Exercise and recovery

[REZ]

There's an interesting article in the NY Times today: "Fitness: Bodies in Motion, Clean and Sober" by Paul Scott. Exercise is an important part of my recovery program. It helps me manage stress and I feel a lot better when I do it.

[WNY Addict]

I've heard that a lot too. I know cardio exercise releases endorphins that are the body's "natural opiate". That cardio work can alleviate mild aches and pains, and some people describe a "high feeling" after an extensive cardio type workout. Not to mention exercise helps the body in general. A lot of those aches and pain that start the prescription addict off and running can be reduced or even eliminated with sensible exercise.

A friend of mine was a heavy oxycontin/oxycodone abuser. He ended up almost dying his last time out because he tried to kick cold-turkey and ended up in the hospital dehydrated and in a coma. He had two "buldging disks" and a herniated disk all in the lower back. It's been just over two years clean for him. He started exercising a few months after he stopped using, and his most recent MRI showed only one buldging disk... the one that was herniated prior. The other two that were buldged are now normal.

It's funny how things fix themselves when we seek a sensible alternative and start taking care of ourselves.

[Moontime]

big part of my recovery too. I weighted 240 lbs and feeling fat and low self esteem. Through this program and god I was able to weigh myself today at 180 lbs. I did this in less then 2 years. I now run every other day and swim every other day. I enter 5 K races and I plan on doing a 10 miler in april. I've been able to make a commitment to my life and it's been great. thanks for the post