Association of Physical Activity and Quality of Life on Commitment to Sobriety and Substance Abuse Treatment

Abstract

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a global health concern. Physical activity (PA) and good quality of life (QOL) might predict SUD treatment success. This study investigated associations between PA and QOL with pre-treatment commitment to sobriety and discharge status. Data from patients (n=988) entering SUD treatment were collected in collaboration with TRAC-9 Informatics. Primary outcomes included commitment to sobriety (Commitment to Sobriety Scale) and discharge status (standard vs. non-standard discharge). Participation in PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) was coded based on meeting guidelines (≥150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous PA). Baseline QOL was assessed with a single question about life satisfaction (poor ([1-5] vs good [6-10]). Regression analyses showed PA was not significantly associated with commitment to sobriety or discharge status (both p>0.05). Patients with poor baseline QOL demonstrated lower commitment to sobriety (β=-0.89, p<0.001), but higher odds of standard discharge compared to those with good QOL (Odds Ratio [95% CI]: 1.48 [1.07-2.04]). The finding that standard discharge was substantially higher for those with poor initial QOL suggests that patients with poor QOL may be more likely to adhere to treatment and that additional strategies may be necessary to retain patients who enter with high baseline QOL, though this warrants further research.