Exercise and Treatment-as-usual in Substance Use Treatment Outcomes

Comparative Effects of Exercise and Treatment-as-usual on Abstinence, Craving, and the Endocannabinoid System in Substance Users

The research study compares the substance abuse treatment outcomes (e.g., craving, withdrawal symptoms, rates of use, abstinence) of standard intensive outpatient care, with or without an added 6-wk aerobic exercise component. In addition, certain biomarkers associated with both exercise and substance use (e.g., endocannabinoids and cortisol) will be assessed. In a rolling admissions format over the course of a year, approximately 36 treatment-seeking substance users who are currently receiving Intensive Outpatient Treatment through a local Alcohol or Other Drug Abuse agency will be randomized to either receive 6 weeks aerobic exercise training in addition to standard care or standard care with 6 weekly laboratory visits to complete questionnaires (18 per group).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Intact cognitive status and ability to provide informed consent
• ability to read and write in English sufficient to provide consent and complete study questionnaires
• current diagnosis of a single or of multiple substance use disorders
• currently enrolled in an Intensive Outpatient Treatment substance use program
• desire to quit and to seek treatment for substance use
• currently sedentary, not participating in any formal/structured exercise program

Exclusion Criteria:

• a history or present diagnosis of severe depression, psychotic, or bipolar disorder
• presence of cardiac disease or any other medical condition that would make engaging in exercise unsafe
• Undergoing methadone treatment
• chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, or autoimmune disorders
• women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant