Addictions, often stigmatized, can cause individuals to hide their struggles, which can further reinforce their addictive behavior due to stress. While therapy, medication, and 12-step programs are established methods of overcoming addiction, it’s not just about abstaining from a substance, but also changing self-perception. Strength training has recently been recognized as a method of empowering people with addictions, aiding their recovery.
The article recounts the stories of two individuals who overcame their addiction by reconnecting with their bodies through strength training. One of them, a recovering alcoholic, redefined her identity from a failed college student and chronic addict to an aspiring businesswoman, advocate for recovering addicts, and horse healer. She credits CrossFit for this transformation. Although it took over a decade for her to start thinking of herself differently, CrossFit empowered her and made her realize her potential.
The physical changes she saw in her body made her sobriety tangible and gave her something to focus on. After a year of practicing CrossFit, her panic attacks subsided, her sleep improved, and her work focus increased. The fear of alcohol ruining her CrossFit practice made it easier for her to quit drinking.
Key Takeaways:
- Addictions, such as to alcohol, are often stigmatized leading individuals to hide their struggles, which can further reinforce the addiction due to the associated stress.
- Recovery from addiction is not just about abstaining from the substance, but also about changing self-perception and empowering oneself to achieve personal goals and live a fulfilling life.
- Strength training has recently been recognized as an effective method for empowering people with addictions and facilitating their recovery by helping them redefine their self-perception.
“Recently, strength training has emerged as a scientifically-validated method of empowering people with addictions, thereby facilitating their recovery journey.”
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