If you’re thinking of quitting alcohol or drugs you need all the help you can get, and exercise is one of the best places to start.

Research shows that just 30 minutes on a treadmill each day spread over ten days can help with cravings and set you on the right track.

Let’s find out about some more ways exercise can help you cope with drug addiction recovery.

1. Exercise is Good For Your Body

When you exercise, your heart beats faster and your blood flows faster in your veins. This helps to flush toxins out of your system faster and help you get over the effects of drug addiction.

In the same light, you’ll benefit from an improved immune system when you exercise regularly.

You don’t need to start training for a marathon or undertake a full-body workout to gain these benefits either, even a brisk walk will do the trick.

2. Exercise Adds Structure to Drug Addiction Recovery

Upmarket rehab centers like Dana Point Drug Rehab Campus offer a full gym and exercise regime. If you’re going it alone, you’ll need to implement a regular workout schedule on your own.

This task gives you direction for your daily living, it creates a sense of purpose and gives you something to look forward to.

Routine adds a comforting sense of predictability to your life when you’re going through the complex emotions of making a major change.

3. Exercise Helps Pass the Time

When you’ve spent a lot of your time using drugs and alcohol, and you stop, chances are you’ve got plenty of spare moments to hand.

Exercise helps help fill these gaps in your day by giving you something constructive to do. When you keep busy, you’re less likely to spend time feeling sorry for yourself or thinking about the ‘good old days’ of active addiction.

4. You’ll Feel More Positive When You Work Out

When you’re giving up drugs and alcohol, it’s important to focus on yourself, and exercise is one of the best ways to do this.

Doing positive things for yourself, means you’re making a constructive contribution to your recovery. You’ll feel better about life in general when you know you’re taking steps in the right direction.

Exercise gets easier as you go along and you’ll get a sense of achievement when you look back on how far you’ve come too.

5. Exercise is Great For Mental Health

When you exercise, your brain releases dopamine, known as the feel-good neurotransmitter. This is why many people experience an exercise high when working out.

Thanks to dopamine, you’ll enjoy your exercise sessions and soon start looking forward to the next one.  The more you work out, the more you’ll want to work out, so stick to it and you’ll be so glad you did.

More of What’s Good For You

You can reap these benefits of exercise whether you’re going through drug addiction recovery, or as part of your daily routine.

Keep reading our blog for more interesting information on ways to make your life healthier and easier.