Lymphatic System & Addiction: How Exercise Boosts Immunity and Fights Infection During Recovery
When searching online, most blogs and fitness articles will tell us that exercise is good for inflammation and our immune system. But “how” physical activity targets this area of the body is often overlooked. In this edition of our Addiction: Head to Toe series, we take a deep dive into how and why exercise is crucial for immune health […]
Neurological Benefits of Yoga During Addiction Recovery
Chronic substance use causes significant neurological deficits from cognitive dysfunction to balance and coordination issues. Yoga is used in many addiction recovery programs as it helps the brain release chemicals that not only help those with substance use disorders (SUDs) relax but lower stress levels. However, the benefits of yoga go far beyond promoting relaxation. Thanks […]
Your PNS, the Polyvagal Theory & Addiction: How Exercise Activates the Vagus Nerve and Restores Calm During Recovery
As part of our Addiction: Head to Toe series, we take a deep dive into the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the latest research about how this region of the body is affected by substance use disorders (SUD). By unpacking the Polyvagal theory, we demonstrate how exercise is used as a clinical tool to re-balance the PNS […]
Your CNS & Addiction: How Yoga Hacks the Autonomic Nervous System and Restores the Body During Recovery
Historically, yoga has been looked at as a ‘complementary therapy’ in addiction treatment. Now, scientific research, with more continuing to emerge, shows yoga can be a clinical game-changer for those in addiction recovery. How is this possible? Yoga has the power to hack the nervous system and restore this complicated region of the body. As […]
Tackling Stress and Social Distancing During Addiction Recovery: It’s All About Perspective
COVID-19 is causing stress for millions of people around the world. However, for those in addiction recovery, these feelings are magnified, especially with the need for social distancing. In this article, we offer actionable tips from addiction recovery professionals on ways to reduce stress, reframe negative thoughts, and combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
How Exercise Targets the Brain and Body in Addiction Recovery: A Head to Toe Look
In this paper, we take a head-to-toe look at what happens to the brain and body during active addiction and review the current care practices used during treatment. We then explore how exercise needs to be implemented as a clinical tool to mitigate the negative health consequences of SUDs, improve the mind-body connection, and allow those who are battling an addiction to become their own agent of change.
Depression and Addiction: Why Treating The Whole Person Matters
One in five U.S. adults are affected by mental health disorders. Of these disorders, depression affects the most Americans, with over 7 million adults having one major depressive episode a year. Unfortunately, many people who develop mental health disorders also have an addiction. In this article, we examine the latest societal and healthcare costs of co-occurring disorders, how healthcare professionals are tackling this crisis, and why treating the whole patient matters.
Barriers in SUD Treatment and the Call for Addiction Medicine Specialists
There are 21 million Americans suffering from addiction and only 3,000 physicians specially trained to treat them. This article examines the current barriers in substance use disorder treatment and the risks of not having addiction medicine specialists in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. We also highlight what is being done on a national level to increase the number of physicians with expertise in treating SUDs and the benefits of this care.
Genetic Testing for Addiction Risk: Are These Tools Reliable?
Even with all the breakthroughs in genetic research, the validity of specific DNA assessment tools used to evaluate addiction risk is still heavily debated in scientific circles. In this article, we examine how genes affect the risk of SUD, as well as the reliability and controversy surrounding current genetic testing tools used in predicting substance use disorders. Finally, we discuss why comprehensive addiction assessments matter.
How Personalized Addiction Treatment Saves Healthcare Costs and Lives
Addiction is costing our nation over $800 billion annually, and the need for better drug and alcohol assessment and treatment is critical. We break down the latest statistics on how SUDs are affecting healthcare costs and take an honest look at addiction treatment in terms of efficacy. We also highlight the need for better diagnostic tools, cognitive-based therapy, and individualized care to improve addiction recovery rates and reduce healthcare costs.