When Your Therapy Becomes the Source of the Problem: Dealing with Exercise Addiction

Exercise is generally a good habit to develop. It is a common knowledge that it gives beneficial results for our body. Oftentimes, the therapy for depression, anxiety, physical ailments and disabilities include exercises. It is sometimes also used as a therapy for people who are under treatment for drug addiction. That is because many experts believe that the release of endorphins in our body through exercise can be therapeutic. The release of endorphins in our body helps alleviate some of the pain we might have, this hormone also helps us become more energetic and happier.

This all can be confusing to some of us when we hear that there are actually people who are suffering from exercise addiction. The very same therapy that is used for many of our physical, emotional, and psychological discomfort can become the source of our problem. What then can we do to stop this kind of addiction? If we can’t exercise to treat our problems, what else can we do?

Where the Problem Originates

The problem generally is in our own personality. Many people who suffer from exercise addiction also suffer from an underlying problem. Eating disorders are the most likely causes. However, some people who are suffering from depression and anxiety may also find comfort through exercise; hence exercise addiction might develop in the process. Some people find that exercise is a healthy alternative to drug addiction. But drug addicts will most likely find excuses to be able to use drugs even if they are supposedly withdrawing from drugs. Some of them might find an excuse for using drugs to be able to continue to exercise; hence they might develop an abuse for performance enhancers drugs particularly steroids. Although, not much is written about it, some amateur athletes are certainly suffering from it.

The bottom-line is that exercise does give therapy to most of our problems ranging from depression, anxiety, physical ailments, and drug abuse. That does not mean that it is the sole treatment for these problems, it only means that it can be included in the treatment process. The person must be treated for their underlying problem or they might end up dealing with another problem besides their original problem. Exercise addiction is usually a sign of personality or behavioral problem on the part of the sufferer. If the underlying problem of the sufferer is not resolved, it will be hard to treat their addiction to exercise as well.