That is a trick question. We would not be anywhere at all without water because water is essential to all living things. Humans, for example, generally can only survive about three days without water. While some other animals can survive quite a bit longer without consuming water, the liquid still underpins all life on Earth.
Obviously, water is important to every single person, but we want to consider three ways water can be helpful specifically to those who are in recovery from a substance use disorder. We will start with the most obvious—the importance of hydration—and then move on to consider the benefits of water when it comes to opportunities for exercise as well as for rest and relaxation.
Let’s dive in (as it were).
Healthy Hydration Supports Recovery
When it comes to keeping your body hydrated, it is hard to beat water—and good hydration is important for keeping your body healthy. Good physical health provides a firmer foundation for your recovery (good mental health does, too). Given that fact, leaning into water when choosing what to drink is a great idea.
That might not seem very appealing. After all, water is not the most exciting beverage in terms of flavor. Still, it is excellent for quenching thirst and is free of sugar, calories, and caffeine. Other beverage options—juice, soda, your favorite treat at the local coffee shop, and so on—do not contribute to hydration as effectively as water. And they all come at a cost when it comes to managing your intake of sugar, calories, and caffeine.
We want to be clear: we are decidedly not suggesting you cannot enjoy your favorite (non-alcoholic) beverage once in a while. But increasing the amount of water you drink and choosing other options a bit less often can lead to improved health that in turn supports your recovery efforts.
Options for Exercise Support Recovery
If good physical health is a key to your recovery, it follows that getting regular exercise is an important practice. And there are plenty of exercises that can be done in or on the water. Water exercise is healthy for just about anyone, but it can be especially helpful to those who deal with joint pain or with chronic pain of any kind.
Swimming might well come to mind first when you think of water-based exercises, and swimming is a great way to build muscle and get aerobic exercise. But there are many more options for activities that can be done in the pool (here is a good list) that will help you improve your physical health. Canoeing or kayaking are among the activities you can do on the water rather than in it that can also provide health and recovery benefits.
We would be remiss if we did not include a note about water safety. When you are exercising in a pool, make sure you are not alone (ideally, there would be a lifeguard on duty, too). And when you are out on the open water, be sure to wear a life jacket and take other safety precautions.
Rest and Relaxation Support Recovery
An engaging hobby can be a great way to support your mental health and your recovery, and water can be part of any number of hobbies. Maybe you would enjoy fishing or waterskiing or boating of one kind or another. Maybe you would like to explore lakes, rivers, and streams in your area. Maybe you would like to collect shells or simply sit near the water and read a good book. Any of these things can provide the real benefits that come with resting and relaxing.
In addition, many people find the sound of running water, gentle rainfall, or even thunderstorms to be relaxing. If that is true for you, you might find some audio tracks that include the sounds of water that you can listen to in quiet moments or as you drift off to sleep. You might also consider a tabletop fountain for your home, your office, or both.
No matter how you interact with water for relaxation, you will be supporting your mental wellbeing and your recovery. Keep the safety notes from the last section in mind when they apply to the activities you pursue. Knowing you are being safe while having fun is a great way to ensure you have a relaxing time.
Treatment Can Be the Difference Between Sinking or Swimming
When you are struggling with drugs or alcohol, it can feel like you are steadily sinking as your physical health, your mental health, your relationships, and more start to dissolve in devastating ways. Getting the treatment you need for your substance use disorder can get you metaphorically swimming rather than continuing to sink.
At The Aviary Recovery Center, you can count on our experience, expertise, and empathy to see you through the treatment process and safely into the recovery journey. In fact, The Aviary is consistently recognized as one of the top substance use disorder treatment centers in the country—an honor we just collected for the fourth consecutive year.
When you are ready to leave substances behind, we are ready to help you chart the way forward through medically supervised detoxification, a robust rehabilitation program, and ongoing alumni support.
