The Importance of Exercise in Addiction Recovery

The Importance of Exercise in Addiction Recovery

Published July 2011

Exercise is a very crucial component for an individual recovering from any alcohol or drug abuse.  Years of dependency on drugs and alcohol severely diminish your physical state and health, often leading to gaining of fat, loss of muscle tone, and deterioration of the bones and joints.

Physical fitness and exercise are definitely key to maintaining a healthy, balanced, and sober existence.  Regular exercise causes the release of endorphins, which are small, protein-packed molecules produced by cells in your nervous system.  Endorphins have been shown to have a positive effect on the brain and body, causing feelings of pleasure, controlling pain, reducing depression and anxiety, relieving stress, and decreasing cravings for addictive substances.  As you continue to exercise once you have detoxed and become sober, you will notice a difference in your physical appearance and begin to feel strong again, and your self-esteem will increase.

To reverse the trends you have likely developed as part of an unhealthy lifestyle. We provide our clients with one-on-one sessions with our Certified Fitness Instructors in our own fully-equipped fitness center at Passages.