It is understandable to hope for some type of magic “cure” for addiction. As it is such a vast problem that afflicts so many people, it stands to reason that we would want to be able to just wish it away. Unfortunately, that is not the reality – there is no magic cure. Recovery takes a lot of hard work and effort. Yet, many people still ask the question, “Is exercise the answer to addiction?” While it can be extremely helpful, exercise cannot “cure” addiction. The good news is that it can be used in a plan that can help ensure long-term success in recovery.
Is Exercise the Answer to Addiction?
It is also understandable that people would ask the question, “Is exercise the answer to addiction?” This is because many people only focus on the physical side effects of addiction and thus only focus on a physical solution.
However, the issue is that addiction is a mind-body disease. It can affect all aspects of life – physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual. Thus, it needs a broader solution. It needs a solution that addresses everything. However, it is important not to underestimate the benefits of exercise.
The Overall Benefits of Exercise
Many people have forgotten how beneficial exercise can be. According to the peer-reviewed journal Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine, “In the 5th century BC, the ancient physician Hippocrates stated: ‘All parts of the body, if used in moderation and exercised in labors to which each is accustomed, become thereby healthy and well developed and age slowly; but if they are unused and left idle, they become liable to disease, defective in growth and age quickly.’ However, by the 21st century, the belief in the value of exercise for health has faded so considerably, the lack of exercise now presents a major public health problem. Similarly, the lack of exercise was classified as an actual cause of chronic diseases and death.”
Exercise can help every aspect of life. It can bring about mental clarity, improve strength and flexibility, help with breathing and stress, and even create new, helpful, and healthy social connections. These can be especially beneficial to someone looking to recover from addiction.
The Benefits of Exercise for Addiction Recovery
Addiction recovery takes serious effort and focus. This is especially true in early recovery. Exercise can help with this focus, especially if the right type of exercise is chosen. For example, yoga has been shown to be highly effective at helping people recover from their addiction.
The iconic yogi and spiritual leader, B.K.S. Iyengar, famously said, “Yoga is like music: the rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.” Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years. Originally, it was used as a religious or spiritual practice, but it has since moved into the realm of recovery. This is because it has been shown to be so highly beneficial at addressing the mind-body component of addiction.
The benefits of yoga for recovery have been shown to be vast and varied. According to the International Journal of Yoga (IJOY), “Therapeutic yoga is defined as the application of yoga postures and practice to the treatment of health conditions. Yoga therapy involves instruction in yogic practices and teachings to prevent, reduce, or alleviate structural, physiological, emotional, and spiritual pain, suffering, or limitations. Yogic practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.”
Exercise Is Not the Only Answer for Recovery
It is also important to understand that exercise can be used alongside all other types of treatment. It is highly recommended that exercise be included in any effective recovery plan.
This includes psychotherapeutic modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). It also includes experiential therapies that can be very helpful, like nature immersion therapy and art therapy. Experiential therapies can also have elements of exercise directly integrated into them. For example, nature immersion therapy may include hiking, swimming, or surfing, and art therapy may include dance. The key is to find the right combination of modalities that work for you and stick to them.
Exercise can also help you to build a healthy, sober community. This is because people may get together to exercise after a recovery meeting or when they are feeling triggered.
Our Primary Purpose at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, our primary purpose is to help you recover by any means necessary. This includes utilizing exercise in our recovery programs.
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then the time to recover is now. You got this! We can help.
Exercise is a great tool when it comes to addiction recovery. However, it should not be the only tool. Also, many people fall into the trap of “over-exercise” in recovery. It is important to understand and discuss healthy exercise in addiction recovery with recovery peers and professionals. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness, addiction, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about the pros and cons of exercise in addiction recovery, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
