This study exclusively had participants from an inpatient residential treatment center. The impact exercise had on methamphetamine cravings may not be generalizable to individuals in outpatient settings. Additionally, because patients were in an inpatient setting, adherence to the exercise and health education sessions and attendance was high. There may be lower adherence in an outpatient population.

Cleveland State University

In one study, eligible participants in an inpatient treatment setting were assigned to either an aerobic and resistance exercise group or to a health education control, which consisted of 60-minute health education sessions that covered a variety of topics (stress, sexually transmitted infections, nutrition). Those in the exercise group were found to have reduced mean craving scores. 

Exercise vs Health Education for Methamphetamine Cravings

Salem, B. A., Gonzales-Castaneda, R., Ang, A., Rawson, R. A., Dickerson, D., Chudzynski, J., Penate, J., Dolezal, B., Cooper, C. B., &amp; Mooney, L. J. (2022). Craving among individuals with stimulant use disorder in residential social model-based treatment – can exercise help? Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109247

Craving among individuals with stimulant use disorder in residential social
model-based treatment – Can exercise help?

Limitations of an Inpatient Setting on Using Exercise to Reduce Methamphetamine Cravings

The success of exercise in reducing methamphetamine cravings and post-treatment usage may be explained by exercise-related dopamine system recovery affecting reward and reinforcement. Enjoyment associated with exercise may also counteract urges to use.

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