Abstract
This study sought to explore how physical exercise impacts individuals in early remission from substance use disorders and explored which exercise interventions might be particularly conducive to supporting sustained remission. The purpose of this exploratory, qualitative study is to gain insight regarding the impact of exercise on early recovery from a substance use disorder. Qualitative interviews were conducted specifically by asking questions regarding an individual's involvement with exercise in early recovery and throughout remission, in what setting or settings exercise took place, types of exercise programs utilized, how exercise impacted mental and physical health from respondents' perspectives, and to what extent there were social aspects of their exercise routine. All of this was with a goal of better understanding physical exercise as a potential resource for those in early recovery in order to help professionals, such as social workers, to better support clients in capitalizing on this potential resource in achieving and maintaining sustained remission.