Fitness Fights Addiction

As we well know, exercising produces numerous health benefits, from fat loss to strengthening the immune system to increased flexibility. After reading a recent post on fitsugar, I now know of yet another benefit – exercise may aid in preventing drug and alcohol addiction. Research from a recent study concluded that teens and tweens who regularly engaged in physical activity were half as likely to smoke cigarettes and 40% less likely to smoke pot.

A similar study at Brown University performed on female smokers who were trying to kick the habit showed that exercising three times per week doubled their chances of successfully quitting. A welcomed side effect: women who exercised gained less weight than the women who didin’t.

When tested on animals, the study showed that rats with a wheel present in their cages were less likely to consume amphetamines. It makes sense when looked at in conjunction with one of the other known benefits of exercise – stress relief. Stress increases the chances of substance abuse, so it seems natural that less stress equals less chance of addiction. Perhaps humans should learn from the rats and put a treadmill somewhere in the house.

Written by: Donnell Peavy