A new article in Psychology Today looks at how exercise helps in recovery from addiction, drawing on Eminem’s own post-overdose fitness journey.
Written by Dr. Mark S. Gold, a leading researcher in psychiatry and addiction medicine, the article explains how intense physical activity can help reset the brain’s reward system, easing cravings and improving mood. Exercise isn’t a replacement for therapy or support groups, but when paired with treatments like AA or NA, it can play a key role in recovery.
Eminem’s own experience makes the science relatable. After his near-fatal overdose in 2007, he turned to running as a way to fight insomnia and withdrawal. At one point, he logged up to 17 miles a day, swapping a destructive addiction for a healthier one. His fitness routine became a cornerstone of his sobriety, which began in April 2008.
In his interviews, Em credited structure, exercise, and AA meetings for keeping him on track. Now over 17 years sober, he shows by example that it is possible to turn your life around, especially if you use the right tools.
As the article concludes, even something as simple as a daily walk can bring life-changing benefits, including lowering the risk of relapse, lifting depression, and improving sleep.
