More Reasons to Move: Exercise in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders

Physical exercise is widely regarded as “medicine” for the prevention and treatment of myriad somatic health conditions. Studies also demonstrate that exercise is effective in the treatment of common mental disorders and has a role in the treatment of serious mental illness. Despite this evidence, the benefits of exercise for people with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) remain understudied. This Opinion article presents a rationale for adopting physical exercise interventions in those with AUDs and identifies five key areas of research that warrant further investigation.