doctor helping patient lift weights exercise in drug and alcohol rehab

The Effects of Exercise on Drug or Alcohol Rehab

It’s no secret that exercise benefits the body and the mind. Vigorous exercise improves circulation, strengthens the heart, helps maintain weight, relieves stress, sharpens the mind, and aids in sweating toxins out of the body. Researchers are now exploring how exercise can specifically help those individuals who are enrolled in substance abuse rehabilitation programs. Here at The Ranch TN, we understanding how exercise in drug and alcohol rehab can improve not just the physical health of clients but their mental health as well.

Exercise In Drug and Alcohol Rehab: Clinical Studies

Two published studies in the fall of 2010 reported on the benefits of exercise for those with drug abuse problems. Biological Psychiatry reported that, in a study with rats, those who exercised on a wheel had less craving for cocaine and suffered less damage to the brain’s prefrontal cortex than those who did not exercise. The Scandinavian Journal of Public Health reported that drug abuse clients who incorporated exercise into their rehab programs reported a much-improved quality of life and a reduced intake of the drugs that they had been abusing. Participants claimed that they could breathe easier, had much more energy, and overall felt better about their physical appearance.

Healing and recovering from a substance abuse addiction requires total healing-both mentally and physically. By incorporating exercise into these treatment programs clients can speed their improvement time and incorporate life-long healthy routines into their lifestyle. A strong body, sculpted by exercise, will fair much better when facing the physical withdrawal symptoms of detox. A strong mind calmed and focused through stress-reducing exercises and a better body image will fair much better when facing the emotional strains during rehab. Individuals will benefit both physically and psychologically from exercise while enrolled in a substance abuse treatment program.

Physical Benefits and Psychological Benefits

The benefits of exercise in drug and alcohol rehab are twofold. It improves the physical condition of clients and their emotional well-being. Because when many individuals find themselves caught in addiction, they let their physical health deteriorate, exercise is one way to heal. There are numerous benefits. For instance, clients can see improvement in the following:

  • Weight loss and management
  • Improved muscle strength
  • Boosts energy
  • More restful sleep
  • Improved circulation

Similarly, there are psychological benefits to exercise in drug and alcohol rehab. These are emotional and mental improvements. Exercise re-focuses the mind allowing clients to regain their sense of self. Also, exercise is a healthy way to release endorphins which causes the body to feel pleasure. Some other benefits include:

  • Improved self-concept
  • Improved mood
  • Reduces anxiety and depression
  • Provides a healthy hobby to occupy time
  • Sharpens mental skills

Popular Exercise Programs

Residential drug treatment facilities are seeing the importance of incorporating exercise into the daily routine of their patients. Some of the most popular exercise programs in these facilities include cardio, yoga, and outdoor exercises. Stairmasters and exercise bikes are offered to patients to build muscle and strengthen the heart. Yoga sessions are offered to reduce stress, calm anxieties, and provide healing muscle stretches. These facilities also often have walking trails so the patients can enjoy the dual healing of low-impact cardio with the healing sights and sounds of nature. Exercise is a natural way to heal and strengthen the body and mind. It seems natural that more substance abuse treatment centers are incorporating these important exercise routines into their programs to help their clients recover and heal holistically.

Exercise In Drug and Alcohol Rehab at The Ranch TN

At The Ranch TN, you or a loved one can expect top-notch, quality care. Our compassionate staff of counselors and therapists dedicate themselves to your recovery. Thus, healing is our primary concern. So reach out to us today by calling 1.844.876.7680.

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