What is the best exercise for addiction?
According to the National Institutes of Health, key components of good well-being include building healthy habits, practicing good sleep hygiene, and, most importantly, maintaining an active lifestyle through regular exercise. But beyond “being fit,” being active promotes physical and emotional well-being, which is why exercise for addiction recovery can be a tool that you should include in your daily life and your rehabilitation process.
So, what is the best exercise for addiction recovery? How does exercise contribute to the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD)? When individuals begin treatment, they need more than to stop using substances; numerous factors influence the success of their recovery, such as being healthy, having engaging hobbies, and staying physically active.
If you are in treatment for SUD and seeking additional support to achieve a healthy mind and body, keep reading this blog by MAT Care Clinics. We will discuss the benefits of exercise for addiction recovery and offer suggestions for exercises you can start incorporating into your routine.
The Role of Exercise in Addiction Recovery
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is a chronic brain disorder that affects the brain’s reward, stress, and self-control systems, leading to compulsive drug use despite negative consequences. These brain changes can persist long after drug use stops, making addiction a long-term condition. The impact of addiction is severe, disrupting normal brain function and overall health, much like heart disease.
But addiction is not only a physical dependence on a substance; it also has a psychological and emotional impact on individuals, which creates additional challenges that make recovery complex. So, when someone enters a recovery program, their body and mind undergo significant changes as they adjust to life without drugs or alcohol.
Exercise can play a crucial role in this transition by helping to restore balance and providing a natural and healthy source of dopamine release. For instance, research by Frontiers in Psychiatry has shown a strong link between regular aerobic exercise and a lower likelihood of drug use and addiction. Studies suggest that physical activity helps at various stages of dependence, including preventing initial use, reducing cravings, and even lowering the risk of relapse. Scientists believe these benefits may be due to both behavioral changes and brain chemistry shifts caused by exercise.
Benefits of Exercise for Addiction Recovery
So, yes, most doctors and health specialists will tell you that exercise and physical activity are essential for overall health. But have you ever thought about the benefits of exercise for addiction recovery?
1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety – Many people turn to substances as a way to cope with stress. Exercise naturally reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels and increasing endorphins, creating a healthier way to manage emotional distress.
2. Improves Mood and Mental Health – Depression and anxiety are common in individuals recovering from addiction. According to the American Psychological Association, exercise has a profound impact on mood and mental health by helping the brain manage stress more effectively, improving emotional resilience, and enhancing cognitive function.
It also reduces stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine while also increasing brain chemicals such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, which are linked to improved mood and reduced anxiety. Additionally, engaging in physical activity can mimic the body’s natural response to anxiety, helping individuals become more comfortable managing those sensations in daily life.
3. Regulates Sleep Patterns – Sleep disturbances are a frequent challenge in recovery. Physical activity can help regulate circadian rhythms, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
4. Builds Discipline and Routine – Establishing a structured routine is critical in a recovery program. Committing to a regular exercise schedule can create a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, reinforcing positive habits.
5. Provides a Healthy Outlet for Cravings – Exercise also distracts from cravings and negative thoughts, allowing individuals to redirect their focus to physical and mental well-being.
Choosing the Right Type of Exercise to Support Your Recovery
And if you were wondering what the best exercise to do while in recovery is, Well, there is no single “best.” What matters most is finding a physical activity that is enjoyable and sustainable. Here are some recommended types of exercise and their specific benefits for recovery:
- Cardio Activities (Running, Cycling, Swimming): These increase heart rate, improve cardiovascular health, and boost endorphins, providing a natural high that can replace the artificial high from substances.
- Strength Training (Weightlifting, Bodyweight Exercises): Building physical strength can enhance confidence and resilience, qualities that are important for long-term recovery.
- Yoga and Mindfulness-Based Exercises: These focus on breath control, meditation, and body awareness, helping to manage stress and emotional regulation.
- Group Sports (Basketball, Soccer, Tennis): Participating in team sports encourages social interaction and provides a sense of community, which is crucial for emotional support during recovery.
- Outdoor Activities (Hiking, Walking, Kayaking): Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall mental health.
Tips for Incorporating Exercise Into Recovery
Starting an exercise routine can feel overwhelming, especially in early recovery when motivation might be low. But starting with patience, knowing your limits, and knowing that this will help you in your rehabilitation process is the first step.
If you don’t know where to start, follow these tips to make exercise for addiction recovery a habit:
- Start Small: Begin with short, manageable workouts like a 10-minute walk and gradually increase intensity and duration.
- Find an Accountability Partner: Exercising with a friend, sponsor, or support group can provide motivation and encouragement.
- Set Realistic Goals: Focus on consistency rather than intensity. The goal is to build a habit, not to achieve perfection overnight.
- Mix It Up: Trying different types of exercises can help keep things interesting and prevent boredom.
- Listen to Your Body: Recovery is a process, and pushing too hard can lead to burnout or injury. Rest and recovery days are just as important as workouts.
MAT Care Clinics: Supporting Long-Term Recovery
The benefits of exercise for addiction recovery extend beyond the initial treatment phase. Long-term recovery requires ongoing self-care, and maintaining a fitness routine can be a powerful tool in preventing relapse.
If you need an experienced provider to begin your recovery process at MAT Care Clinics, we have helped hundreds of individuals in Nashua and Manchester battling alcohol and opioid dependence find hope and new ways to cope with their challenges.
While we do not provide psychological counseling or structured exercise programs, we strongly encourage our clients to incorporate fitness into their treatment plans. Our Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) approach offers medical support to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing individuals to focus on rebuilding their lives with healthier habits like exercise, therapy, and community engagement.
If you or a loved one is looking for support in overcoming substance use disorder, call (833) 622-0628 or contact us online. Our evidence-based treatments and compassionate team can guide you through your recovery journey and provide the medical care needed to make lasting changes.
