Avoiding ‘risky’ substances
Though one of the pillars of lifestyle medicine is “avoidance of risky substances,” perhaps a better interpretation would be “avoidance of risky behaviors regarding substance use.” Substances used ceremonially/ritually (tobacco, even hallucinogens in Indigenous cultures, wine in sacrament) are typically not significantly “risky.” Used outside of subscribed bounds, however, between 15% and 20% of the population in the U.S. will have problems with substance use. And, as evidenced by the opioid epidemic, even “prescribed” treatments can have risk, given certain circumstances.
Our region is not immune to any of the substances causing difficulties across the country, and, unfortunately, our state is consistently at or near the top of surveys on binge-drinking. Post holidays, in an attempt to curtail what they think might be problematic use of one such substance, many people are experimenting with “Dry January” (dry martinis don’t apply). Various tools are being implemented for motivation and success in such an endeavor, including the use of technology. While not an endorsement, there is a free app popular in the U.K. that some have touted as helpful called “Try Dry: The Dry January App.” On the scientific front, we are also finding more and more exogenous treatments for reductions in substance craving/use.
There is an acronym in recovery circles related to relapse risk called HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. Bottom line: avoiding each of these conditions can help us avoid substance misuse. Boredom can also be a risk, as Jack London reminded us when he wrote, “What’s this chemical ferment called life all about? I shall be impelled to strong drink if something exciting doesn’t happen along pretty soon.”
The HALT acronym reminds us to maintain good self-care and interestingly ties to four of the pillars of lifestyle medicine (nutrition, stress management, social connection, and restorative sleep).
So, whether you have any resolutions or not, here’s a “free-spirited” toast: to a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Reminder, if you would like to share inspirational quotes, stories, or ideas which might be helpful to others, please feel free to email our colleague Dr. Melissa Naslund at melissa.naslund@UND.edu.
