Exercise
Endorphins are the body’s natural opiates. They cause a body to feel pleasure. When you abuse opiates and flood you brain/body with an excess amount your body decreasing making these chemicals naturally and frequently becomes dependent on these artificial opiates (narcotics/opiate based prescription drugs typically pain pills). Exercising produces endorphins naturally thus helping in the recovery process. Exercise- A KEY to recovery especially for opiate addicts. If a full exercise program is too difficult begin with walking daily adding some distance weekly, eventually toning muscles and exercising the heart & lungs with a cardiac workout. Exercise improves sleep. If necessary begin with a short, daily walk then progress to a more structures excercise routine. |
Improve your brain and health performance- On-line personal trainer program Benefits of regular daily activity- Mayo Clinic |
Why Being Active Makes You Happy By Michael O’Shea By now, you probably know all about the physical benefits of exercise, but new research shows that getting fit improves your psychological health too. “Most of us have heard about endorphins, the natural morphine-like compounds that our bodies release when we exercise long enough,” says Dr. James Dillard, one of the fitness experts on our PARADE All-America Get Fit panel. “But many other body compounds also are changed by exercise, including serotonin, which keeps us from getting depressed, and dopamine, which keeps us motivated.” Less Stress and Anxiety Exercise breaks down the hormones and other chemicals that build up during periods of intense stress, reports the American Council on Exercise. Researchers also believe it helps treat nervous tension: The electrical activity of tense muscles decreases measurably after a bout of exercise. A Better Mood A Full Night’s Sleep An Improved Self-Image A Sense of Spirituality |
Eating Habits- In the beginning it is not uncommon for a person to crave sweets. Drugs often become more important than eating hence the person may have lost their appetite for food. Why should a person with an addiction avoid all mind- altering chemicals (alcohol, drugs, even limiting caffeine and sugar)? |