Compulsive Exercise in Recovery
Compulsive Exercise in Recovery
Working in a Utah rehab treatment program, I have worked with many drug addicts who also struggle with compulsive exercising. Some of them come to treatment with this problem already wreaking havoc on their lives, while others develop it as a secondary compulsion, in early recovery.
Either way, compulsive exercise can lead to relapse in addicts. Exercise causes a release of a pleasure-giving and pain-relieving chemical in the brain called dopamine. It also releases adrenaline, a source of excitement and energy.
The combination of these two neurotransmitters is something that is like a small scale version of what happens in drug use. Because of this, addicts in early recovery need to stay away from excessive exercise.
When addicts in early recovery feel that they have to exercise a large amount and on perhaps a too frequent basis, it can set them up for relapse. This is because the addict is operating on a compulsive basis, meaning that the addict feels compelled to exercise a certain amount to obtain relief from negative feelings or thoughts.
Because of the principle of escalation, or ‘tolerance,’ in addiction, compulsive exercisers find themselves increasing in frequency and intensity of their workouts, until they branch out to other compulsive behaviors as well, or even relapse to their drug of choice.
In addiction recovery, an individual can obtain great benefits from a healthy, balanced exercise program. It is actually one of the best possible recovery behaviors. But anything taken to an extreme, by an addict in early recovery, can lead to a secondary addiction or a relapse on drugs or alcohol.
Anyone feeling like they cannot control the use of exercise, should consider utilizing addiction therapy. This can help the individual identify the void underneath the comfort-seeking behaviors and to regain balance in day-to-day life. An addict in control of his or her recovery, is one who has balance and moderation in all aspects of life.
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