There are many different ways that addicts can overcome an addiction to drugs and alcohol. One of the most common ways is through traditional recovery and 12 step programs. In fact the majority of recovery uses this approach and it does work for some people. On the other hand, some addicts need to explore other ways of getting help as well. So here are some other options for helping addicts to recover:
* Encourage physical fitness. Most people, including doctors and substance abuse professionals, seriously underestimate the importance of physical exercise in overcoming addiction. Anyone who is not taking advantage of the benefits of regular, vigorous exercise is doing themselves a huge disservice. In fact, some recovery programs are based entirely on physical exercise as a means of staying clean and sober. The overall benefits that it brings to the recovering addict are just tremendous and cannot be overstated enough. For example, there is a huge amount of chemical change that takes place during vigorous exercise, and this affects the person for at least the remainder of the entire day with a feeling of well being. Our bodies are designed to release their own “feel good” chemicals when we push ourselves physically. This is part of our biology. To not use this in addiction recovery is absolutely insane.
* Encourage them to help other addicts. This is a huge key to overcoming addiction and if you can find a way to consistently reach out and work with others in recovery then it will make your recovery just that much stronger. Virtually all recovery programs make use of this simple recovery principle in some way because it is so incredibly strong and powerful. Empower people to help other addicts and watch their recovery take off. Through helping others in recovery they will push themselves to grow just that much more.