Citation

Brown RA, Abrantes AM, Read JP, Jakicic J, Strong DR, Oakley JR, Kahler CW, Stuart G, Dubreuil ME, Gordon AA. Behav. Modif. 2009; 33(2): 220-249.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0145445508329112

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Alcohol use disorders are a major public health concern. Despite the demonstrated efficacy of a number of different treatments for alcohol dependence, relapse remains a major problem. Healthy lifestyle changes may contribute to long-term maintenance of recovery, and interventions targeting physical activity, in particular, may be especially valuable as an adjunct to alcohol treatment. In this article, the authors discuss the rationale and review potential mechanisms of action whereby exercise might benefit alcohol dependent patients in recovery. They then describe the development of a 12-week moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program as an adjunctive intervention for alcohol dependent patients in recovery. Preliminary data from a pilot study (N = 19) are presented, and the overall significance of this research effort is discussed.