Effects of acute exercise on drug craving, self-esteem, mood and affect in adults with poly-substance dependence: Feasibility and preliminary findings

AbstractIntroduction and AimsNovel 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 MethodsUsing 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.ResultsParticipants 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 ConclusionsFootball, 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.<p></p>