Recovery from addiction is not just psychological work and medical therapy. It is also a deep rethinking of the body, energy and habits. At the Renaissance Centre in Poland, we place a special emphasis on sports practices, because movement is one of the most natural and powerful ways to regain control, joy of life and resilience.
After a long period of use, the body is exhausted, the nervous system is shattered, and the brain is deficient in «happy hormones». Sport helps to trigger recovery processes in a way that no drug can: gently, naturally, deeply and steadily.
How physical activity affects the brain
Physical activity is a biological «restart» of the brain.
Regular exercise works on the very systems that have been damaged by addiction.
1. Endorphin production
With alcoholism, drug or gambling addiction, the brain stops producing its own pleasure hormones.
Sport helps restore the natural dopamine balance, bringing back the ability to get joy without substances.
2. Reducing anxiety
Movement lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Patients note that after training it is easier to breathe, internal clamps disappear, and sleep improves.
3. Improved concentration
Sport stimulates neurogenesis - the growth of new neural connections.
It helps to restore memory, attention, and decision-making ability.
4. Improving self-esteem
Addiction destroys one's sense of dignity.
Sport, even light sport, creates a sense of «I can», brings back confidence and self-respect.
5. Stabilisation of the emotional background
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of depression, strengthens the nervous system and reduces impulsivity.
That's why sport is a mandatory part of the programme at Renaissance: it helps to restore both body and mind.
Sports suitable after the course
After rehabilitation, it is important to choose mild, supportive activities that do not overload the body or cause stress.
1. Walking and Nordic Walking
Suitable for everyone without exception. It improves breathing, heart function, relieves anxiety, helps to structure thoughts.
2. Yoga and Pilates
These practices revitalise the body gently:
- relax the muscles
- normalise sleep
- develop awareness
- they teach you how to relax without substances
3. Swimming
Water relieves physical tension, improves mood, and helps to gently strengthen muscles. It is one of the most recommended sports during the recovery period.
4. Light strength training
Help restore energy, increase stamina, and strengthen musculoskeletal strength - but without overloading.
5. Cycling
Develops coordination, breathing, endurance and gives a sense of freedom.
6. Dancing
Dance therapy is not just about movement, but about emotional release. It helps to work through feelings through the body.
It is important: sport should be a pleasure, not a chore. At Renaissance, we always tailor an individual programme to the patient's condition.
Group training as support
Group sport is not only a physical activity, but also a powerful social tool for recovery.
How groups help patients:
1. Sense of belonging
Addiction often leaves a person alone. Group sessions help them to feel that they are part of a community and that they are accepted.
2. Motivation
It's easier to move forward in a group:
- the coach is supportive
- participants inspire each other
- the atmosphere creates a desire not to give up
3. Social skills
Training builds confidence, develops social skills, and helps build healthy relationships.
4. Reducing the risk of disruption
A sports group is an environment where there are no old triggers.
It's a safe space where a person can grow.
5. Formation of healthy habits
Sport is a ritual. The group helps to build a regime and keep it even after the course is over.
At Renaissance, we have regular group sessions that become an important part of rehabilitation.
Sport as a replacement for old patterns
Addiction is always a habit.
Sport is a new, healthy habit that takes up where substance or destructive behaviour used to occupy.
How sports are replacing old patterns:
● 1. Rituals
Instead of evening consumption, an evening walk or yoga.
● 2. Regulation of emotions
Instead of «de-stressing» through alcohol, it's a breathing practice or jogging.
● 3. Social ties
Instead of the old surroundings, there is a sports group, a new healthy socialising.
● 4. DoFamine
Sport causes a natural burst of energy and improves your mood.
This «healthy dopamine system» gradually displaces cravings for substances.
● 5. New identity
The person begins to see themselves not as a «former addict» but as:
- strong
- disciplined
- healthy
- confident
This is a powerful factor in long-term sobriety.
Why sport is an important part of the Renaissance programme«
We at our Renaissance Centre see how the movement is helping patients:
- recover more quickly from prolonged use;
- to improve mood and reduce cravings;
- to form new neural connections;
- learning to deal with stress without substances;
- build confidence and self-esteem;
- build healthy social contacts.
We believe: recovery is a journey through body, mind and soul. And sport is one of the most harmonious ways to reclaim your life. Sport is not just an adjunct to rehabilitation. It is a powerful tool that revitalises the brain, strengthens the body, reduces cravings and gives a person back their confidence!
Physical activity becomes a natural alternative to old patterns, and group dynamics become an important support on the way to a new, healthy life.
At the Renaissance Centre in Poland, we accompany patients every step of the way, helping them to discover new ways to live, feel, enjoy and move forward - without addiction and without fear!
