For an alcoholic or drug addict, resisting the urge to return to using a deadly substance and reemerging into that world of despair is very difficult. After all, at some point, these men and women actually found comfort in these dangerous, toxic drugs and beverages. However, as hard as this may feel, you must never allow yourself to return to that dark spot. Obviously, your doctor loves to tell you that a clean diet and physical fitness are the keys to living a happy healthy life, and, overall, he is absolutely right. According to a recent study, exercise is considered an ideal form of drug therapy and relapse prevention for drug addicts and alcoholics. So why are jogging, weightlifting, or other forms of fitness so beneficial? Let’s take a closer look and learn some more.
Strengthening Resolve
Based on a study published in ACS Omega, exercise is not only a great way to keep your body fit but also serves as a means of strengthening resolve, particularly for addicts. According to past research, drug users and alcoholics who are exposed to certain triggers (e.g. location, people) can easily fall back into a bout of relapse, but exercising is an excellent way to cope or overcome these terrible cues. While testing mice, the team of scientists discovered that, by means of an as-of-yet unidentified mechanism, physical fitness blocks the connection between drug cues and the reward center of the brain. In other words, taking time to work out can actually help you form new habits.
Sending Positive Signals
During the experiment, the research team administered cocaine to a group of lab mice over a four-day period and ensured the environment had a unique floor texture (which would serve as the trigger). Next, for a 30-day period, the mice were locked in chambers (some containing exercise wheels). In a fascinating twist, the scientists discovered that the mice that used the wheels had lower levels of myelin, a chemical compound that is connected to memory security. In contrast to the sedentary mice, the exercise mice did not show a strong desire for cocaine even when exposed to the drug cues. So, in a very bizarre twist, exercise is a form of cognitive-behavioral conditioning.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse, or Addiction
Always remember that drugs and alcohol do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or addiction troubles today.
