The role of physical activity in preventing relapse: the perception of participants

Background: Substance use disorder is a frequently diagnosed mental disorder and physical activity is being considered as a new solution to improve treatment because of its benefits. Physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, aid in pain management, and potentially alleviate symptoms of substance use disorder such as cravings and consumption. However, even though these studies have observed improvement, patients' perception remains unexplored. 

Objective: To understand patients' perspectives on participating in physical activity during treatment for substance use disorders. 

Methods: This study employed a qualitative design and utilized semi-structured interviews to collect perception following a physical activity intervention. Thirteen patients (69% male; 33.4 ± 8.3 years old) were interviewed regarding the addition of a 5-week physical activity intervention during their treatment.

Results: Physical activity was considered as a strategy to avoid thinking about consumption during treatment, but also as a way to prevent relapse once at home after the end of treatment. In this sense, three themes emerged: 1) avoiding boredom, 2) creating a healthy social network, and 3) maintaining a healthy weight.

Conclusion: Physical activity during treatment promotes healthy lifestyle habits and builds confidence in facing future relapse. The three identified themes are useful for understanding how physical activity should be incorporated into substance use disorder treatment and how it can benefit the patient.