hiking on mount surfside - exercise in addiction recovery concept

Substance abuse is a serious issue that affects millions of people, and those in recovery need appropriate support to help them get back on their feet. One option for helping those in addiction recovery is participating in outdoor adventures. These activities provide individuals with the opportunity to build character, increase self-confidence, become more self-reliant and develop inner strength.

Recent evidence shows that physical activity can be an important factor in treating addiction and substance use disorders. This is due to the fact that both exercise and the feelings associated with drug use have an effect on similar areas of the brain. They both trigger the release of the chemicals serotonin and dopamine which create feelings of euphoria and well-being. With that being said, physical activity can act as a healthy replacement for those that are looking to recover from their addiction. In short, exercise in addiction recovery can be particularly good for the mind and body.

Let’s take a closer look at why exercise in addiction recovery–particularly outdoor adventures are so helpful.

The Benefits of Outdoor Adventures

Outdoor adventures are a great way to teach life skills while also providing an enjoyable experience. They can help individuals gain confidence and resilience as they tackle difficult tasks such as hiking or rock climbing which is offered at certain recovery centers, like Surfside Recovery Center.

Outdoor activities provide a sense of accomplishment when individuals complete them successfully. This can be especially helpful for those in addiction recovery as it helps build self-esteem and gives them something they can be proud of completing.

Facilitates Opportunities For Team Building and Socialization

Outdoor adventures also offer opportunities for team building and socialization, which are important components of any successful recovery program. Working together with others towards a common goal helps promote trust, communication, and cooperation among group members. These are all invaluable skills for those in recovery from substance abuse issues.

By learning how to work together effectively, individuals are able to develop their interpersonal skills which will better equip them when dealing with complex issues like addiction cravings or relapse triggers later on down the line.

Offers An Escape From Unhealthy Environments

Finally, outdoor adventures provide distractions from daily routines and offer an escape from unhealthy environments or situations where substance use may have occurred in the past. Taking part in activities like camping or kayaking, which is offered at Surfside Recovery Services, allows individuals to explore new places and engage in meaningful experiences that can help shape their future lives free from substance use disorder.

It also provides an opportunity for individuals to connect with nature which has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve overall well being. These are both essential parts of addiction recovery programs.

Exercise in Addiction Recovery: Join Our Outdoor Adventures!

Outdoor adventures can be incredibly beneficial for those in addiction recovery by helping them learn valuable life skills. It also helps by providing a distraction from unhealthy environments or situations that may have contributed to their addiction or substance use disorder in the first place.

Not only do the outdoor activities at Surfside Recovery Services help strengthen character traits such as honesty, accountability, and action but they also allow our patients the chance to explore new places and engage meaningfully with nature. Our recovery professionals understand the importance of providing outlets for our patients in the outdoors.

With all these benefits combined, it’s no wonder why many experts consider exercise in addiction recovery to be so potent and prescribed. Contact our team at Surfside Recovery Services today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs in Ventnor City, NJ and how we can help.

January 16, 2023

related posts