Exercise could help beat meth addiction, UCLA research finds

WESTWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Research out of UCLA is showing that regular exercise may help beat addiction to methamphetamine.

Researchers who studied heavy meth users found that at least three hours a week of physical activity can help addicts regulate dopamine, a key brain chemical responsible for gratification.

The exercise can help boost dopamine levels - which can help addicts feel less compulsive - and lower the levels of meth in their systems.

"I think a regular fitness program combined with some other type of behavioral therapy would be very helpful," said researcher Edythe London, at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine.

The UCLA lab is looking for more people to participate in research. Information is available at the lab's website.