Exercise as treatment for alcohol use disorder : A qualitative study

• Introduction: Exercise is a promising treatment option for individuals with alcohol use disorder, but qualitative studies are lacking. Our aim was to explore experiences of yoga and aerobic exercise among non-treatment-seeking adults with alcohol use disorder.Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews (face-to-face or telephone) with 12 participants from a randomised controlled trial. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse data.Results: One main category was identified, motivating and maintaining a lifestyle change, including four generic categories: (i) Initiating factors for lifestyle change, which describes how the concept of a lifestyle change initiated participants change; (ii) Influencing lifestyle change, explains how mood-enhancing effects from exercise influence exercise behaviours; (iii) Influencing physical and mental health, which describes how improvements in physical and mental health influence self-confidence and self-esteem; and (iv) Influencing alcohol consumption, which describes how exercise reduced alcohol cravings and that success in changing exercise behaviours made participants take healthier decisions regarding their alcohol intake.Discussion and Conclusions: Exercise may help reduce alcohol intake, especially when presented in the context of a lifestyle change. Being able to self-select the type of exercise may increase compliance and optimise these benefits. Intentional planning and positive results from exercise may strengthen the individual's self-efficacy and increase the motivation to change behaviours associated with alcohol consumption.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Folkhälsovetenskap, global hälsa, socialmedicin och epidemiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

aerobic exercise

alcohol use disorder

qualitative study

treatment

yoga

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)