Why Exercise Is Important in Addiction Recovery

Taking the steps to address your addiction can be a scary path, but it’s important to remember you are not alone in making a decision to better yourself. Overcoming drug abuse can be a struggle, but having activities and habits in place to take your focus can make things just a bit easier. That’s why many addiction experts have recommended exercise routines as part of an overall approach to recovery. Let’s take a look at why getting the right amount of exercise can do the trick.

Exercise is a known stress reducer.

If you’re looking to take the steps to curb your addiction, you can start by looking into the California Rehab Campus treatment center for drug or alcohol rehab services. Addiction treatment involves an overall assessment of your history of drug abuse and your current health status to determine how to head uphill.

Many experts turn to an exercise regimen as part of a holistic approach to handling addiction. That’s because exercise helps those in long-term recovery alleviate the stress of no longer relying on substances. Runners find that they are able to satisfy the “high” with a regular routine of a set amount of miles per day. Physical activity releases feel-good endorphins in the brain and improves circulation, both of which help with stress.

It’s part of an overall plan to improve health.

When addressing substance abuse, experts will work with you to also get medical advice for better overall health. For example, runners and hikers may need arch support insoles to put their feet in the best positioning to avoid medical conditions brought about, such as lower back pain or breaks and strains within the feet. There’s a significant difference when your sneakers are better adjusted to your feet, alleviating pressure on certain spots like your heel bone or arches. When breaking into an exercise regimen, the last thing that you want is to have any stiffness or straining. It’s all part of a better support plan for the significant improvement of your well-being.

Exercise can improve your mood.

Mood changes can be associated with addiction recovery, and you can help your body adjust to new capacities of daily life. This leads to the natural production of feel-good chemicals, no longer having to turn to drug use for that artificial emotion. Exercise releases endorphins that provide true joy, even with just 30 minutes of exercise per day. You may be expending plenty of energy when you swim, ride a bike, or go for a hike, but you will also receive energy for your efforts. Some see exercise as a sort of factory reset for the body in sobriety, allowing an individual patient to focus their health plans properly. Exercise manages stress and anxiety, which can arise during the detox process.

You can get a better night’s sleep.

Recovery experts recognize the importance of addressing mental health as part of the path to sober living. The right exercise routine, whether through yoga or aerobic classes, can help deal with stressors of wanting to return to substance use. Trouble sleeping is actually quite common for those in inpatient and outpatient rehab programs. While it may have once seemed like alcohol or drugs were the only way to get rest, regular exercise has actually been shown to improve the quality and quantity of sleep.

A good night’s sleep is crucial to everyone’s overall health. Healthcare providers recognize that a better mental outlook can lead to greater rest. Exercise allows for a natural response from the body, adjusting energy levels up and down naturally without the help of alcohol or drugs. Plus, exercise plans aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions, so you can find the activity that suits your personal needs.