the neighborhood a few times a week or going to play basketball for 20 minutes in the park. Try a few different activities and find one that you enjoy. The more fun that you are having being active, the more likely you are to stick with it.

Initially, being consistent is the most important thing when becoming more active. Stick with your program and give your body time to adjust. Keep your eyes on your goals and be as tenacious about healing yourself as you were about harming yourself. You will be amazed at just how different and wonderful your new life can be.

Of course there is a tendency for many addicts to take it too far. Be wary of exercise addiction.

Learn more about exercise in addiction recovery HERE.