Wellness and Recovery in the Addiction Profession Part Three: Substance Use to Exercise: Are We Moving from One Addiction to Another?

Very little evidence demonstrates the relationship between substance use and exercise addiction among emerging adults. A phenomenon referred to as “switching addictions” or “substitute addictions” is the substitution of one addictive behavioral pattern for another. People who are addicted to physical activity and exercise often have characteristics that are similar to people who have a substance use disorder. Both groups generally have low self-esteem, and both use either exercise or a chemical as a way of managing and/or manipulating psychological states.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will be able to summarize the concept and definition of the term “switching addictions.”

• Participants will be able to list at least three components of exercise addiction.

• Participants will be able to summarize and identify three psychophysiological symptoms of exercise addiction.

• Participants will be able to explain the overall relationship and risk factors related to substance use and exercise addiction.

Content Level

Beginner: introduction to a content area; include information about a condition, treatment method, or issue; and involve learning and comprehending content.

Who Should Attend

Addiction professionals, employee assistance professionals, social workers, mental health counselors, professional counselors, psychologists, and other helping professionals that are interested in learning about addiction-related matters.