Excessive Exercise as an Addiction: A Review

Abstract

Theories regarding how exercise can become addictive, and studies of withdrawal from exercise are reviewed. Several physiological mechanisms, including endogenous opioids, catecholamines, and dopamine pathways, have been implicated in exerdse dependence. The higher levels of endogenous opioids found following strenuous exercise, has prompted researchers to suggest that a form of auto-addiction to these hormones might be responsible for continued excessive exercising in humans. As well, investigators have suggested that, exerdse dependence could be the result of a dependence on the exercise stimulated release of catecholamines, resulting in an over-arousal of the sympathetic nervous system. Moreover, the increased stimulation of dopaminergic brain structures by exercise, and the likely involvement of these structures in behavioural and pharmacological addictions, could provide another explanation for exercise-dependent behaviour. Finally, reports of withdrawal symptoms following cessation of regular exercise, has led investigators to propose that exercise can, like pharmacological and other behavioural stimuli, become addictive.

Exercise-based treatments for substance use disorders: evidence, theory, and practicality

“…career, social relationships) (123,124). Psychobiological mechanisms underlie the rewarding properties of both SUDs and exercise engagement (123,124,143), and studies examining the extent and nature of exercise addiction among those with SUDs who undergo exercise treatment regimens are needed.…”

Physical Activity and Quality of Life: Key Considerations

“…Although current conceptualizations of exercise dependence suggest that the condition is an addiction (Adams & Kirkby, 2002), we use the term exercise dependence in place of exercise addiction to be consistent with terminology used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Based on criteria established for substance dependence, De Coverley Veale (1987), Hausenblas and Symons Downs (2002), and Adams, Miller, and Kraus (2003) have recommended that the criteria for diagnosing exercise dependence include three or more of the following symptoms within the same 12-month period: (a) tolerance: need of increasing exercise dosages for the same desired effect; ( b) withdrawal: psychophysiological disturbance when deprived of exercise; (c) intention ef fects: engage in more exercise than was intended; (d) loss of control: unable to minimize or control exercise behavior; (e) time: more time devoted to exercise-related activities; (f ) conf lict: exercise takes precedent over other life situations (i.e., social, occupational, recreational); and (g) continuance: continued exercise despite knowledge of having exercise-related physical or psychological problems.…”

Conceptualizing Excessive Behaviour Syndromes: A Systematic Review

“…Almost three-quarters of the articles on excessive exercise conceptualized it as an addiction, with a biological orientation, highlighting the physiological mechanisms [136][137][138][139][140], or a biopsychosocial framework [141]. Other authors reviewed explanatory theories [142;143], or reported on empirical studies examining non-etiological aspects of excessive exercise [144][145][146][147][148].…”