New research shows that when combined with more traditional treatment methods, physical activity has the potential to be a promising intervention for treating substance use disorders.

This conclusion comes from a new review published in the journal PLoS ONE in April. Researchers analyzed data from more than 40 studies on substance use disorder treatment programs and plans (involving alcohol, narcotics, and cannabis, etc.), and these treatment programs also included some type of exercise.

Most of the studies (about 75%) indicated that drug abuse decreased after incorporating physical exercise as an additional intervention. About 28% of the studies also showed that exercise can alleviate depressive symptoms, which are common among people with drug abuse.

The authors of the review pointed out that "physical activity intervention seems promising in the treatment of substance use disorders." However, they also noted that this topic still requires more rigorous scientific research.

According to Florence Piché, a doctoral student in kinesiology at the University of Montreal and the lead author of this review, the idea for this research came from her experience as a kinesiologist working with patients with substance use disorders.

She told Health magazine, "I realized that these treatments did not consider physical health at all, although people desperately need it. Physical activity is a simple way for [patients] to take control of their health and improve it."

Due to the lack of scientific evidence on the relationship between physical activity (except for tobacco) and substance abuse, Piché and her colleagues decided to conduct their own scientific review to compare the performance of people in substance abuse treatment programs with and without exercise.

To conduct this study, the researchers analyzed data from 43 different studies involving a total of 3,135 men and women seeking treatment for drug abuse - mainly for alcohol and methamphetamine, but also for cocaine, cannabis, and other drugs.

For the exercise component, most of the interventions included moderate - intensity physical activity three times a week for 60 minutes each time for 13 weeks. The most common forms of exercise were jogging and resistance training, but walking and cycling were also used.

Compared with treatment programs without exercise, treatment programs with a physical exercise component had benefits in three main areas: physical, psychological, and life domains. Adding physical exercise to the treatment program can improve physical health, including aerobic capacity and muscle strength; relieve anxiety and depressive symptoms; reduce drug use and improve overall quality of life and sleep.

Although the new review did not specifically study how exercise affects a person's craving for substances or the motivation to satisfy that craving, the researchers have some speculations.

In terms of the benefits of exercise on the body, the researchers believe that increasing awareness of one's own body may help suppress the use of drugs and alcohol. As for reducing depression and anxiety and improving quality of life and sleep, these can bring lifelong benefits in addition to helping people stop using drugs.

Exercise may also change the way the brain interacts with substances, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the substances or providing less reward to the user.

Dr. Erin Calipari, a professor at Vanderbilt School of Medicine and an addiction expert, told Health magazine, "Exercise can change the way cocaine acts in the brain, making its effect slightly weaker. There is evidence that pre - clinical studies show that changes in exercise and metabolism can change the way the brain interacts with drugs."

However, Calipari warns that this information and new findings do not mean that people in recovery can be treated only by exercise. "Addiction is a brain disease," she said. "Exercise alone cannot cure it, but it may improve the treatment outcome."

Dr. Thea Gallagher, a clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone Medical Center and co - host of the Mind in View podcast, said that new habits unrelated to drug use are very helpful for people in recovery.

She said, "You are trying to replace the structure and routine with substances and other habits - replace them with something healthier that will make you feel the natural high that exercisers experience. You break old habits with new, healthier ones."

Calipari also added that group fitness classes may be particularly helpful because they can enhance a sense of community.

However, it should be noted that although exercise is beneficial to physical and mental health, it is also possible to over - exercise. "Everyone has to be careful," Piché said. "Over - exercising is the same as under - exercising." That is, over - exercising can actually have a negative impact on health.

If you are new to fitness, Piché recommends consulting a professional, such as a local gym coach. They should be able to discuss your goals and your starting point with you to help you develop an exercise plan that best suits you.