Citation

Ellingsen MM, Johannesen SL, Martinsen EW, Hallgren M. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2018; 37(6): 789-793.

Affiliation

Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/dar.12818

PMID

29869351

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Novel treatments for substance use disorders are needed. Acute bouts of exercise can improve mood states in non-clinical populations, but effects in those with poly-substance dependence are understudied. We examined the feasibility and short-term effects of three types of exercise on drug cravings, self-esteem, mood and positive/negative affect in nine poly-drug-dependent inpatients. DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a cross-over design, changes in the four study outcomes were assessed immediately before exercise and on four separate occasions post-exercise (immediately after, then at 1, 2 and 4 h post-exercise) enabling patterns of change over time (analysis of covariance) to be observed.

RESULTS: Participants were willing and able to engage in different non-laboratory based exercises. Football was associated with non-significant short-term reductions in drug cravings. A similar trend was seen for circuit-training, but not walking. Football and circuit-training were associated with brief improvements in mood and positive/negative affect. No adverse events were reported.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Football, circuit training and walking are feasible therapeutic activities for inpatients with poly-substance dependence. Controlled trials are needed to determine the long-term effects of these activities.

© 2018 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.

Language: en

Keywords

acute; drugs; exercise; physical activity; substance abuse