The benefits of physical exercise are well-known and scientifically proven. Maintaining a regular exercise regime can help improve mood, strengthen one’s bones and muscles, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers. A new study from the Research Institute on Addictions at the University of Buffalo demonstrates the specific benefits of aerobic exercise, or “cardio,” for the treatment and prevention of substance addiction.
The research revealed that daily aerobic exercise affects the mesolimbic dopamine pathways in the brain, a key neurotransmitter associated with substance use disorders. The researchers are encouraged that aerobic exercise may be able to prevent or undo some of the changes caused by the substance abuse.
Prior research has already shown that physical exercise has been effective at preventing drug use and relapse, specifically with regards to nicotine addiction, alcohol addiction, and opiate addiction, but this new research hints at news ways aerobic exercise could be incorporated into a substance addiction treatment program.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment program at the Asana Recovery Center incorporates a variety of different therapy techniques that can help those struggling with any stage of addiction. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our inspiring facilities and find out whether our drug and alcohol addiction treatment program is right for you.
