Exercise & Yoga Reduce Alcohol Cravings

People who are anxious or stressed may choose to consume alcohol to try to relieve these feelings.  Three new studies from the Karolinska Institute, a medical and research university in Stockholm, Sweden, have demonstrated that both exercise and yoga can reduce the urge to consume alcohol.

Alcohol is the 7th leading risk factor for disability-adjusted life years and mortality around the world, yet most people who suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD) will not seek or receive treatment.  The 140 study participants were diagnosed with AUD, were not seeking treatment, and were physically inactive.  Participants were supported to either cycle or practice yoga 3 times per week for 12 weeks.  Data was collected before the participants started the exercise programs and again at 12 weeks.

Both cycling and yoga reduced alcohol cravings, with the greatest craving reductions in those participants who practiced yoga.  Researchers also discovered that a single session of aerobic exercise reduced both alcohol cravings and anxiety, while also improving mood.

The studies are part of the randomized controlled trial, FitForChange, and the findings will be reported in Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

Takeaway:  Exercise and yoga can reduce the urge to consume alcohol, and aerobic exercise (anything that raises your heart rate) can reduce anxiety and improve your mood.

Well-being is a journey, not a quick fix

Source

NeuroscienceNews, Reducing Alcohol Consumption by Working Out, Aug. 27, 2022, Reducing Alcohol Consumption by Working Out - Neuroscience News.