The Effect of Exercise on Alcohol Use Disorders

Abstract

Alcohol use disorders are a major cause of death worldwide, and clinical management of them is of
eminent importance. To date various programs applied for the treatment of alcohol use disorders have not
been sufficiently effective. Consequently, research has turned into alternative coping strategies of these disorders,
including exercise. Various psychological and physiological mechanisms triggered by exercise may
also lead to reduced alcohol consumption. Research in this field is limited; however, there seems to be a relationship
between exercise, endogenous opioid system and alcohol. This relationship supports the view that
exercise could potentially be a substitute for alcohol consumption in individuals with alcohol use disorders.