Exercise & Addiction: More Good News for Fitness Buffs

People who exercise regularly reap a host of health benefits, but did you know that a better chance of avoiding or kicking addiction is one of them? New research seems to indicate that people who get regular physical activity are less likely to abuse alcohol or other substances, and may be able to quit addictive behaviors more successfully as well.

In a study of young adults, those who identified as daily exercisers were half as likely to smoke as other teens and 40% less likely to experiment with drugs. In another study, a group of women who were trying to quit smoking began a thrice-a-week gym regimen. Compared to a control group, the women who exercised were twice as likely to find success, and only gained half as much weight. There are likely several neurobiological mechanisms that connect addiction and physical activity, but for now, the jury is in: lead an active lifestyle and you’re likely to have the strength to kick an addiction – or prevent it completely!