Drinking alcohol is often glorified within western society for its ability to loosen inhibitions, fuel good times with friends and loved ones, and be a major part of many social gatherings. However, this intoxicating substance also includes many well-known downsides which can become a significant problem if one doesn’t moderate their usage. There are a vast amount of overall health benefits to be aware of when you stop drinking which can make the prospect of quitting a much less daunting one.
Boost in Physical and Mental Health After You Stop Drinking
Sure, having a glass of wine or beer may feel like a natural way to unwind after a long day of work, but over time it’s likely going to take a toll on your physical and mental health. Alcohol is simply not a healthy substance for your body to process, and it impacts many facets of your overall health. Drinking can be very bad for the heart and pulmonary system, and habitual drinking can increase the risk for serious heart disease.
When you stop drinking, you will be providing a massive boost to the health of your heart and the overall quality of your life. Alcoholism has been linked to over 200 diseases and health conditions, including things such as cancer, liver disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, and stroke. By quitting drinking, you are significantly reducing your chances of dealing with one of these serious ailments and setting yourself up for better physical health.
In addition to the physical health benefits associated with abstaining from alcohol, there are many mental health benefits to be aware of. Alcohol is a depressant and, as a result, can contribute to feelings of depression.
Excessive drinking can also lead a person to make decisions they would normally avoid, leading to feelings of shame and guilt. Many alcoholics find themselves in a vicious cycle, whereby their drinking makes them feel more depressed, leading them to want to drink more to numb the pain associated with their depression.
Taking the step to quit drinking reduces the possibility of experiencing relentless regret and shame, and can lead to a feeling of mental stability as well as the experience of being empowered. When someone is in the midst of an alcohol addiction, they are prone to feeling powerless and helpless to their condition. Practicing the willpower to abstain from alcohol can provide immeasurable amounts of confidence, boosting a person’s overall self-esteem in the process.
Significant Financial Savings When Not Drinking
Beyond the obvious health benefits associated with quitting drinking, a major factor to keep in mind is the amount of money you will be saving by abstaining from alcohol. Regular bar tabs can quickly add up and become a hefty burden upon a person’s budget. Giving up alcohol will also free up a significant amount of spending money, allowing you to save for other productive activities or more healthy forms of recreation.
Less Time Spent Recovering From Drinking
A night out on the town can be a lively experience in the moment, but the repercussions are often felt long after the experience has passed. A hangover is undesirable for many reasons, as it leaves a person feeling physically ill and incapable of engaging in any activity other than excessive amounts of sleep. Over time, this amount of energy wasted on recovery can become a serious detriment to one’s overall life goals and responsibilities.
Quitting alcohol allows a person to give up having to worry about spending the next day in recovery mode, and can present a flood of opportunities which were previously unavailable. A morning spent recovering from a night of drinking can, instead, be replaced by a sunrise hike or visit to the gym, essentially providing compounding benefits as a result of practicing a sober lifestyle.
You’ll be More Present to Your Life’s Responsibilities
Excessive alcohol use can dull a person’s ability to be creative at their job, making it less likely that they’ll be able to improve their career prospects. It can also hinder one’s memory, making it more probable that they’ll forget an important event or moment in their loved one’s life. Simply put, alcohol can become a hindrance on one’s ability to be the best version of themselves.
Giving up drinking will improve an individual’s ability to be present to those in their life and will make it much easier to remember the moments that matter most. Having a sober mind can also give you a competitive advantage in work environments which demand a sharp mind. The ability to remember key facts and conversations as a result of having a clear head can be the difference which lands a lucrative client or seals an important deal.
If you or someone you love is struggling with an alcohol addiction and is in need of assistance, contact the addiction specialists at Ocean Hills Recovery. Our team is dedicated to providing clients with solutions which specifically address an individual’s unique needs and concerns. We are committed to seeing you succeed and achieve the life you deserve.
About the author:
