Addiction is a problem that can affect anyone. Statistics show that around 20.6 million people in the U.S. over the age of 12 dealt with an addiction in 2011. I was part of this statistic. For a very long time, I abused drugs and alcohol, and it almost destroyed my life forever. However, I was lucky enough to get rebuild my life.
Everything that enters your body has an impact on your mental and physical health. Since I was a teenager, all I would put in my body was alcohol, and various types of drugs and junk food. Little by little, these things would deteriorate my health, but, as an addict, I was not capable of noticing it. I soon emitted into a drug addiction treatment center, I was a wreck both physically and mentally. My liver and lungs were damaged, I was overweight, and I was suffering from depression. All while i was in my 20s!
Once I realized the damage I had caused my body and mind, I knew changes had to be done. I began to be more careful with what I consumed, this meant no junk food, soda beverages, pills, alcohol and drugs. I was so committed to this strategy, that I didn’t receive any pills during my treatment. I recovered naturally, and it was beyond worth it. Today, I am 11 years sober, and I want to share three natural ways you can treat addiction.
Exercise
Exercising may be the last activity you want do in while in recovery, but believe me, it can help you in many ways. Working out sends off the same pleasure and reward systems in your body as addiction deos. It increases the production of dopamine in your brain. This gives you a feeling of relaxation, similar to what the feeling of drugs give you. This feeling helps minimize the cravings and promotes abstinence. Working out will also improve your mood and help you with sleeping.
Exercise helps you heal the damage drugs have caused your body. Your physical and mental health improves, as well as your self-esteem.
Hobbies
Two keys to maintaining sobriety are keeping busy and having a purpose. Whenever you feel bored, the temptation to use increases. As an addict, your sole purpose in life was to use drugs, now it is important find a new purpose. This is why it is important to have a hobby.
Take full advantage of your new found time to try new things. You can get watercolors and learn to paint. Join a dance class, or do volunteer work. Learn to play an instrument. These are just a few ideas of new activities you can do to give a new meaning to your life. These hobbies will help you feel self-accomplished so that you do not have to feel the need of doing drugs again.
Nutrition
Your relationship with food is affected in many ways when abusing drugs or alcohol. Your appetite is decreased and you develop poor eating habits. Your organs could damage from the substance abuse, making them unable to absorb nutrients from the food. A healthy diet is important in recovery to heal all the damage your body has gone through. Foods your diet should include are foods rich in nutrients, protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Also, be sure to eat less of the damaging food like artificial sugars, refined carbs and processed foods.
Naturally, recovery is hard, no matter which way you decide to handle it. After 11 years, I can say that is worth it. Ever since I made the decision to be kinder with my body and my mind, I can see my actions are focused and I have achieved peace of mind. These tips helped me recover naturally, and if you choose to treat your addiction this way, then make sure to take them into account and let me know.
If you have any questions about how to treat recovery naturally, or if you want to share your story, please leave a comment below.