Diseases like alcoholism disrupt normal daily circadian rhythm, which leads to disrupted sleep patterns. For this study, researchers tested the effect that exercise (in the form of wheel-running) had on hamsters' alcohol intake. The more the hamsters ran, the less they consumed alcohol. Hamsters that ran less had a greater craving for and consumption of alcohol, suggesting that exercise may be an effective, beneficial, and non-pharmacologic treatment option for alcoholism or other forms of addiction, researchers claim. Exercise seems to reduce alcohol consumption by stimulating brain reward pathways (dopamine) in a manner similar to alcohol. Researchers suggest that, like all rewards, exercise should be used in moderation, and not interfere with an individual's normal daily functioning.
(2010). Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.
