Addiction is a deteriorating disease that causes physical and chemical changes in the brain. Over time, the use of drugs or alcohol can manipulate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which both heavily impact a person’s happiness and ability to control moods. The addicted brain will need professional treatment in order to return these levels back to normal state. Alternative treatment, such as exercise therapy, can increase the amount of dopamine in the brain, and therefore, can intensify feelings of happiness and satisfaction.

Substance abuse and chemical dependence can deplete serotonin and dopamine levels, resulting in feelings of unhappiness, depression, anxiety, and severe mood swings. Because of this, Restore Treatment Center LA offers exercise therapy to reverse the side effects of drugs and alcohol.

What Is Exercise Therapy For Addiction?

There are various treatment methods available to help people suffering from alcoholism, drug dependence, or co-occurring disorders. Traditional therapies, such as individual, group and family therapy, are customary programs used in addiction treatment. Alternative therapy, however, is becoming more popular due to its proven success at lessening cravings and preventing relapse. Exercise therapy is a widely used form of holistic treatment across the country.

At Restore Drug Rehab LA, we use exercise treatment therapy to promote long-term recovery because of its ability to benefit cognitive functioning, elevate moods, and improve overall health. When a person exercises, dopamine is released into the brain, which is one of the chemicals most addicts are lacking after long-term substance abuse. An increase in dopamine levels causes a person to gain a natural high, which can reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol. Getting active, especially on a daily basis, gives many addicts in recovery a sense of purpose.

The following are some of the many advantages of addiction exercise therapy:

• Increases supply of oxygen and nutrients
• Enhances the development of nerve tissue in the hippocampus
• Improves memory, learning, and concentration
• Improves executive functioning control: short-term memory, attention span, organization, planning, problem solving, and multitasking
• Improves functioning of the endocrine, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems
• Leads to an overall happier, more stable, mood
• Aids in relapse prevention
• Reestablishes normal sleeping patterns

How Does Exercise Therapy Aid in Addiction Recovery?

Exercise is an excellent stress reliever, as it can help recovering addicts work out tension and pent up frustrations that may have caused them to use in the past. Taking care of yourself through
exercise therapy is a valuable way to invest in yourself. When the temptation to use drugs or alcohol arises, those who have made use of this therapy are more likely to first consider all of their hard work and accomplishments. This can dissuade a recovering addict from exposing their body to the harm and risks associated with relapse.

Cravings are a known characteristic of addiction, for both recovering addicts and those who have yet to seek treatment. The exercise therapy programs at Restore Drug Treatment LA serves as a valuable outlet for many addicts, especially during times when triggers and cravings become too intense. In addition to being a notable method of relapse prevention, exercise can vastly improve an addict’s self-esteem and self-worth, which can motivate them to uphold positive lifestyle choices.

Who Is A Suitable Candidate For Exercise Addiction Treatment?

Realistically, when used in combination with traditional therapies and professional addiction treatment, exercise therapy can benefit any addict in recovery. Physical exercise of any kind can immensely improve a person from the inside-out. At Restore Drug Rehab LA, we strongly encourage each of our clients to engage in exercise therapy while in recovery. We have continued to notice a monumental increase in self-worth and sobriety maintenance in those who do participate in this alternative addiction treatment.

At Restore Treatment LA, we are dedicated to the individual needs of each person who turns to us for help. Do not postpone your recovery another day.