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TOBACCO, DRUGS & ALCOHOL ABUSE

Every tool requires maintenance. There are conditions that have to be maintained for that tool to continue to function within a desirable range. Your physical, mental, and emotional states are no different.

This resource exists to help you maintain, optimize and to some degree repair the tools that are your body and mind.

Woman smoking a cigarette

Tobacco Tobacco products contain nicotine, which activates the brain’s reward system and reinforces the use of tobacco products through increased ‘feel good’ brain chemicals. It is important to remember that no form or amount of tobacco is considered safe.

Photo of different alcohol bottles laying flat and perpendicular to each other

Alcohol Alcohol is an intoxicating substance found in beer, wine, and liquor. It is produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches. It affects nearly all of your body’s processes including your heart, liver and immune system, especially when consumed heavily and frequently.

Still smoking cigarette that has been put out on a stone or rock table

Thinking About Quitting Tobacco Quitting smoking at any time improves your health no matter how long you have been smoking. There are a variety of benefits ranging from immediate to long-term including cardiovascular, respiratory, cancer-related and reproductive benefits.

Three white capsule pills on a white background

Drugs There are hundreds of thousands of drugs in the world, from prescription drugs to over-the-counter medications to supplements. It is important to understand which medications you are taking, the side effects, risks, and possible interactions with other drugs.

Broken cigarette sitting on top of wooden blocks that spell out stop

Tobacco Free Challenge Congratulations! Deciding to quit tobacco is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health. Preparation is key to quitting successfully, and making a plan to quit is the first step. Consider your motivation to quit, talk to your health care provider and prepare for possible triggers and obstacles to help improve your chances at success.


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