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By Layla Martinez
For many people recovering from opioid addiction, something as simple as moving their bodies can help them regain the confidence they thought they had lost.
It is important for people in recovery to not only have a sense of community to lean on, but also have some sort of physical movement.
Beyond providing structure to daily life, physical activity also has proven psychological benefits. According to a San Diego-based rehabilitation center Pacific Bay Recovery Center, strenuous physical activity releases endorphins, which are also released into the brain by opioids. This causes something called a “runner’s high” that naturally boosts your mood and reduces cravings. It allows for the people recovering to have a sense of accomplishment.
In addition to the psychological benefits, physical activity and team sports have the ability to give recovering addicts a sense of community and give them people outside of their family to rely on. Many team sports, such as baseball or soccer, can strengthen both the person’s body and mind.
These communities can be seen in recovery programs. In an article by Sober College, an addiction studies and counselor training site, the reporter describes how an adult sober sports league allows for players to build supportive relationships with their teammates and how the players rely on each other to stay away from harmful substances.
While these programs are beneficial on an individual level, the larger crisis continues to grow. In the past few years, opioid related deaths/overdoses have been increasing in Alameda County. The HIV Education and Prevention Project of Alameda County has shown that the amount of opioid related deaths in Alameda County in 2023 increased by 60.82% from what it was in 2022.
Some rehabilitation centers in Alameda County offer outdoor sports and activities as a part of their treatment program. The Alameda County Sheriff’s Department’s program offers a great choice for people both in recovery and people who are in danger of opioid abuse.
The Alameda County Deputy Sheriff’s Activities League was created in 2005 to help everyone get the opportunities to be successful. They have many free sports offerings including boxing, soccer, and jiu jitsu that are available for all ages. Statistics from the University of Washington show that people involved in these types of physical activities in their communities are 49% less likely to use drugs, for the first time or again.
Ultimately, recovery from addiction is about the person rebuilding their stability in life; for many, sports become something that restores not just their stability, but their purpose and confidence.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
