The National Center for Biotechnology Information defines alcoholism as a state where an individual persists in consuming alcohol while showing signs of physical addiction. These signs can include withdrawal symptoms and tolerance, and alcohol use continues even to the detriment of relationships, health and employment. Exercise has been considered a possible means of treating this condition, which the NCBI says affects 5 to 10 percent of male drinkers and 3 to 5 percent of female drinkers.
Exercise Reduces Depression and Anxiety
A study reported in the "Journal of Studies on Alcoholism" in 1988 incorporated exercise in the treatment program for alcoholics. The 28-day program had subjects jogging or walking three days per week. At the end of the study, the anxiety level and incidence of depression reported among the test subjects were significantly lower than in the control group, indicating exercise may be a viable treatment for some problems associated with alcoholism.
Experimental Evidence
The journal "Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research" published a 2010 study where hamsters were allowed a choice of alcohol or water while running on a wheel. It was observed that running on the wheel markedly inhibited the alcohol consumption. The researchers concluded that the possibility exists that exercise could create a similar inhibitory effect on alcohol consumption in humans.
Voluntary Exercise and Alcoholism
A 2008 study published in "Addictive Behaviors" suggested voluntary exercise may not affect alcohol consumption. The study examined the physical activity and alcohol consumption of 628 male veterans enrolled in a treatment program. The program did not have an exercise element, and the study focused on the normal, voluntary physical activity of the subjects. Activities reported included walking, swimming, biking, golfing, weight lifting and dancing, but after six and 12 months, no reduction in alcohol consumption was reported in association with these activities. The conclusion reached by researchers was that exercise that is not a prescribed part of an alcoholism treatment plan may not influence treatment outcome.
Consideration
Twelve oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine, or 1 1/2 oz. of liquor are all examples of one drink of alcohol. If you are a male having 15 drinks per week, or a female having 12, you are at risk of developing alcoholism. No more than one drink per day for women and two for men is the recommendation from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. A health care professional can help you design a treatment plan, incorporating any exercise that may be beneficial to you.
References
- PubMed Health; Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse; April 2010
- "Journal of Studies on Alcoholism"; Exercise as a Treatment Intervention; J. Palmer; September 1988
- "Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research"; Environmental Modulation of Alcohol Intake in Hamsters; Steven Hammer; September 2010
- "Addictive Behaviors"; Influence of Physical Activity on Alcohol Consumption; D. Kenzor; October 2008
