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| Exercise Addiction | Exercise Dependence Treatment Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise addiction, and dependence on exercise, occurs when exercise becomes a compulsive behaviour instead of a healthy, enjoyable pastime. People respond to exercise in many different ways. Some people find exercise a drag, and force themselves to go to gym or wake up for an early morning jog because of the health benefits of regular exercise. Others find exercising an enjoyable activity that fits in naturally with their lifestyles. These are both normal responses. People are different and there is no single way to approach exercise. As with all compulsive behaviours, the problem is not the exercise itself. Just as many people find gambling an entertaining activity that does not seriously affect their lives, most people are able to enjoy the benefits of exercise as part of a balanced lifestyle. For some people, however, dependence on exercise becomes a destructive force in their lives. The reason for this is that exercise addiction, like all compulsive behaviours, is a manifestation of an underlying problem that requires professional treatment. Signs of exercise addiction and dependence may include exercising when sick, overtraining to the point of causing physical harm, and exercising for extended periods of time. It is also common to obsess about weight loss or muscle gain, or other physical attributes. As with any addiction, exercise dependence can lead to abandoning important activities or neglecting everyday responsibilities, ultimately having a destructive effect on addicts and on those around them. Exercise dependence may occur in conjunction with eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa. As in the case of many eating disorders, people suffering from exercise addiction frequently have self-image issues and low self-confidence and may exhibit anxiety and depression. Treatment for exercise addiction and dependence involves counselling to address the emotional problems that cause people to become dependent on exercise. Oasis provides professional counselling as well as other programmes with demonstrated success in managing compulsive behaviour. At Oasis, addicts are guided towards making healthy lifestyle choices to attain balance and well-being. The dedicated care team will also help addicts to cope with the stresses of modern life without resorting to compulsive behaviours. Oasis is a rehabilitation centre located in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Oasis offers a professional addiction recovery programme designed to manage compulsive behaviours. |
