The Relaxation and Enjoyment Benefit of Golf Therapy

The final benefit that makes golf ideal for addiction treatment is the level of leisure and relaxation that develops throughout the game.

Factors that may trigger substance abuse cravings in some individuals include:

• Stress
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Other mental health conditions
• Difficult family life or home environments

Playing golf can help take individuals out of those situations, reduce the level of stress and help alleviate potential mood disorders that are making it easier to abuse drugs or alcohol.

Golf is a sport that helps relax the body and mind. The benefits of playing golf are not limited to the physical aspects of exercising regularly or getting a gentle workout that has a lower risk of injuries. It is also about reducing the other potential triggers that cause addiction and make it easier to give into cravings.

Returning to a Hobby

Addiction treatment is not only about working on the physical and emotional aspects of substance abuse. Drugs and alcohol can make it hard to find enjoyment in other activities, particularly if the substance that was abused has an impact on endorphins in the brain.

Playing golf and enjoying leisure activities as part of rehabilitation and treatment is about more than just fighting the substance. It is also about finding interests and redeveloping a love for life.

The emotional advantages of enjoying a hobby during treatment include:

• Regaining an interest in activities that are not related to substance abuse
• Developing a growing sense of contentment or happiness
• Rewiring the brain to find pleasure and enjoyment in hobbies
• Regaining an interest in life in general
• Developing a stronger sense of self-worth
• Improving overall self-confidence and self-esteem

Playing golf goes beyond the benefits of exercising. It is an emotional and mental treatment as much as a physical treatment. Cravings for drugs can develop from unexpected sources and many of the reasons that drugs or alcohol seem tempting after completing a treatment program is related to the emotional state or the mental thought processes.

Golf can help by improving the mood, reducing stress and providing an outlet for frustrations and cravings that is healthier for individual needs.

Getting the Right Treatment

Although golf therapy is an alternative method of fighting against drugs and alcohol, it is not always the right option for each individual. It is best for those who already have an interest in playing golf or who enjoy physical activities as an outlet for frustrations.

Individuals who may not enjoy golf therapy include:

• Those who have never enjoyed the sport
• Individuals who have an interest in other activities
• Beginners who may not feel comfortable playing the sport
• Those who are not physically capable of playing golf

Although some individuals may not benefit from golf therapy, it can help those who are struggling with recovery and who have an interest in alternative methods of treating addiction.

Drug and alcohol abuse might be difficult to fight, but it is possible to apply new studies associated with substance abuse treatment to a current plan. A simple way to incorporate exercise and a hobby is by using golf therapy as part of an addiction treatment plan.

Returning to a hobby with the help of professionals who know how to fight against drugs and alcohol can help reduce the burden of fighting against addiction.