Why does Exersice help with Withdrawal Symptons?

Hi fellow Fapstronauts,

I was thinking about correlation between hard mode and exercise. I understand exercise make us feel good because it "increases in the levels of brain opioids and, presumably, endocannabinoids, both of which can produce all of these short-term psychoactive effects. We also know that endocannabinoids and opioids can indirectly activate dopamine cells of the ventral tegmental area (the VTA, a key portion of the pleasure circuit) and thereby stimulate the medial forebrain pleasure circuit."

Now here comes my problem. We know that exercise can be addictive as it releases the same brain chemicals as orgasm does. So do we not just exchange one addictive behavior for another, when we stop PMOing and begin exercising? Does our brain heal at all if we do "hard mode" and exercise daily? Is dopamine fix, dopamine fix, no matter where it comes from or is there a difference?

I know that the only thing that temporary ease my withdrawal symptoms during hard reboot is vigorous exercise. But is it not the same as PMOing as brain is concerned? Does it negatively effect recovery processes?

 

Interesting article Exercise, pleasure and the brain, related to the topic. It makes you think how much truth is in former addict's citation: "You know, once you're an addict, you're always an addict, so just because I found something good to do doesn't mean I'm not going to hurt myself doing it."

 

I agree… The only worry is if I'm just substituting one addiction for another without brain rewiring going on. We objectively can't exercise every day (injury, illness, time etc). Does this mean we'll get PMOish withdrawal symptoms when we can't exercise?