It is well known that exercise has many health benefits, both physical and mental. In addition, it also serves as a support point to overcome many problems; for example, we can count on the help of physical exercise to overcome an addiction. This is not an observed hypothesis or problem, but research proves it.
Most addiction treatments involve some form of psychotherapy or counseling and are intended to help the addict figure out why he or she continues to engage in addictive behaviors despite the resulting problems. They also present more effective ways to manage the feelings underlying addictive behaviors.
- However.
- While these treatment approaches are useful for many people with addictions.
- Some feel they need an approach that also helps the physical aspects.
- Unlike the mental or emotional aspects of addiction.
- Many find that exercise helps control cravings.
Over the years, exercise has been recognized as a self-help tool for people recovering from an addiction, however, until recently we did not know the full value of this support, let’s see below how exercise can overcome an addiction.
When a person tries to overcome an addiction, the mind and body ask for the substance that produces endorphins in the brain and creates the feeling of being drugged. Added to this is the stress of daily life and cravings, the mixture can reach unbearable levels.
Strong exercise also releases endorphins. As a result, you feel the same feeling of euphoria that accompanies a chemical or what makes you addicted.
While it may be less intense than you feel about drugs, alcohol, or any other element that has slowed you down, the effects of exercise can be pleasing both mentally and physically. In fact, a study of patients who have been treated for substance abuse has shown that exercise can lead to a sense of achievement and greater confidence in sobriety.
On the other hand, it is normal for a person to feel anxious or depressed when he or she has withdrawal symptoms, however, exercise can promote a healthy and addiction-free life, in this sense it has been shown that exercise:
Physical exercise helps to lose and control weight loss, to have more energy and muscle strength, improves circulation, improves self-esteem and mood, reduces depression and anxiety and increases mental acuity, among other benefits.
A study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health supports this idea and found that people who incorporated exercise into their rehabilitation programs reported fewer medications and a better quality of life. Participants said they felt more energy, able to breathe better and feel better about their appearance.
Abstinence is an unpleasant experience that occurs when you stop using an addictive substance, such as alcohol or drugs, or behaviors such as gambling, compulsive sex, or overeating.
Withdrawal symptoms vary in intensity and depend on the individual and what is moving away; However, it is common in all withdrawal syndromes to desire substance or behavior, as well as a sense of relief when the substance is consumed or when behavior occurs.
Feelings of depression or despair, anxiety or lethargy, irritability, or anger are common during weaning. In addition, digestive problems and nervous system symptoms, such as sweating, dry or wet mouth, headaches and muscle tension, may occur.
We already know that exercise reduces stress, anxiety and depression. As these are the main symptoms of withdrawal, experts increasingly suggest that exercise can relieve them.