Physical Fitness in Recovery – The Benefits of Yoga

Drug and alcohol use disrupts the brain’s natural chemical balance. Many recovery techniques work to restore the balance of chemicals like dopamine in the brain’s pleasure centers.

Physical activity boosts the presence of these chemicals, too. Exercising creates a release of dopamine, so the more often we exercise, the greater the release we get. Our fitness improves and our mood rises, too. But for those in recovery, there’s an added benefit.

Studies show that exercise and physical activity can actually help re-wire the brain and restore the chemical balance to pre-substance-use levels.

The act of developing and adhering to an exercise routine — and committing to completing some physical activity every week — helps to keep cravings at bay and fills the time that formerly was devoted to behaviors around using. It has also been shown to dramatically reduce stress.

One type of exercise focuses on the simple act of stretching and breathing – yoga.  At Ashley, we believe that holistic healing can help you maintain long-term recovery. We offer yoga classes not only to support your recovery process but as a way for you to discover new passions and interests when you leave the Ashley campus.

Yoga can offer you:

• Physical Benefits – You will feel stronger and more flexible after every exercise. Any aches and pains you may feel from your withdrawal will decrease as you stretch through them.
• Improved Circulation – Better circulation not only lowers your blood pressure and your risk of heart disease, it increases oxygen flow to your brain, improves your mood and helps you think more clearly.
• Increase in Self-Discipline – Learning to say “no” to an addiction is challenging but committing to yoga can help you be more disciplined.
• Stress-Reduction– The calm breathing exercises, gentle motions, and meditative benefits can help calm your nerves and reduce cravings.
• Emotional Benefits – A greater peace of mind gives you access to new and healthier coping mechanisms like calming breathing exercises.
• Inner Peace – The spiritual benefits of yoga extend beyond the bounds of all religions and asks only that you believe in a higher power of your choosing.

For more information on how Ashley uses yoga in our holistic treatment programs please contact Brian Carr, Lead Recreation Coordinator, at 1.866.313.6307 ext. 211.

You are also invited to attend our Women’s Symposium on Saturday, September 17, which is being facilitated by a pioneer in the field of yoga.  And, during our Alumni Reunion on Sunday, September 18, you can participate in a yoga class outside on our beautiful Ashley campus. Look in your inbox next week for more news on our Annual Homecoming.

More Info On The Women’s Symposium

Ashley Welcomes New Medical Staff Member

Ashley is pleased to welcome a new addition to our medical team – Dr. J. Gregory Hobelmann. In his current role, Dr. Hobelmann will evaluate and follow patients with psychiatric needs and assist with patients in the Pain Recovery Program.

Dr. Hobelmann has been in Baltimore most of his life.  After returning from Georgetown University, he attended University of Maryland School of Medicine. He has since completed residencies in anesthesiology and psychiatry as well as a fellowship in pain medicine at Johns Hopkins.  He also completed a Masters of Public Health in 2012.  His interests are in addiction and pain medicine.

He lives close to Towson with his wife, Betsey, and his three children, Anna, Caroline, and James.  They spend most of the summer on Gibson Island where they enjoy fishing, golfing, and playing tennis.