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Airdrie Metabolic Health

Pillar

Substance Use

Alcohol and nicotine patterns influence weight, sleep, liver health, and cardiometabolic risk.

Why this pillar is included

Substance use can affect appetite regulation, sleep quality, inflammation, blood pressure, and adherence to nutrition and activity plans.

Alcohol

Even moderate intake can increase sleep fragmentation and make metabolic goals harder to sustain in some patients.

Nicotine and tobacco

Smoking and vaping have significant cardiometabolic harms. Cessation is one of the highest-value risk-reduction steps.

Practical support

  • Set a clear reduction or cessation target.
  • Track triggers and high-risk times.
  • Use social and clinical supports early instead of waiting for setbacks.

Clinical coordination

Discuss medications, withdrawal planning, and relapse-prevention options with your healthcare team.

References

  1. Alcohol and Weight Gain (Current Obesity Reports (2023)) Link
  2. Canadian Guidance on Alcohol and Health (Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction) Link
  3. Smoking Cessation and Cardiovascular Risk (Circulation (2019)) Link
  4. Tobacco Cessation: A Report of the Surgeon General (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2020)) Link

Next step

Make this pillar practical

Review this pillar with your clinician and convert it into a weekly plan that fits your context.