Dr. Arwen Podesta discusses an integrative and evidence-based exploration of modifiable risk factors and their solutions in the management of mental health and addiction, presented through the comprehensive framework of lifestyle medicine and functional medicine. Attendees will learn that approximately 80% of premature deaths in the United States are linked to modifiable lifestyle experiences, highlighting the profound potential for preventive action in daily clinical practice.

The pillars to be covered encompass stress and coping, nutrition, environmental toxicities and detoxification, movement and fitness, sleep, and emotional and spiritual health, all of which are intricately interwoven in maintaining psychological resilience and recovery. Special attention is devoted to nutrition—not only how dietary changes promote mental well-being and lower addiction risk, but also the influence of genetics on the absorption and efficacy of key nutrients, reinforcing the importance of individualized care.

Through practical case-based examples, the presentation explores how environmental exposures and chronic stress act as biological disruptors, increasing vulnerability to psychiatric symptoms and addictive behaviors. Each of the lifestyle pillars will be contextualized with screening tools and intervention strategies for implementation in everyday patient work-ups. The session will highlight interventions such as structured exercise, nutrition counseling, environmental risk mitigation, and stress-management techniques as foundational to sustaining both mental health and addiction recovery.

Ultimately, this talk aims to empower clinicians to harness the power of lifestyle modification—offering a blueprint for holistic, personalized, and preventive approaches that can dramatically reduce the burden of mental illness and addiction, and substantially decrease the risk of preventable, premature death.

To be updated shortly..