Addictive and Harmful Substances

Avoiding risky substances, such as tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs is an important part of lifestyle medicine. These substances have direct negative effects on our physical and mental health, and can lead to chronic disease, cancer and premature death.

One way to break unhealthy habits is through the concept of reinforcement learning, which states that habits form when a behaviour is rewarding. To change an unhealthy habit, it is important to decrease the reward value of the behaviour and increase the reward value of a healthier behaviour. Mindfulness training, such as mindfulness-based apps, can be effective in helping individuals change their habits by bringing awareness and curiosity to the present moment experience. Studies have shown that mindfulness training can help people quit smoking and reduce cravings for unhealthy foods and drinks.