6 Ways Exercise in Addiction Recovery Can Help

It’s no secret that drug, alcohol, and behavioral addictions are a serious problem in America.

Fortunately, many addicts want to beat their addiction.

Unfortunately, between 40% and 60% of those suffering from substance abuse disorders relapse.[1]

Various treatment methods are available to help patients recover and avoid relapsing. One of the most effective and natural ways to help patients through tailored addiction recovery is by exercising.

Physical activity provides full-body benefits that help addicts stick with their recovery plan and avoid toxic behaviors. Let’s explore some of the top benefits of combining exercise with addiction recovery.

1. Exercise Boosts Sleep

Many recovery patients experience insomnia while detoxing from alcohol or drugs. Insomnia occurs as the body and mind adjust to not having mood-altering chemicals in the body. The restless nights make it difficult for patients to stay motivated on their road to recovery.

Full-body workouts may increase the amount of slow-wave sleep a person receives. Slow-wave sleep is also known as deep sleep. It’s the period when the brain and body are fully at rest. Slow-wave sleep is critical for feeling rejuvenated and awake during the day.[2]

Patients going through the addiction recovery process are encouraged to stay active to support better sleep patterns. When patients feel refreshed, they are more likely to stick to their recovery plan.

2. Exercise Passes the Time

An essential step in addiction recovery includes picking up new hobbies. Addicts must find ways to pass the time and keep their minds away from thoughts of drugs or alcohol.

Developing a new set of skills or participating in sober activities can prevent relapse and enable patients to reach their long-term health goals.

Working out is an excellent way to pass the time and boost your overall well-being. Recovering addicts can concentrate on setting and achieving fitness goals. Having attainable goals can prevent people from reverting to old, unhealthy habits.

Studies show that those who regularly engage in aerobic exercise are less likely to use and abuse illicit drugs.[3] Working out is a fun and healthy hobby that encourages people to care about their bodies. Therefore, exercise enthusiasts are less likely to harm their bodies with chemicals and alcohol.

Best of all, working out is a sober activity. It’s not appropriate to hit the gym with a hidden flask or while high on drugs. In fact, it’s dangerous to be around exercise equipment while intoxicated. The gym is a safe space where addicts should not be tempted to engage in unhealthy behaviors.

3. Exercise Heals Your Body

Long-term use of drugs and alcohol can lead to physical health implications. A good exercise routine, however, can support better physical health and mental health during the recovery journey.

Physical activity may help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways. Exercise also causes changes in antibodies and white blood cells, which are immune cells that help the body fight disease.[4] These physical health benefits can play a meaningful role in helping people stay healthy as they recover.

In addition to physical healing of the body, exercise also helps the mind. Many people recovering from addiction suffer from anxiety disorders or depression. Working out can support mental wellness by reducing stress levels and helping the brain and body regulate difficult emotions.[5]

4. Workout Routines Create Structure

Following a weekly exercise schedule helps patients develop structure in their lives. Structure is an essential part of addiction recovery. Following healthy routines can prevent recovering addicts from suffering a relapse.

Addictive behaviors lead to an unmanageable and chaotic lifestyle. Mind-altering substances create changes in brain structure, making addicts feel disorganized.

Following an exercise routine helps addicts feel composed and in control. Sticking to a group exercise schedule or hitting the gym at specific times gives recovering patients a plan. They can structure their day around their workouts, which keeps put them on a healthy path.

5. Exercise Enhances Self-Confidence

How we feel about ourselves impacts our self-esteem. Researchers have been investigating the effects self-esteem has on our behaviors. Some studies point to a link between low self-esteem and addiction, theft, and more.

Recovering people and non-addicts both can experience a boost in self-confidence from exercising. Regular workouts improve our body image and allow us to achieve our goals. People often express feeling better about themselves following a workout.

As you set and reach your fitness goals, you gain a sense of accomplishment. The more you achieve, the more emotional stamina you have, making you feel confident and unstoppable. These emotions play a key role in helping recovering people stay on track.

Of course, regular exercise will also tone and shape your body. It will make you look and feel stronger. As a person feels better about their physical abilities and physique, their self-esteem should also increase.

6. Fitness Classes Create Supportive Environments

Support groups play an important role in beating an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Having a strong support system helps patients feel less alone and more determined to leave harmful habits behind.

In addition to group exercise classes providing structure to a person’s life, the classes also give patients an extra boost of motivation and support.

Group workouts are designed to include everyone. Instructors inspire participants, cheer everyone on, and make attendees feel like they are part of a team. The supportive environment helps people stick with their exercise routine, develop new friendships, and feel encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The social aspect of exercise can be especially helpful in early recovery. Yoga routines, team sports, walking groups, strength training classes, and aerobic exercise sessions can provide healthy opportunities for social connection, peer support, and a sense of belonging during recovery.[6] 

How to Add Exercise to Your Recovery Process Safely

Exercise can play a crucial role in substance use recovery, but it does not have to be intense to help. Moderate exercise, such as walking, stretching, swimming, cycling, or light strength training, may be a more realistic starting point than a demanding daily exercise plan.

People struggling with withdrawal symptoms, alcohol addiction, opioid dependence, or other substance use concerns should speak with a medical provider before starting a new fitness routine. This is especially important during early recovery, after detox, or while participating in medication-assisted treatment.

A safe approach may include:

• Starting with short sessions of regular physical activity
• Choosing physical activity that feels manageable and enjoyable
• Setting realistic fitness goals
• Balancing aerobic activity with strength training
• Asking a physical therapy provider for guidance if pain, injury, or mobility issues are present
• Treating exercise as one part of addiction treatment, not a replacement for care

Exercise can offer positive results, but addiction recovery exercise works best when paired with other therapies, medical support, group therapy, coping mechanisms, and a long-term recovery plan.

Start Your Road to Addiction Recovery

Addiction recovery is not easy. But adding physical activities and regular workouts to your routine can help you embrace a healthy lifestyle and prevent a relapse.

At SOBA New Jersey, our dedicated team of addiction specialists works with patients to develop successful recovery plans. We set our patients up to reach long-term health goals and leave their toxic addictions in the past.

Contact us to learn more about our addiction recovery services. Our team is always available to listen, give advice, and help you or a loved one overcome addiction.