Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) affects nearly 30 million Americans, and over 178,000 die from it each year. Recovery can be challenging, and researchers are always looking for ways to help people stay sober. One tool that is showing promise is exercise.

 

Why Exercise Helps Alcohol Recovery

Physical activity doesn’t just improve fitness—it can also support mental health. People in recovery who exercise often report lower stress, less anxiety, and improved mood. Exercise can also strengthen the heart and lungs, helping the body heal from the effects of long-term alcohol use.

 

What the Research Says

A review of multiple studies found that exercise can reduce alcohol dependence and daily drinking while improving overall health.

Other studies showed similar results:

• A study with 175 participants found that those who exercised more frequently were less likely to drink heavily. Regular activity made a noticeable difference.
• In another trial, participants who followed running or walking programs improved their fitness and overall health, even though all groups reduced their drinking.’
• The FitForChange study looked at adults with AUD who weren’t in formal treatment. People who did yoga or aerobic exercise not only drank less, but also felt better mentally and physically.

Reviews of several trials confirm that exercise works best as a support, not a replacement, for traditional treatments like counseling or medication. It can help people stay on track, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

 

Adding Movement to Alcohol Recovery

Exercise doesn’t have to be intense to help. Walking, yoga, swimming, or even light strength training can make a difference. The key is consistency—finding something you enjoy and can stick with.

One research team summarized it simply: exercise can improve quality of life and help reduce the chances of relapse when used alongside regular treatment.

For people in recovery, staying active offers a practical way to support both body and mind. Moving your body can help you feel stronger, calmer, and more capable of sticking with your recovery goals.

Empower Health Group, located in downtown Northampton, MA, is a sanctuary of empathy and comprehensive care for individuals struggling with any Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health issues. Our fully equipped facility is committed to providing personalized day treatment programs that address the unique needs and goals of each person we serve. Our holistic approach integrates medical, therapeutic, and psychological interventions, including individual and group therapy, medication management, psychoeducation, and relapse prevention training, all delivered within a compassionate, judgment-free atmosphere.

 

Compassionate Care Tailored to Your Recovery Journey

We’re not just a treatment center but your devoted ally, providing the support you need to grow stronger and build resilience during every step of your recovery journey. Please get in touch with us.

 

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References

• Hallgren, M., Vancampfort, D., & Schuch, F. B. (2017). Exercise as treatment for alcohol use disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(14), 1058–1064.
• Jensen, K., Roessler, K. K., Steensgaard, R., & Nielsen, C. V. (2017). Exercise as a supplement to usual treatment for alcohol use disorders – a randomized controlled trial. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 52(3), 292–299.
• Liu, Y., Zhang, Z., Zhao, J., & Chen, J. (2023). Effects of exercise on alcohol use disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 18(6), e0286621.
• Roessler, K. K., Bilberg, R., Jensen, K., & Nielsen, A. S. (2017). Exercise as adjunct treatment for alcohol use disorder: A randomized controlled study. PLOS ONE, 12(10), e0186076.
• Roessler, K. K., Krogh, J., Bilberg, R., & Nielsen, A. S. (2022). FitForChange: Randomized controlled trial of aerobic exercise, yoga, and usual care for adults with alcohol use disorder. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 231, 109266.
• Wang, D., Zhou, C., Zhao, M., & Zhang, J. (2021). Exercise as a useful intervention for alcohol use disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 56(4), 446–457.