Our Environment Really Impacts Us and Our Mental Health

Mind Matters by Gordon Bruin

### ShowNotes for Podcast on Environment's Impact on Human Behavior and Addiction

**Episode Title:** The Surprising Influence of Our Surroundings

**Introduction:**
- Host discusses the profound impact our environment has on us as human beings, emphasizing the importance of being mindful about our living situations and social circles.

**Historical Context:**
- Reflects on a startling discovery in 1971 by congressmen Robert Steele and Morgan Murphy regarding heroin addiction among US soldiers in Vietnam.
- Shares statistics indicating high levels of heroin use and addiction within military personnel during the war.

**Professional Insights:**
- The host shares his extensive experience working with individuals struggling with addiction, including time spent at methadone clinics.
- Explains how methadone works as a synthetic opiate to help manage withdrawal symptoms from drugs like heroin.

**The Case Study of Vietnam Veterans:**
- Introduces Lee Robbins' research which followed veterans returning home from Vietnam who had been addicted to heroin.
- Reveals surprising findings that only a small percentage relapsed after returning home, challenging expectations based on typical residential treatment facility outcomes.

**Environmental Factors in Addiction:**
- Discusses how environmental cues play a significant role in addiction patterns.
- Compares the lower relapse rates among Vietnam veterans to higher rates seen when individuals return to their original environments post-treatment.

**Personal Development Advice:**
- Encourages listeners to declutter their living spaces for better mental health.
- Suggests making small changes such as cleaning up regularly can have positive psychological effects, potentially reducing depression or anxiety.
- Recommends observing feelings before and after tidying up to recognize the benefits personally.

**Closing Thoughts:**
- Invites listeners to consider Feng Shui principles for organizing their space more effectively.
- Stresses that even without an addiction struggle, everyone can benefit from creating a harmonious living environment.

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