Research has shown that incorporating physical exercise into addiction treatment for substance abuse disorders may be an effective strategy for combating addiction and maintaining sobriety.
A review of 43 studies from around the world revealed a link between physical activity and reduced substance use among people receiving treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. The analysis focused on the benefits of moderately intense physical activity, such as aerobic exercise, for about an hour 3 times in week over a period of 3 months.
The review included over 3,100 participants and analyzed the relationship between exercise and substance use for drugs such as heroin, opioids, cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol. The results indicated that physical activity appeared to have a protective effect, with 75% of investigations finding a decrease in substance use when exercise was included as part of the treatment. Specifically, 71% of the studies that focused on aerobic activities found that this type of exercise helped patients to overcome their addictions.
One of the reasons why physical exercise may be beneficial in addiction treatment is that it increases self-efficacy, self-esteem, and self-confidence, which are protective factors against substance use. Physical activity has also been linked to reductions in anxiety and depression, which are major risk factors for addiction. Moreover, engaging in physical activity can help individuals feel more in control of their emotions and reduce the need for substances to manage daily life issues by providing structure to their daily lives and generating a sense of euphoria.
Exercise also produces significant changes in the brain, engaging neural pathways that are affected by substance use. By engaging in physical activity, people with substance use disorders can experience the benefits of increased self-efficacy, self-esteem, and self-confidence, as well as reductions in anxiety and depression. These benefits can be a powerful tool in combating addiction by helping individuals feel more in control of their emotions and their need for substances to manage daily life issues.
While more research is needed to fully explore the relationship between exercise and substance use, the current evidence suggests that exercise has a protective effect in reducing substance use among patients with substance use disorders. Physical exercise not only promotes physical health but can also help individuals improve their mental and emotional well-being, making it an important aspect of addiction treatment.
Benefits of Physical Exercise for Substance Abuse Disorders
- Physical exercise can be an effective strategy for combating addiction and maintaining sobriety.
- Increased self-efficacy, self-esteem, and self-confidence are protective factors against substance use disorders that can result from physical exercise.
- Reductions in anxiety and depression, which are major risk factors for addiction, are linked to physical activity.
- Physical exercise can help individuals feel more in control of their emotions and reduce the need for substances to manage daily life issues.
- Exercise provides structure to daily life and generates a sense of euphoria, which can aid in addiction treatment.
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