Addiction recovery is a holistic process. Just as addiction has been described as a bio-socio-psychological disease; in recovery we need to pay attention to each of these components. Here is a great article by Dr Larry Smith that deals with some ideas about taking care of your self physically. -Bill Urell, Ed.-
By Larry Smith 
Recovery from Alcohol and Drug Addiction requires a balanced approach of the mind, body and spirit.
The whole person is injured in mind, body and spirit. Therefore, the recovery of the whole person also involves the mind, body and spirit. One cannot function independently of the other. The mind, body and spirit are interconnected at all times.
Many recovery programs advocate support groups, spiritual development and counseling. These are excellent interventions to deal with the mind and the spirit, but what about the body. What is the role of physical fitness and well being in a healthy recovery program? Does a recovering individual lead a quality life if he is physically sick? Can he honestly boast about having ten years of sobriety even when he smokes cigarettes, is 40 pounds overweight and is suffering from diabetes and heart disease?
Before embarking upon the physical component of any recovery program, it is absolutely imperative that the recovering individual obtain an accurate and comprehensive assessment of his current health status.
Some key questions that need to be addressed are:
- Is the individual capable and willing to begin a fitness program?
- What are the physical limitations of the individual?
- What is the ultimate goal for the individuals recovery? ( To walk, to play the piano, to return to work)
- Which health professionals can help with the physical component of the recovery process?
The Four Key Components in Determining a Fitness Program are:
- Current Health Status
- Realistic Long Term Goals (e.g. Quit smoking, maintain ideal body weight, normalize blood sugar etc.)
- Incremental Short term Goals (Focusing on making small improvements day in and day out will allow you to reach your goals more quickly, easily and with less stress than any other method.)
- Utilize a Variety of Health Professionals (e.g. Medical Care, Chiropractic Care, Massage Therapy, Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Naturopathy etc.)
- What is the best physical exercise to help a person recovering from Alcohol and Drug addiction?
There is probably not one single activity or exercise that can cover all the bases. In order to develop an individualized fitness program, a fitness professional will consider the five components of fitness.
The generally accepted five components of fitness are:
1. Cardio-vascular endurance: (e.g. swimming, biking or running)
2. Muscular strength: (e.g. lifting weights or performing resistance exercises)
3. Muscular endurance (e.g. cardio-vascular activities such as walking, jogging, bicycling, or dancing)
4. Body composition: (Refers to the relative amount of muscle and fat in a persons body. A person’s total body weight may not change over time — but the bathroom scale does not assess how much of that body weight is fat and how much is lean mass)
5. Flexibility: (The range of motion allowed by a joint and its surrounding musculature. Good flexibility in the joints can help prevent injuries through all stages of life. If you want to improve your flexibility, try activities that lengthen the muscles such as Yoga, Pilates or a basic stretching program)
The program may not include all five fitness components due to physical limitations and considerations. However, a good fitness program will allow the individual to move forward and gain strength in his overall recovery. Getting started and moving forward are far more important than satisfying the requirements of a text book or an insurance company.
I strongly believe that the physical aspect of recovery from addiction is often neglected or minimized. It is a great accomplishment to stay clean and sober for any period of time. However, a healthy recovery is a balance of the mind, body and spirit. Lets move forward and embrace a healthy and balanced recovery program.
Dr. Larry Smith Chiropractor and co-author of Inside the Minds: The Art and Science of Sports Medicine
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{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
Dealing with addiction is very difficult for both the former addict and those supporting him/her. This looks like a great resource to help with the recovery process.
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One of the most under deveolped ideas in addiction recovery is taking care of physical health and exercise.
This is so important an so few of us will do this.
.-= Portable Chiropractic Tables´s last blog ..Chiropractic Massage Table =-.
This looks like a great resource to help with the recovery process. It does take time to come out of it. One has to be patience in dealing with a person of such a problem.
Sadly many modern day health insurance policies are doing their best to not cover addiction because of the relapse potential. Hopefully this will change as politicians continue to work towards modernizing health care for all Americans.
Think that its great that you touch into fitness here. Cardio vascular endurance can do wonders for combatting addiction abuse.
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Keeping yourself busy all the time with sport and other extra-curricular activities that is a big help to keep away from unhealthy addictions
To deal with addiction is very difficult task and it needs a support from a community or groups with expertise in this field. You can’t do it alone with your own.
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dealing with addiction cannot be done alone. When surrounded by people who have beaten that certain addiction, you are more likely to succeed. Sometimes it feels like its impossible, but when you can see and speak to people who have that can be inspiring.
Well, I would agree with this. Recovery from alcoholism is a holistic process. Mind, body and spirit need to be attuned. This is why you will find no ‘magic pill’ cure for any addiction as the whole being is caught up in feeding the addiction.
If you stop drinking, well done, but if you then go on to ignore your body, mind and spirit you will return to drinking or replace it with another addiction
You may appear to know exactly where you’re coming from, and i totally am in agreement. Loving the post, keep it up.
I’ve been in recovery from drug addiction for 6 years now and although I don’t really feel in any danger of relapse anymore, the difference to how I feel and the quality of my life is massive when I go to the gym first thing in the morning. It also helped me to stop smoking. It makes a big difference, in part because I get fitter and in a larger part because I have time with myself thinking positive thoufghts as my bodies natural endorphins are released. Agreat way to start the day, much better than the horrible negative stuff plasterede all over the news and papaers.
Great tips on the basics of additction recovery. If someone would like to get into the fast track of addiction recovery, I’d recommend them to get your program.
This article contains some excellent recovery tips. One that you don’t hear often (but is definitely important) is flexibility…
Oh my goodness! an amazing article dude. Thank you However I am experiencing subject with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting similar rss problem? Anyone who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx
it’s funny, i had never really thought of flexibility as a measure of physical health. i have always wanted to get into a stretching routine because i don’t want to be incapable of doing the physicial leisure activities i enjoy as i get older. the idea that being flexible prevents some injuries is interesting….
More than Physical fitness it’s all about the mental aspect of a person. If the person has the mindset and will to leave a thing for good then there is nothing that can hinder in between.
Following a consistent exercise program can help a person’s self esteem and self confidence, all things that can help battle the fight against addiction
Current health conditions, physical health and making serious changes in diet and life are absolutely necessary. In my own life I had to make some changes in diet and am a better person for it. Both physically and emotionally. Recovery is not an easy process, and anything that can stack the cards in your favor will help. I just wish I knew how important exercise is, years ago! Just my 2 cents.
Just like in the emotional and psychological recovery from addiction, sometimes helping one’s body to physically recover must be done in baby steps. Too many changes all at once can lead to falling off the wagon. But a gradual physical recovery where healthier foods are eaten should be the goal in the long run.
Thanks mat for this wonderful information about additional recovery taking care of your physical b0dy.
Thanks.
I agree with you for alcoholi people it must be improtant that they should control their mind, then only they will get out from the alcohol!
dieting and exercising for sure is an important factor. But also to provide the person with psychological tools so they person does not end up in the same situation
It is amazing how feeling more healthy and energetic can help with your outlook on things. Of course, there is a psychological component that has to be worked on, too. But, doing that hard work becomes a little easier when you are physically feeling well.
I agree that a balanced approach at de-addiction is the best way for results for the long term. Simply wanting to detox doesn’t help. The combined strength of mind and body principles in key to effective recovery.
You really have to feel good about yourself physically to take charge mentally. The body and mind work in unison, so it is very hard to take control of your mental well being when you are physically weakened.
I have been taking a natural product that could help in a number of ways. It would take too long to explain here, but it turns on many of the body’s gene’s to produce helpful enzymes. It makes exercise easier reducing muscle soreness and inflammation, but also may help support brain chemistry. Go to http://www.stopyourclock.com Watch video #4 on the scientific proof page. Interestingly, there is a study in process on it involving alcohol abuse, not sure what the focus is on the subject. This herbal, Protandim, has some serious studies behind it and could be worth checking out.
Addiction recovery is very hard. Those that stick with it and have that great support system will accomplish it though. Before I got into the medical industry, I was secretly addicted to Morphine.
I agree with Annie, simple detox is not the solution, a phased, balanced approach works best, with the right care in the right proportions… difficult, but provides a longer, more sustained recovery.
Wow Thanks for the great article I always like reading your posts after Ive finished work