The burden of my early years felt like a weight far too heavy for me to carry—a weight that shoved me deep into a world enlightened by shame and fear, which made my spirit shudder. It was like fighting against dystrophy—a constant drain on my self-worth that drove me into the cold arms of drugs. What seemed like a sanctuary where I could grow stronger was nothing but a ploy that left me even weaker. 

I am not alone in this fight. Across the globe, an estimated 35 million people suffer from drug use disorders, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC, 2019). The current rehabilitation strategies often overlook one vital component that could bridge this gap—strength training. Strength training is recognized by healthcare professionals as having substantial benefits for mental health, including the lowering of anxiety and depression symptoms (de Souza Vale, R. G et al, 2019).

Through this petition, we are calling for a policy change that mandates the integration of strength training into drug recovery programs. This change can benefit millions struggling with drug addiction by not only transforming their bodies but also their minds, assisting in the uphill battle of recovery.

It is time we recognized strength training as a medical intervention for drug recovery programs. Let us bring this vital change to the front lines of recovery and give those battling addiction a far-reaching tool in their arsenal. Please sign this petition and stand for strengthening both the body and mind as a unified approach to overcome addiction.