38: LM Week 2025: Avoiding Risky Substances & Choose Less Booze

**Sensitive Topic Disclaimer: Substance Use and Suicide**

In this episode of the podcast highlighting the pillar of Avoiding Risky Substances for Lifestyle Medicine Week Day 5, Melyssa shares her personal journey with alcohol, discussing how it has impacted her life and relationships. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing low-risk drinking guidelines, the benefits and drawbacks of alcohol, and how to practice mindfulness and non-judgment as steps to change through supportive resources.

RESOURCES

• Rethinking Drinking: https://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/
• Smart Recovery: https://smartrecovery.org/
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/
• CDC Alcohol Use: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol

CHECK OUT OUR LINKS!

• Join the Change Maker Collective group coaching membership to receive support, accountability, and coaching from Melyssa to achieve your lifestyle change goals!
• Check out our size inclusive virtual fitness studio, Move with Melyssa!
• Grab our FREE 25-minute audiobook Introduction sneak peek from the book!
• Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!
• Grab your copy of Melyssa’s book here!
• Follow us on Instagram:
• Email Melyssa at: [e-mail]
• Visit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Introduction to Season Three
• 00:54 Sensitive Topic Disclaimer
• 01:32 Personal Story: Struggles with Alcohol
• 10:16 Understanding Low-Risk Drinking
• 18:07 Empower Yourself: Reflecting on Alcohol Use
• 22:34 Engage: Taking Steps Towards Change
• 26:52 Conclusion and Resources