Attitudes and Preferences Towards Exercise Training in Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorders in a Residential Treatment Setting

• Survey on exercise attitudes and beliefs in individuals with alcohol use disorders.
• Conducted in a diverse, lower income population in residential treatment centers.
• Exercise training as a part of residential treatment appears to be well received.
• Participants reported few barriers and multiple benefits to exercise training.
• Exercise training programs should be individualized to patients' preferences.

PurposeAlcohol use disorders (AUD) are a major public health concern due to their association with several acute and chronic health conditions. Exercise training offers a myriad of physical and mental health benefits, and may be a promising adjunct intervention for those in AUD treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible role of exercise training as a treatment strategy by examining the attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of individuals entering residential AUD treatment.MethodsSurveys were administered to eligible individuals with AUD within 2 days of intake to one of two residential treatment centers. The survey asked respondents about their attitudes, beliefs, and preferences towards exercise training as a part of their residential treatment.ResultsRespondents were in favor of receiving exercise counseling as part of their treatment (70.6%), in a face-to-face format (90.0%), and from an exercise counselor at the treatment center (55.5%). The top reported benefits included: improved health, feeling good about oneself, and feeling more confident. The most commonly reported barriers to exercise training included transportation issues, lack of motivation, knowledge, and proper equipment, and cost.ConclusionOur study supports previous work in individuals with substance abuse disorders and suggests that exercise training would be widely accepted as a part of residential treatment for AUD. This study also identified several strategies that can be used to individualize exercise training programs to better meet the needs of AUD patients and maximize their participation in future interventions.