The Little Blue Book

6. AVOID SMOKING, DRUGS AND HEAVY DRINKING The links between mood disorders – such as depression and anxiety – and smoking, drug use and alcohol disorder, is well established. These habits, when not controlled, are toxic to our bodies and toxic to our mental health and wellbeing. Think about that next cigarette! If the chemicals you ingest by smoking are not reason enough to quit – and the cancers, stroke and heart disease they cause – then think of all the better things you could be doing with the money you spend on maintaining the addiction to nicotine. (Why not make a list of those better things – like having a holiday with the family, like buying a better car or paying off a classic motorbike?) Besides, if you smoke, your children are also more likely to smoke. Do you really want that? Also think hard about any recreational drugs in your life and your alcohol use. Drugs and alcohol, like cigarettes, are linked to a range of mood disorders and can deepen feelings of anxiety and depression. With prolonged use they can damage our brains and other vital organs and put us at risk of liver damage, cardiovascular disease and a range of cancers. And, should they ‘get a grip’ on our lives, can derail our financial independence and security. Avoiding heavy drinking, smoking and illicit drug use keeps us mentally stronger, healthier, younger inside, and younger-looking outside. It also models positive behaviours for our children around these substances – remember, they are taking their ‘cues’ from your behaviours – and can strengthen their health and resilience. (So where’s the downside there…?) ADA Australia 119 Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 PostScript