The Link Between Exercise And Nutrition On Substance Use Disorders

Medical professionals have long promoted a healthy diet and regular exercise to prevent chronic diseases and help people live a longer and healthier life – but recent studies have found that exercise in particular can be effective in treating substance use disorders (SUDs) and in maintaining sobriety from drugs and alcohol.

This is due in part to the relationship exercise has on the brain as well as serving as a positive coping mechanism when someone is feeling the urge to use drugs or alcohol. Additionally, diet can play a role in helping to curb addictive behaviors while also providing nutrients that can reverse the physical damage done to areas of the body such as the heart and liver, due to the ongoing use of drugs and alcohol.