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Ending the destruction begins
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(904) 733-7383
Ending the destruction begins
by asking for help.
 
Awakening Recovery Center
1106 A1A North, Suite 201C
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082


Exercise

The Importance of Exercise Therapy in Addiction Recovery and Retraining the Brain

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Exercise provides a natural rush and can be used as a holistic treatment towards addiction recovery once the detoxification process is complete. However, receiving medical evaluation or clearance prior to beginning exercise is important because of the fragile physical state the body may be in after discontinuing years of substance misuse. In addition, any pre-existing medical conditions should be considered prior to beginning an exercise regimen.  Researchers theorize that exercise is able to decrease cravings by increasing dopamine in the brain. When our fitness increases, our mood rises along with it. There may be additional benefits to recovering individuals as well. Some studies suggest that physical activity in combination with other healthy recovery-oriented behaviors can actually help return dopamine levels to pre-abuse heights.

While exercise can help prevent relapse, there is a risk of overdoing it. Like anything else, too much exercise can be problematic and become compulsive. We caution patients to be aware of not replacing substance addiction with an exercise addiction.

How to Develop an Exercise Routine Safely

After receiving medical clearance, start slow and work your way into it. If exercise hasn’t been a part of your life before, it might be difficult, or you may be anxious to begin. Just remember to start slow and ease your way into a routine.

Some other tips for developing an exercise routine include:

Why Exercise Works – the Facts About Addiction Research and Exercise

Why Exercise Works – the Facts About Addiction Research and ExerciseIn a 2011 National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) newsletter, Dr. Nora Volkow, NIDA Director, noted that while most people recognize that exercise is good for the body, it also benefits the brain. She reported that exercise stimulates the brain reward pathway and heightens mood-boosting neurochemicals.

Dr. Richard Brown, Director of Addictions Research at Butler Hospital, and his colleagues recently conducted studies on exercise and alcohol abuse. They found that participants in their studies enjoyed exercise because they could feel their mood improving on a daily basis. Dr. Brown theorized that exercise helps increase levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine, a chemical associated with the feelings of pleasure, is often diminished during the time a person is excessively abusing substances. Hence, exercise may be beneficial to build dopamine back to normal levels.

Exercise is also a proven and natural way to produce endorphins in the brain. Excessive substance abuse seems to seriously affect brain endogenous endorphin production. Dr. Gabor Mate, author of “In the Realm of the Hungry Ghost,” believes that natural opiates such as endorphins are the chemical linchpin of the brain’s emotional apparatus. Hence it makes sense that if a substance negatively affects this apparatus, increasing endogenous endorphins through exercise could improve recovery rates.

Changing Life Patterns for Long-Lasting Addiction Recovery

Exercise may benefit an individual attempting to overcome their dependency by creating a healthy distraction. When individuals are giving up something such as alcohol, drugs, cigarettes or even food, they often talk about being bored or even anxious. These feelings can trigger cravings. Exercise not only can help improve brain chemistry and assist with stress reduction, it can provide a physical distraction to help divert attention from these cravings. Increasing endorphins and/or dopamine through exercise may help reduce cravings brought on by neurochemical imbalances.

There are increasing reports that exercise can reduce substance use. Psychology professor Mark Smith and his colleagues have published several studies in peer-reviewed journals showing reduction in cocaine use, heroin use and even amphetamine use in laboratory rats who had access to an exercise wheel compared to their sedentary counterparts. The more active rats had limited to no interest in substance use. Researchers at Vanderbilt University have reported similar results from marijuana.

At Awakening, our data shows that the combination of formal treatment, exercise, healthy diet, community support, and other recovery-oriented activities greatly improves the chances of success for recovery. We believe in a holistic approach to recovery, working on your mind, body and spirit. Let us help you understand how exercise can be an essential part of that.

Has Addiction Stolen Your Life?

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Awakening Recovery Center is dedicated to helping those with addictions to drugs, alcohol and pain medications reach sobriety and live a life in recovery. Our experts also treat the many co-occurring disorders that are common in those living with addiction.

Awakening’s board-certified physicians, therapists and counselors can help you now. Contact us to schedule a confidential evaluation at our conveniently located Jacksonville, Florida office.

Awakening Recovery Center Addiction Treatment Program Jacksonville

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Awakening Recovery Center accepts most private insurance plans for our addiction treatment and recovery programs.
Call us today at (904) 733-7383 to discuss your coverage and other financing options available to qualified applicants.

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(904) 733-7383
Ending the detruction begins
by asking for help.
Awakening Recovery
Center
1106 A1A North, Suite 201C
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082