does exercise help with withdrawel symptoms?
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I think that's one of those questions for a doctor. But I am going to say, I don't think so. I think getting rest and taking care of yourself, eating and staying hydrated is probably the best bet. Again, not my medical opinion. 
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Originally Posted by vegibean 
I think that's one of those questions for a doctor. But I am going to say, I don't think so. I think getting rest and taking care of yourself, eating and staying hydrated is probably the best bet. Again, not my medical opinion.
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Join Date: Feb 2013
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I think it depends on what you are experiencing. If I'm getting those intense bursts of anxiety, going out for a very long walk does seem to help. I mean there's been times I've just wanted to run out the door & yes I just went out and walked & walked & walked. But if I'm not feeling that, rest is good too. I'm only responding to the question of exercise here.
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Louisiana
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It does depend on the person. I personally credit a strong regimen of yoga and lots of long, vigorous walks for regaining my health ( after detox) as rapidly as I did. Even my doctor was surprised. I just could not have done it without exercise.
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Wisconsin
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For me, yes. I dont get severe withdrawals though, so in my experience only, it helps tremendously. After a few days of not drinking and Im feeling amazing then something triggers major anxiety like screaming kids,a house showing in the morning, all alone with a huge dinner going, I feel like Im gonna explode and the old thought comes back of "hmmm Im gonna have a few to calm down tonight...yes!" but since I am off alcohol right now, I know thats not an option, so what I did, tonight, in fact, is leave the kids with Grandpa, put my shoes on and race out the door and run until I feel like my lungs are gonna explode. By the time I get back and get my shoes off I am feeling almost 100% better. Its amazing really, its like a calm afterglow, better than any anti-anxiety med Ive tried...
But I suppose now that I think about it, that was more a craving I was feeling than withdrawal...
Nothing beats the natural endorphin high of exercise though!!!
But I suppose now that I think about it, that was more a craving I was feeling than withdrawal...
Nothing beats the natural endorphin high of exercise though!!!
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Join Date: Jan 2013
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Originally Posted by ntmu
I think it depends on what you are experiencing. If I'm getting those intense bursts of anxiety, going out for a very long walk does seem to help. I mean there's been times I've just wanted to run out the door & yes I just went out and walked & walked & walked. But if I'm not feeling that, rest is good too. I'm only responding to the question of exercise here.
For me, alcohol was an escape, it made me feel more comfortable in my own skin (lots of alcoholics say this). Thus when I run or lift or do some form of exercise my body releases serotonin which tells my brain - hey, life ain't so bad. And if life isn't so bad and I feel better I don't look to the bottle to try and find my authentic self.
For me personally I believe that a lack of self esteem or respect for myself is at the center of my alcoholism (which is a form of suicide). The better I feel the less likely I am to relapse.
Take what you want and leave the rest, these are only my personal experiences and what I've learned about my body.
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Join Date: Jan 2013
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Once you have had a once over from a doc and they give their advice as to your current health first. Then I would say it may give you a focus, help keep your mind distracted and aid in sleeping better if you are naturally tired from exercise.
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Join Date: Jan 2013
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My experience is that exercise doesn't necessarily help with the physical withdrawal symptoms themselves, but it does accelerate the process of your body ridding itself of the toxens quicker. It increases heart rate, bloodflow and oxygen intake, and releases feel-good endorphens etc.
As far as the emotional symptoms go, after the physical symptoms had passed and I actually could physically move around without feeling like I had been hit by a truck (3-4 days for me), I found exercise to be a Godsend.
But that is just my personal experience. I don't think it would hurt to give some light exercise a go if you feel up to it, and see how your body responds. And of course, as others have mentioned, if you have concerns it is always best to consult a dr. first.
As far as the emotional symptoms go, after the physical symptoms had passed and I actually could physically move around without feeling like I had been hit by a truck (3-4 days for me), I found exercise to be a Godsend.
But that is just my personal experience. I don't think it would hurt to give some light exercise a go if you feel up to it, and see how your body responds. And of course, as others have mentioned, if you have concerns it is always best to consult a dr. first.
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Helpful answers from everyone 
- I'd just add that for me, taking walks was a distraction. Strenuous exercise wouldn't have worked due to the condition I was in, but walking helped take my mind off things and helped me feel less jittery for awhile.
- I'd just add that for me, taking walks was a distraction. Strenuous exercise wouldn't have worked due to the condition I was in, but walking helped take my mind off things and helped me feel less jittery for awhile.
Sobriety is Traditional
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Orcas Island, Washington
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Wino--
While exercise is very important to me, I must say that I was fairly sedentary during my week in detox. There was one guy in detox for a couple days who was constantly pacing the halls and doing pushups and situps, but most of us slept or watched videos.
While exercise is very important to me, I must say that I was fairly sedentary during my week in detox. There was one guy in detox for a couple days who was constantly pacing the halls and doing pushups and situps, but most of us slept or watched videos.
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Join Date: Dec 2011
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Like some others on this thread, I didn't have very bad withdrawals. Exercise helped me so much in dealing with the anxiety. But as others have shared from their experience, it might be good to get through a safe detox first if that is what is required.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
Posts: 198
Thank you..I tried tapering off yesterday...drink at 2 pm..then 430..then a little one at 130 am...sleep was pretty bad but hopefully will help with the withdrawal...so its been about 8 hrs..I feel OK...I hope February 6 is my new starting day..I don't even want it!
Sobriety is Traditional
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Orcas Island, Washington
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I was just reading a New York Times article about how the same brain centers involved in addiction can get hung up on exercise.
How Exercise May Make Addictions Better, or Worse - NYTimes.com
At one time in my life, I was addicted to running. I slowly replaced that addiction with drinking.
How Exercise May Make Addictions Better, or Worse - NYTimes.com
At one time in my life, I was addicted to running. I slowly replaced that addiction with drinking.
Sober since Jan 1, 2012
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Colorado
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Oh yes. Although during my first week I was EXHAUSTED. Exercise now helps me calm my mind. What Arctic is talking about, for me, when I experienced that, was a type of withdrawal combined with what is defined as alcoholism. Some people call them cravings. I exercise a lot now to try to lose the weight I put on in early sobriety - I ate everything in sight. Unfortunately, my body loves to pack on pounds.
I'd also like to add that those cravings disappeared at some point early last year, and they've never been back.
I'd also like to add that those cravings disappeared at some point early last year, and they've never been back.
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