Is Exercise Addictive?
Based on the research into the mechanisms of addiction within the brain, it is clear that almost anything can become an addiction. When people make choices to pursue a certain habit or activity despite the negative consequences, the term “addiction” can be applied. Can exercise fall into this category? Absolutely. Is it an issue that can be addressed through treatment? That’s where the debate lies.
One reason that some say that exercise is an addictive is because of the “high” or endorphins released when people engage in high intensity workouts. This rush isn’t quite on the par of that experienced by those who abuse drugs of addiction like heroin or cocaine, but it can keep people working out longer than they might have otherwise and encourage others to continue to work out on a regular basis even though the initial portion of the session can be difficult or even uncomfortable.
Others argue: who cares? Exercise is good for you and, of all things to become addicted to, exercise is likely one of the better ones. It’s function is to increase health and mental wellbeing. It helps fight a number of diseases and aids in mood balance. It burns calories, boosts metabolism, and makes those who do it regularly look and feel better. What could be the harm?
That’s where the addiction part comes in. It is possible to hurt yourself with exercise – eating too little, exercising despite injury, causing injury by pushing oneself too hard or too far, and sacrificing other important things in life (e.g., family, work, et cetera) in order to continually work out.
David J. Linden is a neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University medical school. He recently published a book called “The Compass of Pleasure,” and in it, he writes that the euphoria experienced by many exercisers is enough to drive that addiction, and that “pressing that lever became their entire world.”
Linden goes on to write that: “Exercise addicts display all of the hallmarks of substance addicts: tolerance, craving, withdrawal and the need to exercise ‘just to feel normal.’ ”
It’s not just exercise. Anything that triggers the pleasure and reward system can be an issue of addiction that causes the sufferer pain in other areas of their life. Gambling, sex, and overeating are just a few examples, and there are effective treatments in all three of those areas. Perhaps exercise addiction will soon be treatable at rehab centers across the country.
