Author(s): HYDES MARCO ANTONIO, J., SILVA, C., SANTIAGO, D., DORO, M., LOVATTO, D., FIGUEIRA JUNIOR, A., SANTOLIN DOS SANTOS, P., Institution: UNIVERSIDADE SÃO JUDAS TADEU, Country: BRAZIL, Abstract-ID: 245

INTRODUCTION:
Introduction: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic, progressive and incurable condition associated with high morbidity and mortality, as well as significant physical, emotional, social, and economic impacts. Even after ≥90 days of abstinence, individuals in recovery may exhibit persistent vulnerabilities, including physical inactivity, sleep disturbances, negative affective symptoms, and craving—the last being one of the strongest predictors of relapse. Physical exercise has demonstrated beneficial effects on mood, sleep, vigor, executive function and emotional self-regulation, with potential to reduce craving. However, few studies have examined these associations in abstinent adults engaged in community-based support groups. Objective: To investigate the association between physical activity levels in adults of both sexes and alcohol/drug craving, as well as its relation with psychosocial variables involved in recovery from alcohol dependence.
METHODS:
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 adults abstinent for ≥90 days and regular attendees of Alcoholics Anonymous. The following instruments were applied: WHOQOL-BREF (quality of life), IPAQ (physical activity), PSQI (sleep quality), AUDIT (drinking history), DDQ (craving), and BRUMS (mood states). Analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson/Spearman correlations, ANOVA across physical activity categories, and multiple linear regression (p < 0.05).
RESULTS:
Results: Only 36% were classified as physically active, with a weekly average of 37.2 minutes of exercise. Average sleep duration was 5.7 hours/night, and 40% reported daily consumption of ultra-processed foods. Craving levels were moderate (Desire/Intensity: 2.7±0.9; Relief Expectancy: 2.4±0.8; Perceived Control: 3.1±0.7). Physical activity level was negatively correlated with the Desire/Intensity dimension of craving (r = −0,26), indicating lower urgency and impulse to consume alcohol among more active individuals. Sedentary and insufficiently active participants showed higher craving scores. Perceived Control correlated positively with quality of life (r = 0.29) and negatively with poorer sleep (PSQI; r = −0.33). Relief Expectancy correlated positively with fatigue (r = 0.30) and mental confusion (r = 0.28). Quality of life correlated negatively with poor sleep (r = −0.81), depression (r = −0.48), and fatigue (r = −0.41). Participants aged 46–55 years exhibited the lowest levels of physical activity.
CONCLUSION:
Conclusion: More physically active adults demonstrated lower craving levels, particularly regarding the intensity and urgency of alcohol and drug desire, suggesting that physical activity may function as a protective factor in alcohol dependence. Therefore, incorporating regular physical activity into interventions for adults recovering from alcohol dependence appears to be a promising complementary strategy, with potential to reduce craving, strengthen self-control, and support long-term sobriety.