BULLSH*T –
May 16, 2024 – Intense physical exercise has received major attention as an effective way to reduce cravings and remain sober by celebrities like the rapper Eminem. In 2024, Em posted his annual updated AA pin on his social media account, where he reported being sober 16 years. He also attended recovery meetings. Why do people shun exercise as a possible answer to substance abuse or severe depression? I asked former Olympian and Olympic psychiatrist Dave Baron this question.
Baron said, “People don’t see exercise as an intervention, but more of a lifestyle choice. The best available scientific data is overwhelmingly positive yet is not well-appreciated by the general public. In addition, exercise is not aggressively promoted, as the pharma industry does with medications.” Baron says too many people regard exercise like their gym class—an annoying and sweaty requirement they left back in high school.
