Is exercise beneficial in the treatment and rehabilitation of the problem drinker? A critical review

Abstract

Within the last 20 years a positive association between exercise and self-esteem, self-efficacy, and psychological well-being and a negative association between exercise and anxiety and depression has been established, raising the profile of exercise in the prevention and treatment of mental illness. This has come at a time when problem drinkers are being empowered to make an informed choice regarding lifestyle change, both during and following treatment, with exercise being seen as a useful adjunct and a possible vehicle for change. These developments have led to an interest in the relation between exercise and physical and psychological health in the rehabilitation of problem drinkers. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the evidence from studies undertaken with problem drinkers about the relationship between physical exercise and fitness, physical self-perceptions, self-esteem, depression, anxiety and levels of drinking. Attention is given to the problems associated with exercise adherence, relapse to drinking and the considerations for exercise prescription.

Keywords:

• EXERCISE
• PROBLEM DRINKER
• ALCOHOL ADDICTION
• PHYSICAL FITNESS
• PHYSICAL SELF-PERCEPTIONS
• SELF-ESTEEM
• ANXIETY
• DEPRESSION