How Fitness Can Help Fight Addiction - Phoenix Multisport

Addiction affects millions of people and has the power to destroy lives and relationships. Anyone suffering from an addiction knows just how hard it is to quit and needs a place where they can feel comfortable talking about what they’re going through with people who have gone through similar experiences. I have no formal education on the subject and I do not consider myself an expert on addiction but I have struggled with alcohol so I will speak from my experience. Should you need help I would recommend seeking professional counseling or advice. When I was in the middle of my addiction I didn’t have any hope that I would ever get out. I was so caught up in the moment and seeing a future for myself was impossible. Many nights were a blur as I would drink until I blacked out and that cycle went on for a long time. My decisions finally caught up to me and I got in big trouble for my drinking, if you would like the specifics I detail them in the podcast. Through family support, a lot of counselling and learning I have returned to a sober life that is full of promise and hope. Along the way there were so many different life lessons but I have narrowed it down to 3 things that have been paramount in my recovery. Support - Having the support of my friends and family shows me that there are other people that care about my decisions and my quality of life. If there are people out there that care about me and my life, then why shouldn’t I? Purpose – Having a reason to wake up each morning and be productive helped me to focus on the future and know that there are certain things I need to achieve in order to maintain my purpose. For me that purpose was my small business. When I became the owner of something it forced me to make better choices so I could be successful. Control - Having control of my choices and surroundings were very important to me. I actually learned this lesson in the gym. When I started working out I realized I could control the way my body looked. If I showed up to the gym on a regular basis and put in the work, I started to change. I took what I was learning how to with my body in the gym and applied it to my everyday life. I have physical control of my actions and with that I can choose to stay home instead of go out to the bar or liquor store. I didn’t know it at the time but looking back I believe these three things we paramount in my recovery and I think the 3rd one was most important. When I saw how much I could change my body it gave me a feeling of control, my good choices equaled a better life and the physical reaction that happens when I exercised felt really good! This feeling replaced what was missing from my days of drinking and I have been sober for over 3 years now!   On this episode of Under Ten Fitness we talk to Phoenix Multisport which is an organization that exists to offer those who are struggling with addiction a safe place to participate in physical activities. The following is their mission statement: “Phoenix Multisport fosters a supportive, physically active community for individuals who are recovering from a substance use disorder and those who choose to live sober. Through pursuits such as climbing, hiking, running, strength training, yoga, road/mountain biking, socials and other activities, we seek to help our members develop and maintain the emotional strength they need to stay sober.” I want to thank Todd, Kaley and Jeff for coming on the show and sharing their amazing stories of recovery that offer hope. Hope that no matter what you’re going through you can change and you can get your life back. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, or has in the past, Phoenix Multisport is always accepting new participants and you can find more information here: Phoenix Multisport Website Phoenix Multisport Instagram Phoenix Multisport Facebook