Can Exercise Help With Addiction Treatment?

By janice

Regular exercise programs are not only good for one’s physical body, but studies have proven time and again, that regular exercise is essential for the mind and the well being. Exercise helps with insomnia, with stress and anxiety, and provides an outlet for the daily grind of life. So it is no surprise that many people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, find help and experience the benefits of embarking on a daily exercise routine.

Exercise is one way to achieve overall optimal wellness and health, and for many years those working with people recovering from addiction, have noticed that when someone is involved with a regular program, the incidence of relapse drops exponentially, and is one of the keys for maintaining sobriety in the long term. A study was performed in Canada at a treatment center for addiction, and the doctor in charge and all of those working in the facility noticed that when people are recovering from alcohol addiction, those who were involved with a program as part of their daily treatment and routine were seventy percent more likely to complete the three month program and remain clean and sober throughout. However, those in the program who chose not to participate in daily exercise, were sixty percent more likely to either drop out of the program, or to relapse.

Aside from the health benefits, many have found there to be a void, once they have stop using drugs or alcohol, there is so much more time in the day, as one remains lucid throughout that day. Walking or running or yoga not only serves to ease the mind, but to fill that void…to fill it with something healthy and good for the body, rather than something filled with poison and that which is life threatening. Many of those with long term sobriety find that their devotion to the new exercise and new way of life helps them to embrace their new, healthier life style. The key is moderation, many times recovering addicts may become compulsive about running or cycling, which is much better for the body than the previous compulsions, but moderation is always the key to a long and happy life free from addiction.