Physical activity habits and their effects on quality of life in patients with addiction: data from the Czech Republic

Abstract

Addiction, including substance use disorder (SUD), is a complex condition that can cause serious health problems and negatively affect patient quality of life. Physical activity is known to improve the physical and mental health of patients with SUD. This study aims to determine the relationship between regular physical activity (RPA) and quality of life in SUD patients enrolled in inpatient SUD treatment (n = 159). We divided patients into four groups based on their RPA before and during hospitalization. The SF-36 self-report questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. We found that SUD patients had worse quality of life than a representative sample of the Czech population. Furthermore, we demonstrated that RPA before and during hospitalization and changes during hospitalization affect the perception of quality of life of patients with SUDs. Additionally, physically active patients showed significantly better quality of life than inactive patients. However, patients who initiated RPA during hospitalization reported worse quality of life than those who did not; in addition, this group of patients reported the worst quality of life across the most monitored parameters. We suggest that these patients represent the most vulnerable group. Changes in physical activity habits could be considered an indicator for a more intensive therapeutic focus.

Effect of physical exercise on the emotional and cognitive levels of patients with substance use disorder: a meta-analysis

“…SUD can lead to severe health problems, exerting negative impacts on the lives of addicts (Kohlerova et al, 2023). These disorders deplete dopamine storage in the brain, triggering withdrawal reactions and adverse effects such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline, resulting in severe negative emotional states (Brellenthin and Koltyn, 2016).…”

“…SUD depletes dopamine stores in the brain, impairs dopamine and serotonin terminal binding, and leads to withdrawal symptoms; this causes anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline and creates severe negative emotional states (Brellenthin and Koltyn, 2016). SUD involves adaptive changes in brain neurons to counteract the acute reinforcing effects of drugs (Self and Nestler, 1995), thus posing severe health problems and exerting a negative impact on the lives of individuals (Kohlerova et al, 2023). Existing treatments for SUD primarily rely on medication, focusing on receptor agonists (e.g., nicotine replacement therapy for tobacco use disorder, methadone and buprenorphine for opioid use disorder); however, overuse can lead to medication addiction (NIH, 2020).…”

Enhancing Substance Use Disorder Recovery through Integrated Physical Activity and Behavioral Interventions: A Comprehensive Approach to Treatment and Prevention

“…Exercise and physical activities play a pivotal role in addressing the issue of SUD, as evidenced by recent advancements in research. Numerous studies have documented the efficacy of exercise and physical activities in reducing cravings for substance use, promoting abstinence, improving quality of life, and acting as valuable components for prevention and intervention, complementing traditional therapy [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”