High-impact exercise

American Fitness, May-June, 2004

Patients recovering from addiction find aerobic exercise reduces depression symptoms and negative moods, both risk factors for drug and alcohol relapses, suggests a series of studies by experts at Butler Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. One suspected reason is that aerobic exercise may affect endorphins or chemicals in the brain known as endogenous opioids, which can create a sense of pleasure and possibly help reduce drug cravings. Also, patients who participate in a regular exercise program learn new skills, build self-esteem and gain a sense of control over their environments. Since many recovering addicts find themselves with a void in their lives, exercise offers a constructive way to fill newfound time.

"Exercise has instilled a positive attitude in me," explains John from Rhode Island, who is recovering from a drug addiction that put his life in a tailspin for eight months. "The exercise absolutely helped me prevent relapsing. I still get drug cravings and probably always will, but now, the first thing I do when I get a craving is get active. I don't crave drugs when I'm working out, so I know I can manage the impulse."

"What amazes me is how confident the participants become. Not only about exercise, but they become more positive about other aspects of their lives, jobs and relationships," states research fellow Ana Abrantes. According to Abrantes, everyone who finished the 12-week program has maintained their sobriety:

The exercise and addiction study is recruiting new participants who are recovering from drug or alcohol dependence and engaged in some type of substance-abuse treatment. For more information, call (401) 455-6219.