University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository
Specialty
Addiction Medicine
Advisor
Blake Rogers
Abstract
This review evaluates the impact of the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine on treatment outcomes for substance use disorder (SUD). Current SUD treatments are often narrowly focused and plagued by high attrition and relapse rates; however, integrating lifestyle-based interventions, including nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances, may enhance clinical success. A search of PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, and the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine (AJLM) (2020-2026) identified randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Additional primary sources were identified via reference screening and OpenEvidence, an artificial intelligence (AI) platform. Evidence indicates prevalent malnutrition and gut dysbiosis in individuals with SUD, which negatively affects physical and mental health. Physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, reduces cravings and impulsivity, while restorative sleep is critical for preventing relapse. Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and heart rate variability biofeedback, and positive social connections, are associated with improved treatment retention. Given that greater than 70% of patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) have co-occurring substance use disorders, identifying polysubstance use is essential for patient safety. Addressing whole-person care through the 6 pillars independently improves recovery rates and well-being. More robust randomized clinical trials are needed to fully explore this impact and establish a standardized framework for lifestyle-integrated SUD treatment.
Recommended Citation
DeWolfe DS. Lifestyle Medicine for Substance Use Disorder: A Whole-Person Approach to Recovery. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2026; 8(1).
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