Exercise and Treatment-as-usual in Substance Use Treatment Outcomes

The research study compares the substance abuse treatment outcomes (e.g., craving, withdrawal symptoms, rates of use, abstinence) of standard intensive outpatient care, with or without an added 6-wk aerobic exercise component. In addition, certain biomarkers associated with both exercise and substance use (e.g., endocannabinoids and cortisol) will be assessed. In a rolling admissions format over the course of a year, approximately 36 treatment-seeking substance users who are currently receiving Intensive Outpatient Treatment through a local Alcohol or Other Drug Abuse agency will be randomized to either receive 6 weeks aerobic exercise training in addition to standard care or standard care with 6 weekly laboratory visits to complete questionnaires (18 per group).