Addiction recovery is not a passive process. The initial phases of detox and adjustment to being without drugs can be physically and mentally demanding, and then treatment sessions and other therapeutic activities will keep the patient busy and active throughout the recovery process.
Even more-so, however, the patient can occupy themselves productively by exercising regularly. Within days, the benefits of exercise in addiction recovery will be more than evident.
Exercise is generally recommended for health benefits to anyone, regardless of their health concerns. The benefits are clear: it helps the patient keep weight off, or lose weight as needed, while also promoting better performance in almost all bodily systems and maintaining such health even as age and illness may try to intercede.
Yet even more, those struggling with addiction can use the benefits of exercise in their therapy and recovery efforts.
First, it can help the patient begin to build up strength in the early stages of recovery. Few addicts in the throes of their addiction are worried about hitting the gym, and detox can leave a person feeling weak and essentially wrung out.
A daily regimen of exercise can begin to make up for it. Regular exercise is perfect for building up energy and rebuilding strength. Even an hour a day of steady walking, simple stretches or similar undertaking cannot help but start to improve the patient’s health. Addiction can ravage the body, but exercise is one of the best ways to start to reverse the damage.
Exercise in addiction recovery promotes better health in other ways, too. For instance, prolonged exercise, such as longer brisk walk or something similar, can release endorphins in the body, which improve mood and ultimately help push the recovery forward.
Exercising regularly can improve the function of many bodily systems, from breathing to heart rate and more. For a former addict who perhaps damaged organs with extensive drug use, healing such damage through sustained exercise is an important step.
There are caveats, of course. You’ll need to check with a doctor before taking any steps toward exercise. Some activities the patient may not be ready for yet. Some may cause more harm than good in the early stages of recovery. A doctor can tell you what you can do and what’s wise to avoid at first.
Depending on the treatment center you choose, some exercises may not be possible. Weight lifting is less likely to be available than walking, for instance. Depending on how much you get about, you may be restricted at first to doing simple repetitions in your room.
Overall, though, exercise during recovery is a great addiction to any treatment plan, especially if you clear it with your doctor first.
Good Landing Recovery can offer various exercise options to any patient seeking to add physical exertion to their treatment plan. Give them a call and see what exercise you can bring to the table for treatment.
Exercise in addiction recovery is one of the best natural medicines you bring to bear on treating your addiction and while you’ll need guidance on what works best for your particular needs, it’s a great way to try and find a quicker road to recovery.