Friday, November 7, 2014

The Positive Influence of Physical Training During Recovery, by Jennifer Elson



Substance abuse is a growing concern, with close to 24 million Americans misusing drugs each month. While drugs such as marijuana, crystal meth and heroin may come to mind when you think of substances that people are likely to become dependent on, this is only part of the issue as increasing numbers of people are becoming hooked on prescription drugs. Indeed, one-third of people who took drugs for the first time reported taking a prescribed product recreationally. Opiate based painkillers are among those most commonly abused, with increased demand for specialist opiate recovery programs. However, there is growing evidence that besides the traditional medical and psychological approach to drug treatment, exercise offers significant benefits during the recovery process.

Working out to achieve better mental health
One way in which getting active can help addicts is by promoting good mental wellness. It is acknowledged that poor mental health is a risk factor for taking prescription medications and illegal drugs. That’s not all though, as conditions such as depression and anxiety can also make it much harder for addicts to successfully quit. The ability of physically training to boost your mood and relieve anxiety is therefore beneficial for anyone in recovery who is already affected by these mental health problems, but how does working out improve your well-being?

Exercise is certainly a useful treatment for mild to moderate depression, though no particular form of training seems to offer benefits over another, so whether you prefer a gym session or fitness classes, either can potentially lift your spirits. This is partly thanks to the endorphins released when you work out. Endorphins are chemical messengers in your brain, which promote positive feelings and you can feel euphoric after intense exercise, which is what a “runner’s high” refers to. These aren’t the only mood-boosting chemicals released on activity, as you also produce more serotonin and dopamine. At the same time as these positive chemicals rise, those that induce stress, such as cortisol, fall, which helps you to relax. However, changes in your brain chemistry and your blood work only go some of the way to explaining the mental boost you get from exerting yourself.
For instance, exercise is a great distraction, helping you to forget your troubles. Even if this gives you just temporary relief from anxious thoughts, this is still a welcome opportunity for some respite. Another benefit is that when you set yourself achievable fitness goals and you meet them, this enhances your self-esteem, so you feel better about yourself. A further plus point for physical activity is that it promotes healthier sleep patterns, so you find it easier to drop off and are less inclined to wake up during the night. This is good news, as low mood and anxiety can stop you sleeping, but a lack of sleep can also make the conditions worse, so a vicious circle develops. Finally, when you join a fitness center, it is another opportunity to engage socially, which itself is known to improve the way you feel.

Fitness training as part of rehab
There is certainly evidence in relation to cocaine, amphetamine and crystal meth that regular exercise has a positive influence on drug taking. For instance, when someone works out experimentation is less likely to become a regular habit, you consume less overall, your habit is less likely to spiral out of control or lead to binges, and when it comes to getting clean you are at lower risk of a relapse. So how can physical training have such a positive influence on drug use?
Firstly, as already mentioned exercise helps to reduce depressive and anxious symptoms, with users often taking drugs to mask these or to offer a form of escape. The positive changes that occur in your brain when you work out can also trigger its reward center, resulting in feelings of pleasure similar to those that you might achieve from drug taking. In the same way that focusing on a training session can help to distract you from your problems, this additionally allows you to better cope with your cravings. Similarly, knowing that you have met your exercise goals gives you the confidence that you can achieve a life free from drugs, so spurs you on to do just that. Then if that isn’t enough, the chance to meet new people is helpful when you are trying to avoid old acquaintances that you associate with your previous habit.
Although making the gym a regular part of your week can potentially help you to overcome problems with substance abuse, you should always seek professional help if you are struggling to free yourself from the hold of drugs.

Jennifer Elson is a writer who contributes to a number of health and wellness sites on various topics. Prior to taking a career break to bring up her two children, she worked in the healthcare sector helping people achieve better diets and fitness.