Making the conscious decision to give up alcohol necessitates some significant lifestyle modifications. You may need to give up or substitute non-alcohol-related interests if the social activities and hobbies you regularly engage in are centered around or frequently entail alcohol. Overall, living a sober life has a lot of advantages, such as better physical and mental health. However, quitting alcohol is a journey that demands deliberate strategies. Some of the benefits of quitting alcohol include;
1. Weight Control
Alcohol depletes vital nutrients and slows down your metabolism. It’s also high in sugar and calories that don’t help you lose weight. You can easily eat 600 calories or more in alcoholic beverages in a single night if you binge drink.The National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse defines binge drinking as consuming alcohol in a manner that causes blood alcohol concentrations to rise to 0.08 g/dLi within a short period of time (about two hours). Usually, this occurs after 5 or more drinks for men, while it usually occurs after 4 or more drinks for women.
An important component of alcohol rehabilitation is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating right and exercising. Many people who have stayed sober for a long time find that it is possible to achieve a healthy weight.
2. Improvements in Memory and Thinking
A person who drinks excessively might shrink the hippocampus, which plays a significant role in memory and learning.Several months to a year of abstinence from alcohol may partially correct structural brain abnormalities. Getting rid of alcohol can help you regain control over cognitive functions, such as memory,problem-solving, and concentration.
3. Healthier Minds
Alcoholism and mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, have a high risk of comorbidity. National Survey on Drug Use and Health data from 2018 revealed that 9.2 million adults in the United States had both mental health and substance use problems, yet only around 60% were receiving treatment.Science is still trying to discover the exact link between alcohol and mental illness, however, we know that many people self-medicate with alcohol or other drugs to cope with mental illness symptoms. People may not realize, however, that drinking aggravates mental disorders over time. Therefore, if you stop drinking, these symptoms will disappear.
With the completion of your sobriety goals (both small and large) and as you move toward a healthier you, you will notice an improvement in your mental health. Reduced anxiety and despair.
4. Better Relationships
Socially consumed alcohol in moderation can improve your mood and help you form bonds with others. However, if you drink alone or in large quantities throughout the day, it can become a dangerous habit. Alcohol consumption disorder can develop if you can’t control yourself. You may be able to focus more on your relationships, employment, and health if you stop drinking. It may also help with depression and anxiety, as well as improving your self-esteem.
5. Better Sex Life
Couples may become friskier after a few drinks. However, consuming more than one drink each day has the opposite impact, particularly if you abuse or are addicted to alcohol. Getting and maintaining an erection may be difficult for men. Women’s sex drive may decrease, and their vaginal dryness may increase. Reduce your alcohol consumption to determine whether it improves your relationship.
Seek Help from Mallard Lake Detox Center
Please seek medical help if you feel a friend or loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction. Don’t just pray for better things to happen. Contact Mallard Lake Detox Center today to learn more about how you can handle your alcohol consumption disorder.
