Study: Exercise Can Help Treat Addiction

Exercise really is crucial for long-term sobriety. A new study by researchers at the Research Institute on Addictions at the University at Buffalo found that daily aerobic exercise altered the mesolimbic dopamine pathway in the brains of animal models. 

So what exactly does that mean? Doing “cardio” each day can help stop the flood of the feel-good chemical dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with drug and alcohol use disorders. 

"Several studies have shown that...aerobic exercise has been effective in preventing the start, increase and relapse of substance use in a number of categories," Panayotis (Peter) Thanos, PhD, RIA senior research scientist and senior author of the study, said in a statement. This includes alcohol, nicotine, stimulants and opioids (heroin, morphine and fentanyl). 

Dr. Thanos adds: “Current work is looking at whether exercise can normalize dopamine signaling that has been changed by chronic drug use, as this may provide key support of how exercise could serve as a treatment strategy for substance abuse.” 

While more studies are underway to determine new ways to “integrate exercise into treatment regimens,” it certainly can’t hurt to get your heart pumping with a bit of brisk exercise. Current exercise guidelines recommend adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week.

The physical and mental benefits are far-reaching, including reducing stress, anxiety and depression, which often co-occur with addiction. Plus, a regular cardio routine can help you sleep better, manage your weight and prevent arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Finding Your Fitness Motivation

The best form of exercise during addiction recovery is the kind that motivates you and supports your new sober lifestyle. At Complete Harmony, our hybrid addiction recovery program offers exercise planning to strengthen your body and mind during addiction recovery. To learn more, call: 866-930-4673.

Lift Weights to Lift Your Mood

You’ve likely heard about the positive impact that heart-pumping activities like running can have on your mood – but what about weight training? Despite being anaerobic, researchers have found that the benefits may even exceed other types of exercise. 

In one small study, 80 percent of older adults with depression experienced a significant reduction in symptoms after a 10-week resistance training program. And depressed adults who participated in a high-intensity resistance training program reduced their symptoms by 50 percent, according to another study. 

"When you challenge yourself and push yourself, it's really hard not to feel pride when you're done, and pride is the opposite of that depressive, powerless feeling," Kelly Coffey, a personal trainer in Northampton, MA, told U.S. News & World Report. Coffey began lifting weights about 12 years ago, shortly after she was diagnosed with depression. 

Weightlifting is a great way to rebuild your self-esteem and turn depressive thoughts like “I can’t” or “I’m worthless” into positive sentiments like “I can” and “I’m strong.” Taking up weightlifting can also help with body image issues, experts say. 

More Benefits of Weight Lifting

• You’ll get better sleep. There’s nothing like a good sweat session to lull you into solid slumber. In fact, researchers found that people who pushed themselves at the gym were more likely to sleep through the night.
• You’ll help your metabolism. Weight lifting will help you burn calories while you’re working out and long after you leave the gym. This process is called “physiologic homework." 
• You’ll be motivated to reach goals. Tracking your progress – how much you’ve increased your reps or weight, for instance – can give you the positive momentum you need to excel and grow in other areas of your life. 

And remember: Before you begin incorporating strength training into your recovery routine, it’s always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider first! 

Finding Fitness Motivation
The best form of fitness during addiction recovery is the kind that motivates you and supports your new sober lifestyle. At Complete Harmony, our hybrid addiction recovery program offers exercise planning to strengthen your body during addiction recovery. To learn more, call: 866-930-4673.

Finding Fitness Motivation

Whether you vowed to move more as part of your New Year’s goals or have included exercise in your overall sobriety strategy, you likely know by now that the benefits are plenty. Physical activity makes you happier and less stressed and it also helps fend off some pretty serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. 

3 Tips to Stay Motivated

Knowing that something is good for you and doing that something that is good for you are two different things. Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to let exercise fall by the wayside – especially with all of your other recovery to-dos. The good news: You can motivate yourself to make movement part of your every day. Here’s how: 

1. Think movement, not exercise. You can reap the benefits of exercise without hitting the gym. The goal is this: Move more – and that can mean taking the stairs, cleaning the house, or parking further from the store. 
2. Set a date – and stick to it. Whether it’s a daily walk with a friend or weekly yoga class, setting an appointment can help keep you accountable. 
3. Write it down. An exercise journal is a great motivational tool. Start by tracking what you did and for how long (and don’t forget to include household chores) and add it all up at the end of your day. Consider jotting down how different types of movement made you feel; for example, relaxed or reinvigorated or more limber. 

Let Us Help You Find Fitness Motivation
The best form of fitness during addiction recovery is the kind that motivates you and supports your new sober lifestyle. At Complete Harmony, our hybrid addiction recovery program offers exercise planning to strengthen your body during addiction recovery. To learn more, call: 866-930-4673.