Health and Fitness for Stress Relief as a Result of Opioid Addiction
Personal Trainer Michael Tiger shares his insight on the benefits of exercise for family's struggling with stress from opioid addiction.
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- Exercise has overwhelming shown to distract from cravings, but also adds structure to the day.
- This principle can apply to any issue a person may be going through, not just addiction related.
- Dependency on said drug, using exercise as that replacement (not in an unhealthy way)
- Group focused exercise groups may be even more advantageous for addicted individuals, being able to work out and support others going through sobriety (similar to previously mentioned mutual-help groups commonly implemented in social therapy/talk groups).
- Exercise measures of euphoria/release of endorphins can be very comparable to that of drug use in many cases (can make it a more effective strategy to replace).
- Further research is needed to determine the optimal parameters necessary to maximize the protective effects of exercise, but enough is now known to begin the process of designing and implementing exercise-based interventions in clinical and at-risk populations.
- Per my anecdote, these interventions should include both aerobic and resistance training (although start with what the individual finds most enjoyment with).
Health benefits for the family members and the loved one struggling from an opioid addiction.
- Improved sleep
- Increased interest in sex
- Better endurance
- Stress relief
- Improvement in mood
- Increased energy and stamina
- Reduced tiredness that can increase mental alertness
- Weight reduction
- Reduced cholesterol and improved cardiovascular fitness
