Addiction steals a lot for anyone with an alcohol or drug use disorder. Typically, the drug or alcohol becomes the primary focus, as the social, familial, educational, personal, and occupational realms fall to the wayside. Exercise tends to be one of the areas that become neglected by those in active addiction. Thus, physical and emotional health can decline during active addiction.

Regular exercise can even aid in reducing your chance of being diagnosed with a substance use disorder in the future. It also has been found to decrease the risk of ever using illicit drugs. This is not only the case for human beings, but also for laboratory animals. There are some possible reasons for this:

  • Working out may lead to a slow decline in the use of alcohol and illicit drugs, as it may be utilized as a substitute, non-substance reward. It also can yield practical neuroadaptations that impact a person’s vulnerability to developing a substance use disorder.
  • Drug and alcohol use decreases time and finances that could otherwise be utilized on physical activities and exercise. Drinking and using also lead to decreased aerobic capacity, which also makes it difficult for a person to participate in workouts. Exercise increases aerobic capacity. One’s mood increases as he or she begins to participate in activities that he or she once enjoyed before, such as working out.
  • An outside influence that may contribute to this is the individual’s character or personality. Another outside effect can be the person’s home environment.
  • A combination of the above three reasons above.

The Brain and Working Out

Exercise Can Help Your Recovery Process

Exercise increases your neurotransmitters. Working out helps the brain release 5-HT which has been found to directly relate to decreased central fatigue. Exercising stimulates the release of monoamines, which decrease feelings of being tired and increase sleep health and drive. Exercise increases an individual’s metabolism. It also encourages emission of neurotrophic features, vasculotropic influences, and inflammatory mediators. Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are also increased during training.

Obviously, pace yourself. No matter how healthy our behaviors may be, anything can become an addiction if we do not regulate our habits and actions. It is important to have more than one coping skill as well. Unfortunately, working out can lead to injuries, especially if it is overdone. Training too much can also increase feelings of fatigue.

Where to Go If Exercise Has Not Been A Good Enough Treatment for Your Substance Use Disorder

Off Spencer Road, in Burns, Tennessee, there is an amazing substance abuse rehab alternative. Discovery Place keeps its doors open to neighboring states, such as Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, and North Carolina. We allow anyone wanting to achieve sobriety from alcohol, cannabis, opiates, or illicit drugs. To help with this, our non-profit center provides very affordable programs along with scholarship opportunities.

We do not stop helping you continue with your recovery after you leave Discovery Place. If you find yourself struggling after taking part in one of our programs, we offer a week-long free stay with us to help you get back on your feet. Call us today at 1-800-725-0922. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get you started with Discovery Place. Don’t waste another moment!

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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