. During the COVID pandemic, 60% of US adults admitted to increasing their alcohol intake. Addiction issues were amplified by the boredom, stress and anxiety associated with the pandemic.
Alcohol dependence is associated with poor mental health and social functioning. This impacts quality of life for individuals, their families, and can threaten a person’s ability to maintain employment. In addition, alcohol consumption during pregnancy remains a leading cause of developmental disability. In fact, estimates suggest that the development of 1 to 5 percent of American children has been impacted by alcohol exposure prior to birth.
Efforts to reduce alcohol intake are common, so support must be readily available to help those who are ready to change. Alcohol reductions “predict significant improvements in physical health and quality of life,” and even small changes have benefits. New studies are pointing to a novel way to help us manage addictions: Exercise.
Binge drinking and extreme intoxication are increasing among US adults, but one little-known advantage of regular exercise is that it helps us manage impulsive behaviors. Many of the early feelings that predispose us to cravings and addictive substances are reversed by exercise. For instance, on the days we workout, we gain a a better mood and we feel less stress. Exercise drives potent changes to brain chemistry that help us feel more calm and control of our lives.
Based on these established benefits, a study recruited adults who had problematic drinking behavior. (The recruits were individuals who tended to over-consume alcohol and experienced cravings). The group completed tests to determine the relative strength of their alcohol desires, then were split up randomly to test the effect of exercise or distraction on alcohol craving strength.
The result? Alcohol cravings were significantly lowered by exercise compared to the coloring or control conditions. Coloring improved mood also, but exercise improved mood more and reduced tension and worry. By blunting cravings, the researchers concluded that exercise may be a potent tactic to help us manage addiction.
It’s tempting to conclude that exercise alone can be a solution for those with alcohol dependence. While exercise can reduce the strength of cravings, it’s not likely to be enough as a standalone solution for most individuals. Serious addictions often require professional help. Instead, this study suggests that exercise should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
If you are seeking solutions for alcohol addiction, remember that you are not alone. In the US, alcohol dependence affects at least 30% of men and 22% of women, and a diagnosable alcohol use disorder applies to at least 13% of all adults.
The prevalence of addiction and other mental health issues is a driving force behind the decision to connect all Treo members directly to mental health screenings through their personal dashboards. Together with Mental Health America, we provide access to self-assessments about addiction and a variety of mental health issues. This empowers members to take action and connects them to tools and resources that can help them improve their resilience and wellbeing.
As Treo’s Global Wellness Researcher, Karlie uses recent research findings to support healthier daily habits. Karlie earned her doctorate in Neuroscience and Behavior and bachelors in Health and Exercise Science.
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