The results of a new study show that exercise could stop alcohol cravings in university students and significantly improve overall well-being. The authors recruited 60 male and female participants aged 18 to 25 years from the British Midlands. The group also took part in a short discussion. In this, the scientists asked the members to talk about their favorite drinks andThink about drinking habitsand to describe them. In this regard, they also showed them a video about making cocktails.
Could moderate exercise stop alcohol cravings?
During the research, subjects took part in a five-minute exercise. This included squats, mountain climbing, push-ups, jumping, kicks, and torso crunches. Participants accordingly performed each exercise for 45 seconds in a typical continuous circulation. The active distraction condition consisted of coloring in a picture book for five minutes. Participants in the control group were only required to sit quietly in the laboratory with only the research assistant present. After the experiment, all students completed a series of questionnaires about drinking, cravings and mood. The analysis showed that those in the training group had significantly reduced cravings for alcohol compared to those in the control group. The researchers also found that exercisers' positive mood increased while anxiety and negative mood decreased. Drawing did not significantly reduce cravings. However, the subjects also reported improved mood and less anxiety.
Participants also completed an online program that provided information and education about alcohol abuse. However, the team found that this only worsened negative mood and anxiety and did not change alcohol cravings. According to the study authors, alcohol abuse is linked to the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, dementia and diabetes. Excessive alcohol consumption often begins with young adults, and especially with students. Additionally, the study authors found that abuse among the participant group increased over the years. One of the decisive factors is the desire for it. The resultsthis studyHowever, suggest that a short bout of exercise helps reduce alcohol cravings and improve mood. In addition, exercise could act as a therapeutic tool against alcoholism and such addictive behavior.