Quick answer: Appropriate activity can add routine, enjoyable movement, and connection. Choose with your health and abilities in mind and keep clinical treatment in place.
Exercise is included in many addiction recovery programs and there is good reason for that. There are several important ways in which physical activity may support recovery from drugs or alcohol. Read on to learn the main reasons to exercise during addiction treatment.
Exercise provides structure to your day
When exercise is added as a regular part of your day, this helps provide the daily structure and routine you need to get your life back in gear. It can be difficult to find healthy activities to replace old behaviors, and appropriate activity may be one option, as it is physically and mentally stimulating, and can be adjusted to your physical needs. When added to your daily schedule, exercise reduces idle time, and provides a healthy foundation on which to start or end your day.
Exercise and coping with cravings
Activity may offer a change of focus while you use your coping plan. It should not be promised to stop cravings, and animal studies cannot establish an individual treatment outcome. Ask a clinician about support if cravings persist.
Exercise and stress
Some people find appropriate activity helpful for stress or mood. Responses vary, and exercise does not replace assessment or treatment for anxiety, depression, or substance use.
Exercise provides social support
Many physical activities have a social component. Whether you are playing an organized sport, participating in an exercise class, or just jogging with a friend, you are engaging in a healthy activity with other people.
A shared activity can create opportunities for connection. Choose a supportive setting and keep therapy and other recommended care in place.
Exercise and physical health
While the previous items on this list are all related to the mental and emotional benefits of exercise, physical activity of course provides physical benefits as well. Health and activity levels vary. Recovery can be a time to assess medical needs and choose movement suited to the person, including adapted activity or rest.
Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your body tissues, helping your organs and particularly your cardiovascular system function better. It also helps you deal with weight problems, high blood pressure, and other health conditions you may have developed as a result of your addiction. (Check out this blog post about the long-term effects of alcohol on your health — warning: it’s not pretty.)
Learn more about fitness and addiction treatment
Appropriate movement may support health and daily routines during recovery. It does not reverse every effect of substance use or replace clinical care. While exercise is only one piece of the puzzle in addiction recovery, it should be adapted to your health and abilities. Rest or modified activity may be appropriate. Learn more about how the Health & Fitness Program at our Utah addiction center helps you recover from substance abuse and resist relapse.
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Choose Your Next Step
- Discuss health limits and a manageable starting point.
- Choose an activity you enjoy and review how it fits your recovery plan.
Ask Alpine About Adult Treatment
Alpine Recovery Lodge serves adults in Alpine, Utah. Talk with admissions about available services and assessment options, or verify insurance benefits. Benefits verification is not a payment guarantee.