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How Crossfit Helps to Combat Drug Addiction & Assist Recovery

There have been many cases where addicts coming off drugs such as crack cocaine, heroin, alcohol, or other substances have used physical activity to recover from addiction. Physical activity has so many benefits for substance abusers. Exercise, whether it is playing a sport, weightlifting, or CrossFit training, can make you stronger, give you a sense of accomplishment, and improve your overall health. Most importantly, it can help an addict have confidence in staying clean and sober.

There were more than 47,000 drug-overdose related deaths in the United States in 2014, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). This number was a record high. Even more alarmingly, the CDC reported that deaths from overdoses from opioids (heroin and opioid painkillers), jumped 200% from 2000 to 2014. Other drugs also pose a problem, as you can see crack addiction signs and symptoms of other drug abuse in all areas of the country.

male crossfit athlete snatch lift with barbell drug addictionSource: High intensity Photography
We all know how positive the effects of Crossfit can be.

The United States is battling a drug epidemic, to say the least. As researchers conduct more studies, they are finding more effective treatments for substance abuse. One of these is exercise, and Crossfit in particluar.

USING CROSSFIT TO BATTLE ADDICTION

Crossfit training, playing a sport, weightlifting, and running all give you a natural high. This high may even be strong enough to replace the phony one an addict receives from drugs. In early sobriety, addicts are likely to experience a lot of pain. They have been using drugs or alcohol as a crutch to get through stressful situations. Without drugs or alcohol, they no longer have a vice. These people are trying to start a new life without their best friends.

While in active addiction, it is very hard not only to set goals, but to also achieve goals. The only feeling of accomplishment addicts might feel while they are using is by drinking or copping their favorite drugs. But when addicts are recovering, they might set new goals for themselves, such as working out every day. Even though it may be difficult for them to see the benefits of exercising, it is a proven fact that regular exercise boosts overall self-esteem.

WHY A PERSON IN RECOVERY SHOULD EXERCISE

Need something to do? Becoming more active fills up your time.

As recovering drug addicts learn to live different lives, their time is valuable. It used to be wasted away drinking, doing drugs, or searching for their next fix, but without these activities to fill their time, they might become bored. A great, productive way to combat boredom is joining a CrossFit program or joining a rec-sports team.

Having trouble sleeping? Exercise might fix that.

People in early addiction often have a very difficult time falling or staying asleep. People in recovery might be more tired and have better quality sleep if they are more active throughout the day.

Are you having a hard time with your emotions? Exercise is a great outlet for anger.

Let’s face it, nobody likes dealing with their own emotions. Many addicts use because they are numbing themselves from pain. Heroin, cocaine, and crack addiction signs might include anger, frustration, sadness, or even denial. In recovery, it is easy to snap and get angry. Working out can be a physical outlet for your frustrations. What better way to rid your rage than picking up some iron?

Feeling down? Exercise might make you feel better.

Not only does exercise help you live a healthier and longer life, but it also does wonders for your brain. Endorphins are a crazy thing. They are chemicals in your brain that make you feel good naturally. When you release these endorphins after a long sweat, it is inevitable that you will feel a natural high and an overall sense of wellbeing.

Alcohol and drug abuse are deadly diseases that take the lives many each year. Since many families are in denial over the abusers’ habits, it is important to know the warning signs of drug abuse. Whether it is crack addition signs or alcohol addiction signs, it is important to know the dangers these substances can cause, but also to know that once an individual is on the road to recovery, there are many ways to support this process, and Crossfit is one of them.

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