Exercise as a Potential Treatment for Drug Abuse: Evidence from Preclinical Studies

Abstract

Epidemiological studies reveal that individuals who engage in regular aerobic exercise are less likely to use and abuse illicit drugs. Until recently, very few studies had examined the causal influences that mediate this relationship, and it was not clear whether exercise was effective at reducing substance use and abuse. In the past few years, several preclinical studies have revealed that exercise reduces drug self-administration in laboratory animals. These studies have revealed that exercise produces protective effects in procedures designed to model different transitional phases that occur during the development of, and recover from, a substance use disorder (e.g., acquisition, maintenance, escalation, and relapse/reinstatement of drug use). Moreover, recent studies have revealed several behavioral and neurobiological consequences of exercise that may be responsible for its protective effects in these assays. Collectively, these studies have provided convincing evidence to support the development of exercise-based interventions to reduce compulsive patterns of drug intake in clinical and at-risk populations.

Does physical activity protect against drug abuse vulnerability?

“…While some success has been achieved in our understanding of the influence of physical activity on drug abuse prevention and treatment (Linke and Ussher, 2015;Lynch et al, 2013;Smith and Lynch, 2011), notable gaps persist. In particular, there is little information about the neurobiological mechanisms that specifically mediate the relation between physical activity and drug abuse vulnerability in humans.…”

Exercise decreases speedball self-administration

“…In laboratory rats, for instance, exercise reliably decreases the positive reinforcing effects of psychomotor stimulants, including cocaine and methamphetamine (Cosgrove et al 2002; Miller et al 2012; Smith and Witte 2012; Smith et al 2008; 2011), and the positive reinforcing effects of opioids, including heroin and morphine (Hosseini et al 2009; Smith and Pitts 2012). Moreover, these effects are typically observed across doses, subject populations, and schedules of reinforcement (for review, see Lynch et al 2013; Smith and Lynch 2012). …”

Comorbidities in the first 2 years after arthroscopic hip surgery: substantial increases in mental health disorders, chronic pain, substance abuse and cardiometabolic conditions

“…In fact, even though joint replacement patients reported increases in physical activity, parallel accelerometry data was contradictory52; patients spent 83% of the day in sedentary behaviours 6 months postsurgery. Participating in physical activity, on the other hand, has been associated with better health and QoL53 54 and can ameliorate prescription drug use 55. Exercise therapy in the perioperative period has been recommended to help improve outcomes for patients with comorbidities 56…”