5 Ways in Which Exercise Aids Recovery

When a person gets addicted to an illegal substance, he or she constantly craves the

substance at the expense of everything else in life. At times, people fighting substance abuse

may even disregard their physical and mental health, exposing themselves to the harmful

effects of addiction. When abusing drugs, such people do not focus on their actions or choices,

which, in turn, leads to irreparable damage to their physical and mental health.

However, when a compulsive alcohol or drug user decides to lead a sober life, he or she faces

innumerable challenges in combating the constant cravings for addictive substances and lead

a normal life.

Studies show that

indulging in

healthy habits,

such as regular

exercise or eating

a healthy diet, can

pave the way for

overall well being,

such as improving

blood circulation,

strengthening the

heart,

maintaining

weight, relieving

stress and

sharpening the

mind.

For a person recovering from any sort of addiction, physical exercise can play a key role in

uplifting the mood and maintaining overall health. Apart from helping in the release of

endorphins, which the body craves during recovery, exercise repairs the psychological and

physical damage of chemical dependency caused by alcohol or drug abuse.

Here are some benefits that a person can gain by exercising while recovering from an

addiction:

1. Keeping oneself busy: One of the major benefits of exercising on a regular basis is that it

keeps the person busy and helps focus on the present. Exercising on a regular basis keeps

stress and boredom at bay and helps avoid thoughts of using alcohol or drugs.

2. Relieving stress: Stress and tension can result from several situations in life, such as work

pressure, deteriorating health or substance abuse. Exercising can help the body get rid of

stress and negative emotions. It is important to get moving and start physical exercise since

avoiding it might increase the chances of the person opting for unhealthy ways to get rid of

the stress and tension such as relapsing to drug and alcohol use.

3. Enhancing natural levels of endorphins: When a person abuses alcohol, it releases

endorphins, the neurotransmitters in the brain that create euphoria. However, using it for a

long period of time causes dependency and creates a chemical imbalance that interferes with

the person’s ability to feel pleasure, happiness and satisfaction.

A better way to enable the release of these hormones is by exercising regularly. Regular

physical activity assists in restoring the natural levels of endorphins in the body.

4. Inculcating a better outlook: Exercising on a regular basis helps one develop a positive

outlook toward life. It not only helps in boosting the person’s self-confidence but also instills

positivity.

5. Healing body and mind: Engaging in physical activity protects a person, especially those

recovering from an addiction to alcohol, against deadly diseases such as cancer, heart

ailments, etc. When a person in recovery exercises every day, it increases the number of new

nerve connections in the brain that helps heal better from the effects of substance use.

Seeking professional help

Alcoholism not only affects the physical and mental health of a person but also those related

to that person. It is important to note that alcohol addiction is a disease that can be treated.

If you know someone who is addicted to alcohol and is looking for alcohol treatment centers

in California, they must contact the Alcohol Addiction Helpline of California. Call our 24/7

helpline 855-980-1715, and our experts will connect you with the best alcohol rehab in

California.

For more information, please visit

www.alcoholaddictionhelplineofcalifornia.com