The Addicted Body: How to Start Healing the Physical Damage

The journey of addiction recovery is often framed as a mental and spiritual battle. But we cannot ignore the physical battlefield: our own bodies. For years, perhaps decades, we have poured toxins into our systems, declaring war on our organs, our brains, and our very appearance.

The evidence of this internal war is everywhere:

• Our Organs: The liver processes endless toxins, the kidneys are overworked, and the heart strains to maintain balance.
• Our Brain: Flooded with alcohol, it suffers. In withdrawal, it goes into overdrive, creating crippling anxiety, depression, and guilt.
• Our Appearance: A simple search for “faces of addiction” reveals the heartbreaking external toll, seen in the rapid aging and deterioration visible in mugshots.

This devastation is one of the strongest arguments for taking a break, whether you pursue abstinence or moderation. Your body is crying out for a truce.

A Biblical Mandate for Physical Health

This mission is more than physical; it’s spiritual.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Pouring poison into our bodies is the opposite of honoring this gift. Caring for our physical health becomes a profound act of faith and stewardship—a necessary part of any true recovery.

Your Phase 1 Recovery Plan: Movement and Supplementation

The first few weeks of recovery are about survival. But once you have your feet under you (around the 30-day mark), it’s time to actively rebuild. Start slow and focus on two pillars:

1. Movement: Walk Your Way Back to Health
The goal is not to run a marathon on day 31. It’s to rebuild the habit of movement.

• Set a Step Goal: Aim for 10,000 steps a day. Use the free health app on your phone to track. If that’s too daunting, start with 5,000 or 6,000 and build up.
• Structured Workouts: For guided, beginner-friendly routines, the BODi app is an excellent resource. It offers yoga, stretching, and light strength programs you can do in the privacy of your home, which is perfect for those not yet comfortable in a gym.

2. Supplementation: Support Your Body’s Repair
(Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.)
Think of this as using “God’s medicine” to support your body’s innate ability to heal.

• The Foundation: A high-quality multivitamin to replenish depleted nutrients.
• Organ Support: Turmeric (a powerful anti-inflammatory) and Milk Thistle ( renowned for its liver-supporting properties).
• Overall Wellness: A fish oil supplement (for heart and brain health) and Vitamin D3 + Vitamin C to powerfully boost your immune system.

The Next Step

Master Phase 1 for 30 days. Build the routines of movement and supplementation. Once these become non-negotiable habits, you will have built a powerful foundation. Then, and only then, are you ready for Phase 2: Nutrition—where we will tackle how to fuel your temple for maximum healing.

The path to reclaiming your health is a marathon, not a sprint. But every step you take is a step toward honoring the temple you’ve been given. Enjoy the short video:

What’s one step you’ll take this week to support your body’s healing? Share your commitment in the comments below.

Chris
Author of Grateful Truce

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