Detoxing is hard, if not done correctly relapse becomes all too common. It is especially difficult with opioid addiction. Did you know that three out of four people relapse within a month of detoxing? Now keep in mind that many of these people were flying solo with an at-home detox plan. Some were working with an outpatient program. Relapses have rarely occurred after completing treatment at a medically supervised rehab center using a personalized plan tailored to your situation and lifestyle. So the statistics are not that surprising (cite below).

Let’s face it, rewiring your brain and body is hard enough, but that’s not all that needs to be done. It will require a complete lifestyle change, perhaps a new set of friends as well. You will need a comprehensive strategy and plan to avoid temptation. Consider whether you want the stresses in your life that could trigger the desire to take opioids. Well, if you work on yourself, you’ll find things much easier.

Take a look at your new life without opioids. Think of all the positives and all the things you can now do and do well. Then consider the things in your life that cause you distress, pain, stress, or depression. Work to limit those situations and find time to do the things that will help you move forward. Let’s talk about this for a moment.

Implementation of an exercise strategy to prevent opioid relapse

By exercising, your brain will release endorphins and put you in a good mood. You will recover your physical and mental health. You will feel happier, healthier and fulfilled. When you exercise, you will start to eat better and your diet will also improve. Prevention of depression and stress are two very common results known to those who exercise regularly. This is exactly what you need to keep your mind focused on your new life, instead of regressing into a relapse.

If you’re looking for the easiest and most helpful thing you can do to prevent a relapse, exercising regularly (3 or more times per week) is the smartest thing to do. You will be a happy version of yourself, you will notice the results and you will feel great. After all, this is the goal. No, it’s not going to be easy, nothing in life is, but if you want to have a long life without interrupting it due to addiction, then you should think here.

Reference:

1. “Alternative to the ‘revolving door’ of opioid detox and relapse.” Boston University School of Medicine. daily science. ScienceDaily, August 20, 2019. Available free on Google Scholar