Sport undeniably has a good effect on both our physicality and our psyche.

But can sport be addictive? It can. Just like many other things or activities. The mechanism of addiction in this case is not fully understood, but scientists state the fact that it can be an addictive activity.

As we know, anything can make us addicted. Tobacco, alcohol, drugs, medicines and even cosmetics, plastic surgery or activities. What are activity addictions? Where do they come from? Although today's knowledge helps to understand and treat many addictions, it has not fully understood the mechanisms that govern activity addiction, as well as effective treatment methods. The most important mechanism of any addiction is to relieve the frustrations of everyday life[1]

Why can practising sport be bad? Sport, as is well known, promotes our development and strengthens the body's fitness. However, for some people, exercise takes a prominent position, pushing everything else to the side. Spheres of life such as family or work cease to matter. One exercises regularly, without skipping a workout, regardless of physical condition or medical contraindications.

Undoubtedly, exercise leads to an improvement in physical and mental state. They give joy, due to the release of endorphins during training, and build self-esteem in terms of surpassing one's own barriers and limitations - a kind of positive addiction. When is an addiction negative? When a person needs to exercise every day in order to function and dose themselves with increasing amounts of exercise due to an increase in body tolerance (they need to exercise more in order to start releasing endorphins).[2]

Positive reinforcement of exercise is about giving oneself pleasure. The negative reinforcement of sport is to reduce stress and tension, however, if this is the only driver of physical activity, once exercise is stopped, there is a negative effect that can only be counteracted before further exercise is undertaken. Researchers studying athletes, have shown some specific symptoms of unmet need to exercise, such as guilt, anxiety, discomfort, irritability or nervousness. In simplest terms, these are withdrawal symptoms. [3]

Today's research indicates that psychological and physical addiction to exercise is likely. However, sport should not be shunned because of its beneficial effects on our lives. Addiction can occur when exercise strengthens us positively as well as negatively.[4]