Exercise: Does it Help Fight Substance Use and Addiction?

Engaging in regular exercise promotes overall physical well-being. It helps improve a person’s cardiovascular health, and also strengthens their muscles and bones. Maintaining an active lifestyle can also enhance immune function and help you maintain a healthy weight.

Substance abuse can often lead to neglecting one’s physical health, and exercise can be a vital component of restoring and maintaining a healthy body.

Aside from these physical benefits, exercise can even help those who are in recovery by easing withdrawal. Regular exercise can reduce some of the most common symptoms that usually lead to relapse.

As we mentioned earlier, exercise is known to release endorphins, which are natural chemicals in the brain that improve mood and reduce stress.

Substance abuse and addiction can cause imbalances within the brain, which leads to emotional instability and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. By engaging in physical activity, individuals can experience an improved mood, reduced anxiety, and increased feelings of well-being, which can be helpful during the recovery process.

This improved mental function can even help you think clearly, which may improve your productivity. Physical activity can help your mind work better. With more stable thoughts, your odds of relapse can be reduced.

Exercise has plenty of physical and mental health benefits. As a whole, regular exercise will relax your body, helping you shed some of the stress that are pushing you towards substance abuse.

Substance abuse and addiction are often associated with high levels of stress. Exercise can serve as a healthy coping mechanism to manage stress.

Physical activity helps reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, and triggers the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in regulating mood.

Exercise encourages you to find alternative ways to deal with stress instead of resorting to drug use or drinking.

When your body is relaxed, it improves your sleep. For those who have a substance use disorder, it is common to get insomnia whenever they try to avoid their substance of choice. Regular exercise may help you fall asleep faster and even get better quality rest at night.

All of these benefits can accumulate and give you a better start the next morning.

Substance abuse and addiction can make your life chaotic and unpredictable. You may feel like you’ve lost your control over your own life, and this will only make you feel more helpless. Addiction is an overwhelming condition, and that is why a lot of people go into a downward spiral.

Incorporating exercise into one’s daily routine can provide structure and a healthy outlet for energy. It offers a productive and positive way to occupy time that might otherwise be spent engaging in substance use or other unhealthy behaviors.

If you have a regular exercise routine, it can give you a sense of purpose and focus. This is highly beneficial for individuals in recovery. By spending their energy on something healthy, they have less energy to spend on drugs and alcohol.

Exercise can even help curb your cravings. Whenever an addicted person tries to avoid drugs and alcohol, they usually get a stronger urge to take them. Physical activity can serve as an effective distraction, making cravings much less powerful.

By incorporating exercise into your new daily routine, it can give you something to do, and even expose you to new people, places, and things that don’t remind you of drugs.

When you feel good about yourself, you are less likely to turn to addictive substances. Exercise is a really good way to feel better about yourself.

Substance abuse and addiction can erode a person’s self-esteem and self-worth. Unfortunately, there is still stigma surrounding addiction, alcoholism, and rehab. People with legitimate medical disorders are dismissed and labeled as ‘addicts’, ‘alcoholics‘, or ‘junkies’.

Aside from receiving judgment from their peers, addicted individuals also deal with their own sense of shame, regret, or sadness over their condition. They feel like they have let themselves down.

Regular exercise can help individuals regain some of their confidence, particularly in their physical abilities. They can set and achieve personal fitness goals and experience a sense of accomplishment. The positive physical changes resulting from exercise can also contribute to improved body image and overall self-esteem.

It’s easier to manage stressful stuff when you feel good about yourself. When you feel good about yourself, your positive feelings even radiate and help you make better connections with other people.

No matter what type of physical activity you choose, you may get the opportunity to meet new people who can help you develop healthy habits.

Participating in group exercise classes or team sports can provide opportunities for social interaction and support. Building a sober support network is crucial for individuals recovering from substance use and addiction. Engaging in exercise with others who share similar goals can foster a sense of camaraderie, accountability, and encouragement.

Now that we’ve established that exercise is good for someone struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, it’s time to talk about the kinds of exercise that are most beneficial. This should give you an idea what types of physical activity you should incorporate into your daily routine.

For starters, you can try aerobic exercises like running, swimming, cycling, or dancing. These exercises can increase your heart rate and release endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals. Aerobic exercises help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are often triggers for substance abuse.

You can also try incorporating strength training exercises into your routine. Muscle training can have a positive impact on your overall well-being because building muscle strength and endurance boosts your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Strength training exercises include weightlifting, resistance band workouts, and bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and lunges.

Some people go for martial arts training and boxing. Both of these can be effective outlets for managing stress and releasing pent-up emotions. These activities promote discipline, self-control, and focus, which are valuable skills for recovery. Additionally, they provide an opportunity to channel your energy into constructive outlets.

Another type of exercise that you can try is yoga. Practicing yoga and mindfulness can help you develop a stronger mind-body connection and manage stress and cravings.

Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, promoting relaxation and mental clarity. Mindfulness meditation focuses on being present in the moment, reducing anxiety and increasing self-awareness.

Exercise doesn’t just happen in the gym. Spending time in nature and engaging in outdoor activities can have a calming effect on your mind and help reduce cravings. Activities like hiking, walking, jogging, or cycling in natural settings can provide a sense of tranquility and improve your mood.

You can even make exercise into a fun social activity. Sign up for various types of group exercises, such as fitness classes, team sports, or group hikes. This can provide social support and help build a sense of community. Being around like-minded individuals who share similar goals can be motivating and help you stay accountable.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise program, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. They can provide guidance on the most suitable exercises for your specific needs and ensure your safety throughout your recovery journey. If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your doctor about how to get active.

The amount of exercise you should engage in depends on various factors, including your age, overall health, fitness level, and specific goals. However, there are some general guidelines recommended by health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Heart Association (AHA).

For adults aged 18-64, it is generally recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week. You can also combine moderate and vigorous activities to meet this guideline.

Additionally, it is recommended to incorporate muscle-strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups at least two days per week.

For older adults aged 65 and above, the recommendations are similar, but with a focus on activities that improve balance and prevent falls. It is suggested to include activities such as walking, water-based exercises, and tai chi to help improve balance and flexibility.

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and individual needs may vary. If you have any underlying health conditions or are unsure about what type or amount of exercise is appropriate for you, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified exercise specialist who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific circumstances.

It is possible to have “too much” exercise. While regular physical activity is safe for most people, make sure you don’t overdo it. Do not overexert yourself to the point where you get injured.

While exercise can be a valuable tool in fighting substance use and addiction, you need to keep in mind that it is not a standalone solution.

Recovery often requires a comprehensive approach that includes professional treatment, therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes. There are also other strategies that you can implement to reduce your cravings and support your recovery efforts.

Here are some of the ways you can reduce your cravings and maintain your sobriety:

Engage in healthy activities: Find healthy and enjoyable activities that distract you from cravings and fill your time. Exercise is just one of them. Look for hobbies, creative pursuits, and volunteering work. This can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, reducing the desire to use drugs.

Practice stress management techniques: Stress often triggers cravings, so learning stress management techniques can be helpful. Consider relaxation exercises like deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, or yoga. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation can reduce the intensity of cravings.

Identify and avoid triggers: Identify situations, people, or environments that trigger cravings and do your best to avoid them. It may involve changing your social circle, finding new hobbies, or modifying your routines to minimize exposure to triggers.

Take care of your physical health: Prioritize a healthy lifestyle by getting regular exercise, eating nutritious meals, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.

Practice self-care: Engage in activities that promote self-care and self-compassion. This can include engaging in hobbies, taking breaks, practicing relaxation techniques, and treating yourself kindly.

Set realistic goals: Set achievable goals for yourself and celebrate your milestones. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps, and acknowledge your progress along the way.

Consider alternative therapies: Some individuals find relief from drug cravings through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or meditation. While the scientific evidence may vary for these approaches, they may be worth exploring as complementary strategies alongside other evidence-based treatments.

Build a strong support network: Surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who understand your struggle and are committed to your recovery. This can include family, friends, or participation in support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery.

Seek professional help: Reach out to a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or addiction specialist. They can provide guidance and support, and may recommend medication-assisted treatment or other interventions to help manage cravings.

Therapy and counseling: Engage in individual or group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or motivational interviewing. These therapeutic approaches can help you understand the underlying causes of your cravings, develop coping mechanisms, and learn strategies to resist them.

Remember, reducing drug cravings is a process that may require time and persistence. It’s essential to reach out for professional help and build a strong support system to maximize your chances of success.

Exercise is just one of the many things that can help you on your journey towards long-lasting sobriety. At the end of the day, it’s all about maintaining healthy habits and changing your daily routine to incorporate healthy choices.

If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction, it’s not enough to just exercise on a regular basis. Proper addiction treatment is necessary.

Drug addiction is typically treated through a combination of therapeutic interventions, medications, and support services. The goal of treatment is to help individuals overcome their substance abuse and achieve long-term recovery.

The specific approach to treatment may vary depending on factors such as the type and severity of the substance use disorder, the individual’s needs, and available resources. The patient will go through an intake process so that the healthcare providers can create a suitable treatment plan based on their specific needs.

The first step in treating SUD is often detoxification, also known as medical detox. This involves clearing the body of the substance while managing withdrawal symptoms. This process is typically conducted under medical supervision, as withdrawal from certain substances can be potentially dangerous.

Medications may be prescribed to help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, or block the effects of certain substances. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is commonly used for opioid or alcohol dependence and involves combining medications with behavioral therapies for comprehensive treatment.

Various evidence-based therapies are used to address the psychological aspects of SUD. These therapies help individuals understand and change their behaviors, develop coping skills, and prevent relapse.

Examples of effective behavioral therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, contingency management, and family therapy. These therapies help the patient understand the root causes of their addiction, including their triggers and stressors. They can then develop healthy coping mechanisms that will help them stay sober even after they leave rehab.

Participation in support groups, such as 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), can provide ongoing peer support and a sense of community for individuals in recovery. These groups offer a platform to share experiences, gain guidance, and build a sober support network.

Depending on the severity of the addiction, patients may receive treatment in a residential setting or in an outpatient setting.

It’s important to note that the best treatment plans are tailored to meet individual needs. Ongoing support is often necessary for sustained recovery. Look for a rehab near you today and get started on the road to long-lasting sobriety.

Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs or alcohol again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.