What is the Role of Water in Recovery?
When people enter recovery, they don’t think of just how much damage their body sustained from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Neglecting the body takes a toll after a while. More times than not, a person cannot make changes until they recognize what they are missing. Water is one of the missing ingredients people don’t think about, but the lungs, skin, kidneys, bones, and entire body need water to function optimally.
Let the Body Talk
The body has a way of talking to people so that it finally listens. That may be what brings people to their knees with addiction, is that they need something they are missing that addiction does not provide. Water consumption is important, but not just for inside the body. Taking showers, baths, and practicing self-care is the key to healing from addiction. Cold therapy is one way people are trying different things to challenge their bodies. It enhances fat burning genes and creates large doses of mitochondria, which creates energy to burn fat. It is perhaps controversial, but it is one way people use water to heal and detoxify the body. Most important for the body is taking in enough water to stay hydrated after dehydrating from years of addiction.
How to Start
There are some simple steps to get moving forward with making sure a person takes in enough water in recovery. Water is not just about what a person drinks, but about how well they care for themselves. Some key places to begin:
- Drink warm water in the morning
- Add lemon to water to balance the PH in the body
- Spend time quieting the mind each day and the body, without trying to push through the exercise
- The body and mind function better when hydrated, so keep a log of how much water is being drunk each day
- Find meditation space to rest and get enough sleep each night as being overtired is dehydrating
- Get out on the water or near water to get a feel for how it emboldens the senses and creates a sense of space and flow in the mind and body
The role of water in recovery is healing. The healing properties of water are waiting to be bestowed on people in recovery who are looking for opportunities to thrive. The mind and body want to heal, but it takes time. Drinking enough water is not the only thing that will help. Eating enough healthy foods, watching salt intake, and lowering sugary snacks will also help alleviate dehydration and lead to a more clear mind and focused intention on recovery.
The Palmetto Center is based on a Therapeutic Community model. We are based near water and believe this helps participants focus and thrive in recovery. Our program provides a special focus for professionals including chiropractors, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and more who need help with addiction recovery. Call us to find out more: 866-848-3001.
