We hear about the importance of exercise all of the time. But some things bear repeating. Exercise provides so many benefits. For people recovering from alcohol or drug abuse, exercise can

• strengthen areas weakened by substance use disorder, including the heart
• release brain chemicals that produce positive emotions
• help prevent brain damage that substance use disorder could cause
• distract them from their cravings or symptoms of withdrawal
• provide a sense of accomplishment, especially since addiction may have hurt their self-esteem

Since exercise and other physical activities help trigger brain chemicals, they can produce a natural high, a feeling similar to the feeling many drug and alcohol abusers may experience when they abuse substances. This could be a big help to people going through withdrawal, because they are so accustomed to feeling such highs that they could be experiencing cravings or other symptoms.

Exercise can also boost one’s self-esteem. During addiction, people neglect themselves and don’t accomplish things because they’re so busy abusing substances. But in recovery, if they choose to exercise, they’re accomplishing very real things. They can feel themselves becoming stronger and healthier. They can see how exercise has improved their physical appearance. These physical results can boost their self-esteem even more, which could further lower their likelihood to abuse substances.

Rehab centers can help introduce (or reintroduce) exercise into their clients’ lives. They incorporate exercise in different ways. Some rehab centers have pools or gyms that allow clients to exercise. Some have personal trainers who work with clients to develop specific exercise routines to address their specific needs. Others provide optional physical activities at their facilities, such as hiking and horseback riding.

Of course, rehab centers also combine this exercise with other treatments, such as detox procedures, therapy, and other care. These offerings illustrate that while addiction can have many components, so can treatment for addiction.