Author(s): ZARIFKAR, M., KOCHAKPOUR, F., Institution: JAHROM UNIVERSITY, Country: IRAN, Abstract-ID: 347

Drug addiction is a complex and dangerous social phenomenon that is influenced by various factors, including the environment and social structure. Important factors in the development of addiction are social learning, social control, and failure. For this reason, punitive and rehabilitation measures are not successful until these issues are addressed [1]. Positive psychology has focused on identifying factors that contribute to mental health. This approach aims to teach people how to live a satisfying life. Psychotherapeutic interventions improve psychological well-being by promoting positive behaviors [2].
In many countries, there are no anti-addiction programs specifically for women. Research indicates that sports activities can effectively treat addiction at a low cost. Aerobic exercise boosts dopamine production, which may help reduce opioid dependence and promote positive physical and psychological changes by increasing endogenous opioids. Regular aerobic exercise can lower blood pressure, blood glucose, body weight, and insulin resistance and improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels [3].
This study aimed to investigate the potential benefits of exercise and positive psychotherapy for improving the personal and social health of addicted women. In a quasi-experimental research project, 60 heroin-addicted women with a mean age of 30 ± 5 years from an addiction treatment camp in Iran (Shiraz) were voluntarily selected and randomly divided into four groups (15 women in each group): exercise, exercise and psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and control. The exercise group performed resistance training at 40–70% of 1RM for 20–30 minutes and aerobic training at 50–70% of maximum heart rate for 15–30 minutes, three sessions per week for eight weeks. The psychotherapy group met with a psychologist three times a week for 1 hour for 8 weeks. The craving questionnaire was measured before and after the exercise and psychotherapy protocol to assess changes. The study results showed that cravings were significantly reduced in the exercise and exercise + psychotherapy groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). According to the results, both the exercise and exercise + psychotherapy groups experienced a significant reduction in cravings compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was observed in the psychotherapy-alone group. The combination of exercise and psychotherapy may improve the health and well-being of women with addiction and reduce associated social risks.
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3. Patterson, M., Spadine, M., Boswell, T., Prochnow, T., Amo, C., Francis, A., Russell, A., & Heinrich, K. Exercise in the Treatment of Addiction: A Systematic Literature Review. Health Education & Behavior. 2022; 49.