Exercise & Addiction Treatment

Countless research has shown that a vital ingredient in improving mental health is exercise. Although great physical healing occurs with simple drug abstinence, a recovering addict must reclaim control over their bodies to thrive. Mental health and physical health are tightly interdependent. At Healthy Life Recovery, we support a balanced, comprehensive recovery process that addresses the far-reaching consequences of drug addiction.  

Treatment that includes exercising can be useful in helping clients interrupt the pattern of daily drug use. San Diego Healthy Life Recovery is focused on producing lifestyles that support long term sobriety. New lifestyle patterns practices don’t have to be dramatic. Regular exercise and simple shifts in behaviors can lead to substantial results. Some benefits of exercise in recovery include:

•  Adds Structure and Organization to Your Days:

 Having a set workout schedule keeps you less mentally cluttered. If there’s a place you must be at a specific time, a ritual is created. This leaves less anxious guesswork to your day and helps create momentum to keep the healthy habit going. Idle time can be dangerous for recovering addicts. It leaves too much opportunity for their minds to drift into dangerous territory.

•  Distraction from Cravings:

Addicts and alcoholics in recovery will inevitably face cravings. The temptation to relapse can be triggered by a host of life’s circumstances. Exercise helps refocus one’s attention to recovery during an active episode of craving.

•  Positive Social Connections:

 Substance abuse is an isolating disease. Active users pull away from any positive influences to protect addiction. Exercise teaches the strengthening force of social interaction. People in recovery should find a health-oriented community that will help ensure a forward progression and keep motivation strong. Isolation is never healthy for a recovering addict.

• Stress Management:

Clients in treatment must learn new, positive ways to cope with stress. Elevated anxiety drives many to continue using to escape the heaviness of stressors. Exercise is a positive, healthy coping mechanism to handle stress.

•   Better Sleep:

Those who exercise regularly enjoy deeper, more consistent sleep. It’s the perfect remedy for insomnia, which is common during early recovery. Studies continue to show that a foundational ingredient to better mental health is enough sleep.

• Increased Energy:

Physical activity promotes cardiovascular health. Improved blood flow and lung capacity lead to higher levels of natural energy that last longer. 

•  Helps Prevents Relapse:

When you work on your body, you’re more motivated to keep it from harm. Because exercise so effectively combats stress, depression, and anxiety, you realize you don’t need to abuse drugs to cope with reality.

•  Manages Weight Gain:

Many in early recovery experience some level of weight gain. This causes some to be discouraged and less motivated to continue the path towards sobriety. An exercise regimen will help regulate this shift in weight and keeps one on track for the long term.

• Improved Self-Confidence:

An improved physique, coupled with newfound mental strength, help create a positive outlook on life. The exercise shows us we can improve and make progress towards healthy lifestyle goals. We realize we realize we deserve to be healthy and discover a new sense of self-worth.