Recovery and Strength Training: The Missing Piece in the Prevention of Relapse in Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

This phenomenologically based study explores the connections between strength training, substance use disorder, and relapse prevention from the perspectives of nine participants living recovery. Substance use disorder is an epidemic in the United States, with 50% of opioid overdoses attributing to the number one cause of accidental deaths in the country (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2018). This study introduces research to examine the benefits of implementing strength training as a treatment resource to reduce relapse and substance use vulnerabilities. The data collected through qualitative interviews revealed seven themes to support the essence of the experience of strength training to prevent relapses. For the nine participants who self-identified as having substance use disorder, the essences emerged as: (a) choice, (b) self-Acceptance, (c) focus, (d) symbiotic paradigm (e) power, (f) autonomy, and (g) control. While seeking to understand the essence of the experience of strength training to prevent relapsing, the study confirmed that all nine participants had not relapsed since adopting strength training methods into their Lifeworlds. From this outlying finding, a model of relapse prevention stages of transformation through strength training was developed. Although research to support the implementation of strength training in the treatment of substance use disorder is limited, there are positive outcomes of preclinical and clinical studies, in substance use related fields. This study is a first effort to connect strength training and relapse prevention. The barriers examined in the literature review include access to equipment, financial constraints, lack of exercise knowledge, low motivation level, lack of time, and healthcare provider attitudes towards exercise prescription.