Addiction is an incredibly damaging disease and for anyone struggling from drug abuse should naturally get the help they need.
Seeking help from a drug rehabilitation centre can be truly life-changing and help get you back on track, coping with the day-to-day in a healthier manner, building relationships and generally being much, much happier.
Throughout treatment and recovery, exercise can play a huge part in supporting recovery, particularly when it comes to our brain’s functioning. Drug abuse can have a big impact on our brain, altering its chemistry, impairing memory and making it more difficult to regulate emotions. So, a big part of recovery is finding ways to get the brain working normally once again.
There are many reasons why exercise can aid this, and it is why it is encouraged by professionals in the space. By actively exercising during recovery you will see the brain improved in the following areas:
Repairing Brain Chemistry
As mentioned, drugs interfere with the brain's chemistry, particularly the reward system. Substance abuse will flood the brain with dopamine, leading to artificial highs. As a result, the brain reduces its own natural production, meaning people won’t really experience joy without drugs.
Exercise can help in reversing that, stimulating the release of dopamine, endorphins and serotonin, chemicals that improve mood and restore balance in the brain’s reward system. It is all about experiencing pleasure naturally again, and exercise is exceptionally capable of doing that.
Boosting Neuroplasticity
Our brain’s are so adaptable and exercise can boost neuroplasticity, forming new neural connections and repairing old ones. During our time abusing drugs, our brain’s neural pathways will have been affected, damaging the likes of memory, the ability to learn and decision making.
Exercise has been proven to encourage neuroplasticity, stimulating the production of brain- derived neurotrophic factor, a protein that supports the growth and survival of neurons.
Improving Cognitive Function
Many people in recovery notice difficulties with concentration, problem-solving, and memory. These challenges can be frustrating and may even trigger relapse if individuals feel they are not making progress.
Exercise helps to sharpen cognitive function. Studies have shown that regular physical activity improves attention span, working memory, and executive functioning, the mental skills needed to plan, organise, and make healthy decisions.
Even moderate forms of exercise, such as brisk walking or yoga, have been found to improve mental clarity. By enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, exercise ensures that it functions more effectively, helping individuals feel more capable in everyday life.
Reducing Stress And Supporting Emotional Healing
Recovery often involves coping with stress, anxiety, and mood swings. Drugs may have been used in the past as a way of managing these feelings, so finding healthier alternatives is crucial. Exercise is one of the most effective stress relievers available. Physical activity lowers cortisol and promotes relaxation.
Beyond the chemical effects, exercise provides structure and routine, which are valuable in early recovery. It can also build confidence and a sense of achievement, counteracting the low self-esteem that often accompanies addiction. Group activities, such as sports or fitness classes, add the benefit of social support, reducing isolation and fostering a sense of belonging.
Protecting The Brain In The Long Term
Lastly, the benefits of exercise for brain recovery are not limited to the early stages of sobriety. By exercising regularly you can protect against long term cognitive decline and reduce the risk of things like dementia and depression as we age.
By promoting resilience in brain function, exercise can not only help maintain recovery but also improve quality of life for the rest of your life too.
