Addiction is psychological or physical dependence on a substance or habit. Exercise addiction is the desire to exercise despite its negative effects.
Dopamine is one of the joyful hormones your body produces. The pituitary gland releases endorphins, which reduce pain and boost pleasure.
Do I exercise more for its feel-good effects? Do I miss other activities or skip social events to workout?
That would be worse since you'd want to work out harder, she argues. Instead, reduce your workout days, hours, or intensity and work up.
Therapists can help you scale back and adjust your workout mindset.
Obsessive workout thoughts can be treated with SSRIs. They also aid comorbid eating disorder sufferers.