The Relationship Between Exercise and Addiction Recovery

By Carmen Cook, LMFT | November 25th, 2024

Addiction recovery is a lifelong journey that involves a multifaceted approach. Both addiction treatment and recovery involve a combination of therapy, medication (in some instances), and overall lifestyle changes. One of those recommended lifestyle changes, along with diet, is exercise.

Addiction specialists and treatment professionals often view exercise as a powerful tool as it relates to addiction recovery due to the ability exercise has to mend both the body and mind.

How Exercise Affects the Brain in Addiction Recovery

Substance abuse often changes the overall chemistry of the brain, impacting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which regulate pleasure and mood. While there are various ways that you can try and repair that brain chemistry as part of a recovery program, one of the easiest, and most enjoyable methods is often exercise.

Physical activity promotes neurogenesis, or the creation of new brain cells, particularly in areas related to memory and learning. Regular exercise can also promote the release of endorphins, which are natural “feel good” chemicals in the brain. By engaging in regular physical activity, those in recovery can begin to retrain their brain to experience pleasure and satisfaction without relying on substances.

The Physical Benefits of Exercise for Individuals in Recovery

Beyond just the mental side of both addiction and recovery, there’s also the physical aspect.

Much like the brain, addiction often wreaks havoc on the body as well, leading either directly or indirectly to many physical health issues including extreme weight loss or gain, a weakened immune system, and cardiovascular and heart issues. Exercise can help counteract many of these issues by improving cardiovascular health, enhancing muscle tone, and boosting overall physical endurance.

There’s also the matter of sleep. Many substances of abuse disrupt sleep patterns which can either lead to or increase the risk of the development of physical ailments as well. Regular exercise can help with sleep patterns, leading to more restful nights and improved energy levels during the day.

Exercise as a Tool for Managing Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms

While exercise can help greatly improve the overall physical and mental side effects associated with substance abuse and addiction, that’s hardly its only benefit. Exercise can also be a powerful tool as it relates to managing both cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Physical activity can be a great outlet to not only take your mind off those cravings but also release any pent-up energy or stress that you may have that may have previously resulted in you turning to drugs or alcohol.

Beyond just that, for those in the early stages of recovery, exercise can be a great tool for alleviating withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Since exercise promotes healthy body and brain function, regular physical activity during the early stages of recovery may actually speed up the process of overcoming withdrawal symptoms, making them easier and more comfortable to navigate.

The Role of Endorphins and Mood Regulation in Recovery

We briefly touched on it earlier, but endorphins play a major role in the effectiveness of exercise in recovery. Also known as the “feel good” chemicals, endorphins help combat the emotional lows that often accompany withdrawal and early sobriety, allowing for better mood stabilization and regulation.

By using exercise to release those endorphins, you can actually use physical activity as not just a natural antidepressant but also a tool to build self-worth and resilience and maintain a positive outlook during recovery.

How Exercise Helps Reduce Stress and Anxiety During Recovery

Stress and anxiety can be two major triggers for relapse, especially if there are no healthy ways in place to properly manage those emotions. That’s yet another reason why exercise is so beneficial in addiction recovery. Since exercise is proven to reduce stress and anxiety, activities such as yoga, tai chi, or even a brisk walk can provide immediate relief from said stress and promote relaxation.

Furthermore, with the increased production of GABA, a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the brain, that exercise produces, physical activity can actively reduce feelings of anxiety as well.

Building Structure and Routine with Regular Exercise

One of the things lost during addiction is structure in a person’s life. For many, with the lack of any structure also comes the lack of purpose. Having a regular exercise routine can restore much-needed structure and purpose in a person’s life, offering a daily or weekly routine that fosters discipline and accountability.

This control and stability can be particularly beneficial during the early stages of recovery when things often feel chaotic or hectic. It can be a great way to take a deep breath and allow everything around you to slow down a little, while also providing a healthy outlet to tackle the stress and anxiety that comes with the chaos.

Group Fitness and Social Support in Addiction Recovery

Regular exercise and fitness activities can also be a great way to make new friends and create a strong social circle in sobriety. Doing things like joining a fitness class, sports league, or running club can foster a sense of community, reducing feelings of loneliness and increasing motivation.

Types of Exercises That Are Beneficial in Recovery

In reading all this you may be thinking to yourself, “This is all great but what are some of the best forms of exercise or physical activity for my recovery or sobriety?”

Well, here are some of the more beneficial ones to consider:

• Strength training
• Team sports
• Mindfulness exercises such as yoga or pilates
• Aerobic activities
• Low-impact activities such as walking

Balancing Rest and Physical Activity in Early Recovery

While exercise is a great thing, it’s important to remember that, like all things in life, everything should be done in moderation. Overexertion can lead to burnout or injury, which may actually hinder or be detrimental to the overall progress. Incorporating scheduled rest days can help you stay engaged without causing harm to the body.

Exercise and Addiction Recovery: Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle with Mana Recovery Center

At Mana Recovery Center, we understand the role that physical activity and exercise play in one’s overall recovery. That’s why, in addition to therapy and other traditional treatment methods, we also offer our Recover Strong Program, allowing a person’s brain to heal by specifically intense physical training to create a state that produces neuroregeneration.

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse and is looking to get the recovery process started, contact us today.