As much good as a thorough workout can do for the body, too often we fight the nagging thoughts we need to be more active. We do enjoy the physical and emotional results of a good exercise session, but motivation to begin can sometimes be lacking. For the individual fighting a cocaine addiction, however, finding that motivation may help in treating the addiction.

A recent Deccan Chronicle report focused on the potential exercise offers to the cocaine addict. A study conducted by the Australian Chief of National Institute on Drug Abuse, Dr. Nora Volkow, determined that 40 percent of the sample study was able to overcome a marijuana addiction with a treatment regimen that included exercise.

Exercise has also been shown to help individuals to battle addictions to alcohol, nicotine or even food. One wellness expert notes that exercise can be the catalyst to change a bad and unhealthy lifestyle. With the help of exercise, chronic drug addicts and suicidal youth can return to a normal life.

One of the reasons why exercise delivers such promise to the individual is that it takes the mind away from cravings and the rewards that engaging in addictive behavior produces. Addictions to substances occur when the body enjoys the rewards produced by the brain. If those rewards are eliminated or put out of the mind through a more productive activity, the addiction can be overcome.

In addition, exercise has the ability to flush out the toxins that make an individual lethargic, depressed or disinterested. Exercise also helps to release endocrine and adrenaline to boost confidence and produce a ‘feel good factor’ that can eliminate the need for drugs or alcohol.