The many benefits of physical exercise can be seen in how they improve one’s health, strength, and mental clarity. In recent years, exercise has been studied and implemented in comprehensive medical treatment plans for a variety of illnesses and diseases with great results. Given the success, adding exercise into one’s daily routine is a good idea. What about addicts, though? Can exercise play a part in helping addicts stay the course better during recovery?

Combining Treatment With Exercise To Help Addicts During Recovery

It is something worth looking into. Studies in animals show some promise. When opioid-dependant rats swam regularly they didn’t consume as much morphine. Lab-rats dependant on cocaine also wanted less of the drug when they were able to have an exercise wheel in their cage. A smaller study in humans that abused amphetamines, cocaine, cannabis, and opioids was done over six months. Incorporating regular exercise three times a week had some interesting results. Those that fulfilled the requirements fully, reported back on their life 1 year later. After a year, 25 percent reported being substance-free while 50 percent reported that they decreased substance.

One theory as to why exercise is so helpful for recovering addicts is that it can reduce cravings. Having structure and a routine distracts from other behaviors that were previously throwing an addict off-track. Additionally, exercise increases the chemicals in the brain that are responsible for happiness and positive feelings. Exercising in a social setting like a gym, helps addicts develop positive connections with others which can also contribute to improved mental clarity.

Exercise Becoming Mainstream For Treatment

Many programs have found great success by having an exercise component. Those that didn’t have one in previous years are now adding exercise in. Addicts who involve themselves with active, fitness groups after recoveries like yoga or boxing helps to keep their recovery on track. To further help addicts stay sober, many non-profit organizations aimed at building communities of sober individuals have sponsored peer-led exercise events such s rock-climbing, hiking, running, and CrossFit. These types of events are much less intimidating for recovering addicts who can be surrounded by others who understand their plight.

Are You Struggling With Addiction And Need Help?

How Exercise May Keep An Addict SoberNo one program or approach is perfect with a 100 percent success rate. The more we know about the elements that work alone or together to help those that struggle with addiction better options can be provided. Even though there is increased attention towards the drug epidemic drug overdoses are on the rise. Synthetic opioids causing the loss of life went up by almost 90 percent from 2013 to 2016, largely in part because of the addition of fentanyl to the mix.

Discovery Place’s medical detox and addiction alternative treatment center has programs designed to help those who are struggling with addiction. Located in the beautiful and calming countryside of Tennessee, Discovery Place’s Tennessee addiction alternative treatment center makes for an excellent place to heal and get back to living your life to the fullest again.

Call our Tennessee detox alternative treatment center anytime day or night at 1-800-725-0922 to discuss your situation.

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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