Many substance abuse treatment programs and facilities incorporate exercise into their interventions. Exercise releases the feel-good brain chemicals--neurotransmitters and endorphins. Research suggests that exercise may be a beneficial adjunct treatment to behavioral therapy and medication. Exercise, however, should not be used as a sole treatment for substance abuse problems.
Mental Health
Many people with substance abuse problems also suffer from mental illness. Regular physical activity can improve mental health among people with serious mental illness. People with serious mental illness are accepting of exercise, which is often viewed as one of the most important treatment components, according to a 2005 study published by Caroline R. Richardson and colleagues in Psychiatric Services.
Nicotine
The higher a person's level of nicotine dependence, the less likely he is to exercise, according to a 2001 study of people with alcohol use disorders published by Jennifer P. Read and colleagues in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. Study participants reported several benefits of exercise, leading researchers to suggest that exercise-based interventions may be well-received. Benefits included tension and stress reduction, positive outlook and increased self-esteem.
Alcohol
Studies of physical activity level and alcohol consumption have shown inconsistent results, according to a 1985 study published by S.N. Blair and colleagues in Public Health Reports. Changes in physical fitness level do not appear to be associated with alcohol intake.
Cocaine
Aerobic exercise decreases the positive-reinforcing effects of cocaine in rats, according to a 2008 study published by M.A. Smith and colleagues in Drug and Alcohol Dependence. The results led researchers to conclude that exercise may be an effective intervention in drug abuse prevention and treatment programs.
Effects
People who are addicted to drugs who complete an exercise program may reduce drug intake during the intervention period and report better quality of life, higher energy level and better body image, according to a 2010 study published by Kirsten Kaya Roessler in the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. The main problem in the study was influencing long-term change, in part due to peer group influence. People with alcoholism who entered an exercise program had higher abstinence rates at three months than a group who didn't join the program, according to the 1985 S.N. Blair study.
References
- "Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment;" Exercise Attitudes and Behaviors Among Persons in Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorders; Jennifer P Read, et al.; December 2001.
- "Scandinavian Journal of Public Health;" Exercise Treatment for Drug Abuse - A Danish Pilot Study; Kirsten Kaya Roessler; August 2010.
- "Public Health Reports;" Relationships Between Exercise or Physical Activity and Other Health Behaviors; S.N. Blair, et al.; March-April 1985.
- "Psychiatric Services;" Integrating Physical Activity Into Mental Health Services for Persons With Serious Mental Illness; Caroline R. Richardson, et al.; March 2005.
- "Drug and Alcohol Dependence;" Aerobic Axercise Decreases the Positive-Reinforcing Effects of Cocaine; M.A. Smith, et al.; November 2008.
