Using Exercise To Treat Addiction
Addiction is not just about willpower or bad habits. It’s about how the brain changes over time due to repeated use of substances. But research today shows something powerful: exercise can play a big role in helping the brain recover.
Using Exercise To Treat Addiction
Addiction is not just about willpower or bad habits. It’s about how the brain changes over time due to repeated use of substances. But research today shows something powerful: exercise can play a big role in helping the brain recover.
Changing the Brain
When someone struggles with addiction, their brain’s reward system is often hijacked. This system gets used to getting pleasure from drugs or alcohol instead of natural sources like food, relationships, or hobbies.
But when we exercise, our brain releases chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. These are the same feel-good chemicals that many addictive substances target. Exercise also boosts something called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which helps the brain grow and adapt. Think of it like fertilizer for brain cells. This helps repair some of the damage caused by long-term substance use.
A recent neuroscience study found that regular exercise actually helps new brain cells grow, especially in areas linked to memory and self-control. These are two areas that often get weakened in people dealing with addiction.
Reconnecting With The Body
Addiction is often linked to trauma, emotional pain or stress. When people don’t know how to manage these feelings, they might turn to substances to cope.
That’s where trauma-informed fitness comes in. This approach to exercise understands that some people carry emotional or physical trauma in their bodies. Instead of just pushing people to "train harder", it focuses on creating safe, respectful spaces to move, breathe and reconnect with the body. It helps people feel in control again, which is important when overcoming addiction.
Physical activity also helps calm down the nervous system. When you move your body, your brain gets the signal that it’s safe. This helps reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and build emotional resilience.
Building Better Habits, One Step at a Time
Exercise is not a magic cure. It doesn’t replace therapy, medical support or strong social networks. But it can be a powerful tool in a recovery plan. For many, moving the body is the first step to reconnecting with life again. It builds discipline, improves mood and brings back a sense of purpose.
Even simple activities like walking, cycling or dancing can have big effects. The key is consistency and choosing activities that feel safe and enjoyable.
A Better Tomorrow For Addicts
In Malaysia, where mental health and addiction recovery are still sensitive topics, we need more tools that are simple, practical and empowering. Exercise is one of them. It helps the brain heal, reduces stress, and gives people a healthy way to cope. It’s time we start talking about movement not just as fitness, but as medicine for the mind.
Sources:
Warriors Heart: Trauma-Informed Fitness for Addiction Recovery
PubMed: Rewiring the Addicted Brain Through a Psychobiological Model of Physical Exercise
Neuroscience News: Exercise Spurs Nerve Growth Through Biochemical and Physical Impact
Check out Dr. Eddie's post on how exercise rebuilds the brain after trauma and addiction:
Exercise spurs neuron growth and rewires the brain, helping forget traumatic and addictive memories
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