Benefits of Exercise in Addiction Recovery

Find out how physical fitness in recovery can have outstanding results

Across the board regular exercise reaps benefits no matter the ailment. Whether you are trying to lose weight, reduce stress or help your mental state, physical fitness reduces the risk of fatal physical conditions. Studies have shown that fitness in addiction recovery can serve as a great form of treatment. Not to mention that exercise is frequently prescribed as a therapy to help one’s health.  According to the US National Library of Medicine, research shows that physical activity in both men and women have reductions in relative risk of death, by about 20%-35%. If you or someone you love is suffering from an addiction and is looking into the benefits of exercise in addiction recovery, continue reading to learn more.

Fitness in addiction recovery

People struggling with addiction may be hesitant to use fitness in addiction recovery due to the fact that exercise can be considered addicting. When it comes to addiction, the fitness aspect does have adverse effects depending on if the user has any sort of co-occurring mental health disorders, such as an eating disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

As stated above, unless an individual suffering from addiction has a type of co- occurring mental disorder, there is no negative or adverse affects from using fitness in addiction recovery. Although, even those who suffer from a co-occurring mental health disorder can exercise for the health benefits, there just must be a “dosage” put on it. Meaning, there should be a limit put on the amount of exercise done, to not over-do it.

Also Read: Tampa Drug Treatment Center

Overall, the benefits of exercise in addiction recovery trump the disadvantages, continue reading to learn more about specific benefits of exercise in addiction recovery.

How can fitness in addiction recovery help me?

Ability to sleep: First and foremost, one of the greatest benefits of exercise in addiction recovery is regaining the ability to sleep. When someone is addicted to a substance, their sleep is often interrupted, and once the substance is out of their body and they are exercising regularly, sleep will come more easily.

Better mood: Exercise releases endorphins which can allow those who are using physical fitness in recovery from a substance have less feelings of sadness and depression. Not to mention that one of the benefits of exercise in addiction recovery can be letting out the frustration and anger from the road to recovery. Exercise allows for a place in which the individual can push themselves and release any anger or frustration that they have built up and allow them to be in a better mood.

Self discipline: Those who partake in regular exercise learn how to become more self-disciplined in order to maintain their place in their exercise program. This self discipline can help with maintaining weight, having a regular schedule and ultimately carry over into the road to recovery.

Self worth and motivation: When individuals focus on their fitness in addiction recovery they are aware that they are working to “make a better you.” It is proven that those who engage in regular exercise feel better about themselves which can lead to motivation to continue exercising. People want to feel good about themselves, want to work towards goals and have a high sense of self worth.

When an individual decides to embark on the road to recovery it is important to maintain a stable routine. Stability in both treatment and exercise can help not only on the road to recovery but also for the life after addiction. If you are still unsure about weather fitness in addiction recovery can help or not, WhiteSands treatment is here to help. Call (877) 855-3470 or visit their website today.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.