Recovering addicts can reduce their risk of relapse by incorporating a regular exercise routine into their lives, according to experts from drug treatment centers and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Exercise releases endorphins. These endorphins can elevate a person’s mood, which becomes critical to maintaining abstinence from drugs, as mood disturbances often are the cause of relapse. In addition to mood elevation, addicts will benefit from decreased depression, alleviated stress and an improvement in overall appearance, which builds self confidence. As a result, drug treatment centers across the country are incorporating regular exercise routines into their programs after an addict undergoes drug detox.
Once an addict has undergone drug detox, they can begin an exercise routine. It’s best to start slow. Many drug treatment centers offer classes for those exiting drug detox. Exercise gives recovering addicts an outlet other than using drugs to occupy their time. Often, recovery from addiction includes negative emotions, and these types of emotions will lessen through exercise. Drug treatment center experts say taking only a few minutes a day to physically exercise can have tremendous benefits for the recovering addict.
There are many different types of exercise that help recovering persons. Each individual must choose a routine that best suits their current physical condition and goals. A combination of cardio, strength training and stretching is highly recommended. By adhering to an exercise regiment, a recovering addict can fill gaps in his or her day that could be spent idly thinking about escaping from negative feelings. This factor is crucial for the early stages of recovery.
Mark A. Smith, neuroscientist at Davidson University points out that exercise mimics the effects of drugs on the brain. Certain neurochemicals are stimulated that provide pleasure.
Most doctors believe finding alternatives to past destructive habits, such as exercise, will speed up the recovery process after drug detox, and help addicts find peace of mind. Also, exercise alleviates boredom and can be very beneficial for fellowship, if done in a group setting. Finding new ways to live life with healthier habits and social settings provide the key to lasting recovery..
