“We believe that in order for there to be sustainable change, it's not just about abstinence from substance, but also about changing the way that you're living your life.”
Guiding Light Director of Operations Brian Spyke says the men’s and women’s recovery programs center around mind, body and spirit.
“Fitness is a great way to embrace the discomfort, which is one of our values. It's a great way to learn that you can break habits and that can apply to other areas of your life.”
The National Library of Medicine cites studies showing people who engage in regular exercise are less likely to abuse illegal drugs, and that exercise can be effective at reducing substance abuse by managing cravings and increasing production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and endorphin.
“It's of course a way to get healthy. Many people come to us you know, underweight, overweight, and in poor health, and fitness is a great way for them to feel good and really focus on their recovery program.”
Guiding Light is promoting fitness as a path to recovery with its annual 5K Run/Walk at Millennium Park in Grand Rapids Saturday at 9AM with all proceeds supporting its recovery programs.
Organizers hope to raise $18,000 – enough to fund the women’s recovery fitness program for a year.
Registration information is on the Guiding Light website.
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