Pillar of Health: Avoiding Risky Substances
Updated: Aug 28
August is National Wellness Month, which I feel is the perfect time to introduce the Pillar of Health that is “Avoiding Risky Substances”. The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as “the active, intentional process of making choices and practicing daily habits that lead to better physical, mental, and overall health”. These choices can range from eating healthy food, getting adequate sleep, exercising, mental health awareness, social connection, and much, much more. We can make choices of what to do and what not to do. We are choosing not to stay up late, eat food we know is not good for us, choosing a sedentary lifestyle, and avoiding things that harm us.
While most of us know what is good for us, we may not be fully aware of what is harmful to us. In Lifestyle Medicine, Risky Substances are avoided in the name of long term health and wellness. Risky substances, according to the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, are tobacco and nicotine, alcohol, excess prescription medications, and illicit and non-prescription drugs. The avoidance of such substances prolong your life by preventing risks that can contribute to disease and chronic illness. When chronic disease becomes our life-long companion, we are then reliant on treatment for the remainder of our lives. By avoiding risky substances, we are promoting our health in our future years by preventing future health risks.
When we avoid Risky Substances in the name of wellness, we are choosing what not to consume. This can feel challenging for many as most risky substances bring what feels like a benefit to many; social lubrication, a feeling of being more relaxed, perceived improved sleep, pleasure release in the form of a surge in dopamine and much more. While all of these effects feel good in the moment, there are health implications to using these substances such as addiction, increased cancer risk, harm to all body systems, medical emergencies, mental health disorders, increased risky behavior that can lead to harm, and the possibility of overdose or poisoning.
Avoidance is not in the name of judgement, but simply the name of health, vitality and longevity. Unfortunately, many people avoid seeking help for fear of shame, stigma, or judgement. My hope is to provide a safe and compassionate space for you to share in your process, help you to feel empowered to make healthy decisions, and to aid you in a healthy future, free of risky substances.
What choices are you making for your health and wellness?
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