When you’re in treatment for addiction to drugs or alcohol, you’re probably going to hear a lot about the importance of developing good habits and staying healthy. One thing that is commonly suggested is that a person in recovery adds some sort of fitness to their daily or weekly routine. Exercise, whether it’s going for a brisk walk around the block with your kids or swimming twelve miles a day in a lap pool, is good for you. I know, I know, this has been drilled into our heads probably more than we can count, but it may surprise you just how much you can benefit.
Of course, with any fitness routine, you’re going to start getting in better shape or possibly losing weight. The added benefit of this is that for many people, the more in shape they are and the better they take care of their bodies, the less they feel some of the aches and pains they once did in some of their joints, something that may be a trigger for some people to want to return to use, to help get rid of their discomfort. It’s not a cure-all, but when you’re active, you’re helping your body take care of itself, and it pays off, with natural feel-good chemicals that help you when you’re stressed or overwhelmed, and a many people find that their immune system seems more solid when they’re in better shape.
It’s also a chance for you to try something new, which can be extremely beneficial if boredom has been leading to cravings. Always wanted to try kayaking or skiing? Now’s the time. Get out of your comfort zone a little bit and do something new, and you may even make new friends. The more opportunity you have to be around people who are working to take care of themselves, the less likely you are to slip back into old habits.
The Springboard Center took notice of just how much regular exercise could help their own patients, and recently opened a brand new fitness center for those attending treatment on site. By providing their patients with a safe location to work out, they’re giving them the opportunity get into the habits that can make all the difference after treatment. If you’re struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, it’s never too late to get help. Call today: 432-620-0255.
