Changes in mental distress following individualized physical training in patients suffering from chemical dependence

Thirty‐three individuals suffering from chemical dependence and psychiatric disorders underwent 150–500 h of training over 8–15 months with assistance from dedicated training partners, who motivated them to carry out exercise and controlled the intensity of their workouts. To accurately monitor fitness development, direct measures of maximum oxygen uptake and lactate threshold performance were recorded at the start and end of the project. The participants improved moderately in aerobic power by ~5%, ( P = 0.02). Furthermore, lactate threshold performance increased by ~12% ( P = 0.03). All scores of depression, anxiety, social phobia, and general mental distress declined during the project ( P ≤0.03). However, the results of screening tests for alcoholism and drug abuse did not show any significant change ( P ≥0.28). With the use of accurate physical tests, it was possible to distinguish between responders and non‐responders in terms of improvement in aerobic power. The responders showed reduced mental distress on more measures than the non‐responders, although the post‐treatment level of distress did not differ significantly between the two groups. Thus, it can be concluded that mastery of training and a feeling of being in a better shape may have positive effects on several aspects of mental health in patients suffering from substance dependence.