Avoidance of Toxic Exposures - How Lifestyle Psychiatry Interventions Promote Positive Neuroplastic Change-View Presentation

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Steve Sugden, an addiction psychiatrist at the University of Utah, presented on using lifestyle psychiatry interventions to foster neuroplastic changes, particularly within the context of avoiding toxic exposures related to substance use and unhealthy behaviors. Sugden emphasized integrating addiction medicine with lifestyle psychiatry for optimal, sustained recovery outcomes. Key topics included understanding the neurological basis of addiction, the rise of substance use during and after the pandemic, and the role of lifestyle psychiatry in promoting mental health.<br /><br />The presentation discussed a brain disease model of addiction focusing on dopamine but acknowledged the complexity of multiple interacting neurotransmitters. Sugden highlighted the limitations of relying on willpower and quick fixes for substance use disorders, advocating instead for comprehensive and sustainable lifestyle changes.<br /><br />Six pillars of lifestyle psychiatry—physical activity, healthy eating, restorative sleep, stress management, social connectedness, and avoiding toxic substances—were detailed as methods to decrease neuroinflammation and improve mental well-being. Sugden also touched on the increasing societal issues of loneliness, diet-related health impacts, and environmental factors like extreme heat that indirectly exacerbate substance use disorders. Finally, questions from attendees addressed practical interventions for hyperactive parasympathetic responses and technology's impact on addictive behaviors.

Keywords

addiction psychiatry

lifestyle interventions

neuroplastic changes

substance use

mental health

brain disease model

neurotransmitters

lifestyle psychiatry

sustainable recovery