“In 2016, I was extremely underweight, unhealthy – essentially dying inside and out,” recalls Michael O’Dell, Executive Director at Warriors Heart. “Fitness had always been huge part of who I was; I even earned top PFT scores in the Marines. But as my addiction consumed me, that part of my life fell apart along with so many other areas.”
People who develop an addiction often begin as recreational user, but the want becomes a need, and increasingly higher and more frequent doses to feel the effects are undeniable. Oftentimes taking the place of hobbies, activities and eventually friends and family.
“I went from a solid 205lb Marine to a 250lb alcoholic; and then from a 250b alcoholic to a 170lb drug addict. That change from 250 to 170 was so extreme that most people in my life thought I was dying, and I was okay with that, might have been exactly what I wanted.”
Addiction wreaks havoc on your body, from its inner functions to your outer appearance. Not only does addiction harm your body, but it also messes with your mind – in fact, depression and addiction often go hand in hand.
“When you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol, you spend almost all of your time thinking about, acquiring, and using,” stated Lisa Lannon Co-Founder of Warriors Heart, a private treatment facility, exclusively for Warriors, providing care for addiction, chemical dependency & PTS for active military, veterans, law enforcement and first responders.
“Even early in addiction I still valued a physically fit body and strong mind,” remembers O’Dell. “In 2016 I went to prison, had nothing better to do than read and work out, so that’s what I did for two years straight – setting my soul on fire for sobriety and physical fitness. I rededicated myself to the values that were instilled in me when I earned that EGA (Eagle Globe and Anchor). I said enough was enough and embarked on my personal journey to recovery.”
Successfully overcoming addiction requires more than quitting drugs and alcohol, it demands a complete lifestyle change from the roots. Healthy fitness routines can aid in addiction recovery and overall well-being.
In recovery, you find that you have a lot of time on your hands, and idle hands / minds are the devil’s playground. In most residential treatment centers, the programs are structured and organized – helping to minimize stress and uncertainty and support the safest and most welcoming environment for recovery. A major component to recovery is focused on developing new, healthy habits that are intended to become routine once you return to your life outside, and exercise is a habit that provides structure – helping to distract from cravings, prevent relapse, and give you something to look forward to each day. By engaging in regular exercise, individuals can improve their physical fitness, mental health, and emotional stability.
Fitness for addiction recovery is more than just a way to pass the time or distract from cravings. It is an essential part of the healing process, helping to repair the damage caused by substance abuse and fostering a sense of mental and emotional well-being.
When individuals engage in regular exercise, their bodies produce endorphins, which act as mood-enhancers and pain-relievers; helping to redirect the negative effects of withdrawal and create a sense of balance and stability during recovery.
Exercise has also proven to aid in the repair of brain function damaged by addiction. Aerobic exercise can increase the production of new brain cells and enhance neural plasticity, aiding in learning new coping mechanisms and developing healthier habits.
“CrossFit has become my outlet, one of my therapies if you will,” stated O’Dell. “When I am in the gym, grinding it out, nothing else matters other than doing the best that I can, giving my all. Fitness allows me to challenge myself, to push myself beyond normal limits, and in doing so, I know there is nothing in life I can NOT do.”
It’s well-known that stress can be a significant contributing factor to relapse – one of the greatest dangers to anyone recovering from addiction. By returning to your old ways, you risk throwing all your hard work until then out the proverbial window. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, making it easier for individuals to avoid triggering situations that may lead to relapse. By integrating fitness into daily routines, those in recovery can cultivate healthier coping mechanisms and reduce the likelihood of returning to substances as a means of escape.
One of the most critical aspects of addiction recovery is building a strong support network. Fitness activities can provide a natural setting for individuals to connect with others with similar goals and challenges. Whether it’s joining a local gym, participating in group fitness classes, or engaging in team sports, these social connections can play a crucial role in fostering accountability, encouragement, and motivation throughout the recovery journey.
The team at Warriors Heart recognizes and understands the unique demands of warriors and their families – and works to successfully navigate healing and recovery while in the company of people who personally understand individual experiences. Warriors Heart is a place where that mentality, warriors helping warriors, resides in the hearts of every member of the team. Other warriors and team members personally connect with those who have reached a point in their life where they think they have nothing to live for; showing them that strength is found in this unique facility, that simply and truly believes in the power of the warrior community.
* Michael O’Dell, a Texan, Marine and Father with a resilient spirit, found his calling in supporting fellow warriors battling addiction and PTS through the transformative mission of Warriors Heart. Drawing from his own journey of overcoming challenges, Michael passionately leads the charge to guide veterans back home – not just geographically, but into a place of healing and recovery. Warriors Heart holds a special place in Michael’s heart, as it symbolizes the beacon of hope and support he wishes he had encountered during his darkest times.
Through this mission, he champions the cause of warriors, offering them a lifeline to break free from the chains of addiction and reclaim their lives. Michael’s dedication to this cause, rooted in personal experience, reflects the profound impact organizations like Warriors Heart have in bringing our nation’s heroes back from the brink, providing them with the necessary tools and support to rediscover joy and purpose in life once more.
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