title: Exercise as an adjunct treatment for opiate agonist treatment: review of the current research and implementation strategies.
abstract: Opiate dependence is a significant public health concern linked to poor quality of life, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and high costs to society. Current opiate agonist treatments are an effective but limited intervention. Adjunctive interventions could improve and augment opiate agonist treatment outcomes, including drug abstinence, quality of life, and physical health. This article reviews exercise as an adjunctive intervention for opiate agonist treatment, especially in regards to improving mood and overall quality of life, while reducing other substance use. Poor adherence and dropout frequently prevent many individuals from garnering the many physical and mental health benefits of exercise. Strategies for implementing an exercise intervention, including safety considerations, are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2010, USA. jweinsto@slu.edu
authors.forename: Jeremiah
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Weinstock
authors.forename: Heather K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Wadeson
authors.forename: Jaci L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: VanHeest
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D058850:Opiate Substitution Treatment / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy*; D061214:Patient Safety / Q000592:standards*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000819:agonists*
chemical_list: D011957:Receptors, Opioid