Addiction is a disease that causes challenges in an individual’s mental and physical health. The toll of addiction, both physical and mental, is important to recognize and address in treatment. Yoga is an ideal practice that helps to address the physical toll of addiction. New Creation Recovery offers yoga as a way for clients to build flexibility, stability, strength, and improved mental health. Therefore, when it is integrated with other aspects of addiction treatment, yoga can help to fill in the gap of healing from the physical challenges caused by addiction.
The Physical Toll of Addiction
While it varies depending on the individual, the type of substances they abuse, and the length of dependence, addiction causes many challenges with physical health. These effects are both short-term and long-term, ranging from moderate to severe, and will depend on each individual’s unique circumstances. However, addiction increases an individual’s risk of diseases and decreases their physical abilities.
Increased Disease Risk
Research shows that individuals who struggle with addiction have a higher risk for a variety of physical health issues, including lung or heart disease, stroke, and cancer. For example, it is well-known that smoking causes lung issues, and that using needles puts an individual at a higher risk of diseases carried in the blood.
However, regardless of the type of substance that an individual is addicted to, their body is impacted. Drugs and alcohol put a significant amount of strain on the body and brain. These substances have to be filtered out, impacting the kidneys and liver. However, they also affect an individual’s heart and lungs as they change a person’s blood pressure, breathing rate, and more.
Loss of Physical Ability
Along with an increase in disease risk, addiction causes physical changes that decrease an individual’s physical ability. These changes differ depending on the individual, the substance they are using, and the severity of their challenges with addiction. However, the loss of physical ability is due to the change in physical habits and the direct effect that addiction has on the body.
When an individual is struggling with addiction, their brain is rewired to direct them toward continued use of drugs or alcohol. As a result, their life changes dramatically. They often decrease other habits that are healthy and beneficial, including exercise and movement. When an individual exercises less, moves less, and eats poorly, they will quickly lose muscle mass and coordination. Over time, individuals find themselves unable to do things that were previously far easier for them.
Additionally, drugs and alcohol impact coordination and movement. As a substance confounds the mind and body, it makes it more difficult for a person to be physically capable. This means that temporarily, they lose physical capacity. However, it also means that over a prolonged period, they have not been practicing the same movement, and their ability is lowered.
Benefits of Yoga on the Physical Toll of Addiction
Fortunately, yoga can help clients struggling with the effects of addiction. At New Creation Recovery, clients can regain their physical capacity, aiding them in their desire to reverse some of the physical toll that has been caused by addiction. Yoga can help an individual to decrease their risk of disease, rejuvenate their physical health, and lower overall stress.
Decreasing the Risk of Disease
When an individual has a higher risk of disease due to addiction, it is ideal that they begin self-care practices that help them decrease their risk of disease. Yoga has been shown to help individuals decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, by practicing yoga, clients help to improve their cardiovascular health. It gives them a better chance of a healthier future.
Rejuvenation After Toll of Addiction
Due to both the short-term and long-term health impacts of addiction, an individual’s flexibility, strength, and mental health are affected. Thus, rejuvenation of their physical health is necessary. Yoga is highly effective in doing just that.
With yoga, clients stretch, strengthen, and stabilize their bodies. This combination helps them to improve their physical ability. It gives them back their foundation of movement, which can help them to get back into other types of physical activities they enjoy.
Decreased Physical and Mental Stress
Physical activity helps individuals in many ways. One way it is helpful is by providing a person with a way to cope with stress. This is very important for individuals with addiction. However, it is also important in improving overall physical health.
While stress is a normal part of life, persistent stress causes physical health issues. Therefore, having an effective coping mechanism helps individuals to improve their physical health. As yoga is an activity that improves health and decreases stress, it is an ideal type of exercise for individuals who are in the process of healing from addiction.
Addiction is a disease that has significant negative effects on an individual’s physical and mental health. Fortunately, yoga can help. At New Creation Recovery, we provide a structured and effective program that helps clients to heal from the physical impacts of addiction, as they learn skills that will help them to recover and enjoy a sustained recovery. Our program commonly involves yoga as a type of physical activity that also aids in stress reduction. If you are struggling with addiction, you can take steps to heal yourself physically and mentally. To learn more about our programs and how they can help you regain your physical health after addiction, call us today at (877) 868-5730.
