Exercise to support recovery from substance use disorders
I distinctly remember Olalla Recovery Center's track that ran the perimeter of the property. Both times that I went to Olalla I spent time on that track. Whether it was a daily walk, or, a run, those memories take me back to early recovery and the value of getting outdoors and exercising.
I went in the military at a young age, 17, where I learned the value of exercise. Thus, when I entered the recovery arena I was able to quickly go back to using exercise to improve overall life satisfaction. I believe exercise should be an integral part of any treatment program. We know, through research, that exercise helps in many areas; mental health being one of the main ones. For many people in early recovery issues with mental health disorders is a significant factor in their lives. Having exercise be a part of early recovery can help to have a positive effect in this area.
I have a close friend who is in long term recovery who's main catalyst for her walk in recovery is a strong exercise regimen. She has accomplished amazing feats through climbing mountains and running a full marathon. I mean, literally, she has climbed multiple mountains on the west coast. Imagine the feeling of having been in full blown addiction and then getting into recovery and climbing to the top of Mt. Rainer! Imagine that as being an amazing natural high that no drug could ever mimic. For myself, in recovery, I have ran 5k's, 10k's , and 12k's........I can remember the amazing feeling that comes with crossing the finish line for each run. It is better than any drug that I ever did.
Being outdoors has it's own natural effect on our outlook on life. If someone has a consistent exercise program that is done outdoors they will get the added benefit of good 'ol Vitamin D and the beauty of nature.
There is another distinct memory I have from the summer of 2006 that was a catalyst to get me outside and exercising. I was in a complete state of mental crisis.......massive depression and anxiety due to life hitting me on multiple fronts. I had good friends who said I should join them and hike this place called the Manastash Ridge.......mind you, I was not enthused about this idea at all. I would have preferred to stay in bed and in my state of mental mess....But, I said ok. This was pivotal for me, not necessarily right away, but later it turned into something powerful for me to this day in my life.
I hiked the ridge that day. Internally not wanting to be there at all.......but, I made it to the top. I ended up returning to use of drugs and alcohol not long after that due to my mental nightmare I was going through. I was fortunate to be able to stop drinking and drugging in a short period of time and found myself being pulled to hike the ridge........this began what has continued to this day, nearly 11 years later, hiking the ridge on a regular basis. This activity gets me outdoors and gets my heart rate up.....it get's me with friends where we catch up on life happenings and have a few laughs......it gets me outdoors where I am able to reconnect with what matters most.......simply living a life worth living.
Exercise is a powerful tool that has helped me in my walk as a person in recovery. I see and know many others who see the same benefits in their own lives. I encourage anyone to try it for themselves........you will see the benefits!
I went in the military at a young age, 17, where I learned the value of exercise. Thus, when I entered the recovery arena I was able to quickly go back to using exercise to improve overall life satisfaction. I believe exercise should be an integral part of any treatment program. We know, through research, that exercise helps in many areas; mental health being one of the main ones. For many people in early recovery issues with mental health disorders is a significant factor in their lives. Having exercise be a part of early recovery can help to have a positive effect in this area.
I have a close friend who is in long term recovery who's main catalyst for her walk in recovery is a strong exercise regimen. She has accomplished amazing feats through climbing mountains and running a full marathon. I mean, literally, she has climbed multiple mountains on the west coast. Imagine the feeling of having been in full blown addiction and then getting into recovery and climbing to the top of Mt. Rainer! Imagine that as being an amazing natural high that no drug could ever mimic. For myself, in recovery, I have ran 5k's, 10k's , and 12k's........I can remember the amazing feeling that comes with crossing the finish line for each run. It is better than any drug that I ever did.
Being outdoors has it's own natural effect on our outlook on life. If someone has a consistent exercise program that is done outdoors they will get the added benefit of good 'ol Vitamin D and the beauty of nature.
There is another distinct memory I have from the summer of 2006 that was a catalyst to get me outside and exercising. I was in a complete state of mental crisis.......massive depression and anxiety due to life hitting me on multiple fronts. I had good friends who said I should join them and hike this place called the Manastash Ridge.......mind you, I was not enthused about this idea at all. I would have preferred to stay in bed and in my state of mental mess....But, I said ok. This was pivotal for me, not necessarily right away, but later it turned into something powerful for me to this day in my life.
I hiked the ridge that day. Internally not wanting to be there at all.......but, I made it to the top. I ended up returning to use of drugs and alcohol not long after that due to my mental nightmare I was going through. I was fortunate to be able to stop drinking and drugging in a short period of time and found myself being pulled to hike the ridge........this began what has continued to this day, nearly 11 years later, hiking the ridge on a regular basis. This activity gets me outdoors and gets my heart rate up.....it get's me with friends where we catch up on life happenings and have a few laughs......it gets me outdoors where I am able to reconnect with what matters most.......simply living a life worth living.
Exercise is a powerful tool that has helped me in my walk as a person in recovery. I see and know many others who see the same benefits in their own lives. I encourage anyone to try it for themselves........you will see the benefits!
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