There are numerous advantages to giving up alcohol, and while the journey to sobriety can be challenging, many people pursue it for the sake of their health, loved ones, and future. It’s no surprise that those who have achieved lasting sobriety often describe quitting alcohol or drugs as one of the hardest things they’ve ever done. Yet, despite the difficulty, they also consider it among their greatest accomplishments.
Quitting alcohol not only leads to feeling better overall but also significantly improves health. Alcohol consumption is linked to a range of health issues, but by giving it up, you can reap various benefits.
Benefits of Quitting Alcohol
If you’re considering reducing or quitting alcohol, understanding the positive physical, mental, and social outcomes may help motivate you to make the change.
1. Improved Physical Health
Most people recognize that alcohol use can be harmful, with potential short-term risks like falls, vehicle accidents, and alcohol poisoning. However, the long-term effects can be even more severe, including conditions such as:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Memory and cognitive difficulties
- Depression and anxiety
By quitting alcohol, you can enhance your heart and cardiovascular health and may also find relief from psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety.
2. Better Sleep Quality
While alcohol may help people fall asleep faster, it actually disrupts the quality of sleep. Drinking before bed is associated with less restorative sleep and disturbances in the circadian rhythm. Alcohol also interferes with REM (rapid-eye movement) sleep, the most restorative stage of sleep, leading to grogginess and difficulty concentrating upon waking.
Additionally, alcohol can affect your partner’s sleep. Restlessness from alcohol consumption can cause tossing and turning, disturbing their rest. The relaxation effect of alcohol also extends to the throat muscles, increasing the likelihood of snoring, which can disrupt both your sleep and your partner’s.
Fortunately, quitting alcohol can quickly improve sleep patterns and quality.
3. Lower Risk of Chronic Diseases
Alcohol use is linked to an increased risk of several chronic illnesses, with cancer being one of the most notable. In fact, about 3.5% of all cancer-related deaths in the U.S. are attributed to alcohol consumption.
Alcohol has been associated with an elevated risk of six types of cancer:
- Mouth and throat cancer
- Larynx cancer
- Esophagus cancer
- Colon cancer
- Liver cancer
- Breast cancer
Beyond cancer, alcohol use is strongly linked to liver disease, especially liver cirrhosis. Approximately 10-20% of heavy drinkers develop this severe condition, usually after a decade or more of consistent alcohol consumption. Cirrhosis can result in serious complications such as bleeding in the esophagus, high blood pressure, behavioral changes, and confusion.
Although cirrhosis is a serious condition, studies indicate that stopping alcohol use can potentially reverse the damage, offering a path to recovery.
4. Financial Savings
Alcohol can be costly, and maintaining a drinking habit can significantly strain your budget. A Huffington Post article highlighted just how much a drinking habit can add up.
Consuming three drinks a day, five days a week can cost approximately $150 weekly if each drink averages $10. That adds up to about $650 a month or $7,800 annually, without factoring in additional expenses like tips for bartenders or transportation costs such as Uber or Lyft.
Even drinking occasionally on weekends can add up to a substantial amount each year.
5. Pursuing New Activities
Alcohol consumption often consumes a significant amount of time, limiting opportunities to learn new skills or activities. Many individuals who achieve sobriety find themselves grappling with identity issues, realizing how much of their lives revolved around drinking. However, quitting alcohol allows you to redirect that time into productive pursuits.
Whether you want to prioritize your fitness by hitting the gym or trying out the treadmill, or you’re interested in learning a new skill like playing an instrument or studying a foreign language, there are countless activities to explore. Quitting drinking frees up valuable time for you to engage in these enriching experiences.
At this stage, you may be aware of the numerous advantages of quitting alcohol, but how do you actually achieve it? Your next step is to discover various strategies that can help you commit to sobriety.
How to Quit Drinking Alcohol
Numerous self-help techniques and lifestyle adjustments can facilitate your journey toward long-term sobriety. If you’re aiming to abstain from alcohol, consider trying these strategies:
Learn to Say “No”
When you’re out with friends or meeting new people, you may encounter opportunities to drink, whether through offers or someone placing a drink in your hand. These moments are critical in your sobriety journey. Saying “No” reinforces your commitment to staying sober, both to others and in your own mind. This act can be empowering. If you manage to stand firm, you will likely overcome challenges and achieve lasting sobriety.
Find Alternatives
If alcohol has become problematic in your life, it’s likely that you’ve spent considerable time drinking, often out of boredom. To combat this, replace your drinking time with healthier alternatives. Engage in activities like golfing, playing basketball, or jogging to make your free time productive. You can also use this extra time to learn a new skill or hobby, such as playing an instrument or picking up a new language. If you prefer a more relaxing option, reading a book can be a great way to unwind.
Identify Triggers
Understanding what triggers your desire to drink is crucial. Identifying these triggers can help you avoid them in the future. Common triggers may include being in a bar or socializing with others who are drinking. However, personal triggers can vary, so it’s essential to recognize what specifically affects you. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be helpful in this process.
Inform Your Family and Friends
If you’re making a significant change, such as overcoming alcohol dependency, consider sharing your decision with close friends and family. This not only makes them aware of your commitment and discourages them from encouraging you to drink, but they can also provide support when you need it.
Understand Urges
While it’s essential to actively avoid triggers, you will inevitably face certain urges and cravings. These are almost unavoidable for anyone who has stopped drinking or using a substance they were dependent on. Although these urges can be powerful and overwhelming, being prepared for them can make a significant difference. One effective strategy is to remind yourself that the feeling is temporary and will pass within moments, which can help you overcome cravings.
Join a Support Group
Many individuals struggle to quit drinking due to a lack of support. Fortunately, numerous support groups are available for anyone trying to stop drinking. These groups not only offer encouragement but also foster a sense of solidarity. Being around others who share the same goal of sobriety can provide the strength and guidance you need to turn your objectives into achievements.
These tips are just a starting point, and there are various methods to navigate the process of quitting alcohol.
Seek Professional Help
If your situation is severe, consider reaching out to a local drug and alcohol treatment center for assistance. Treatment facilities can be more effective and safer options, as they specialize in recovery and can support patients through the withdrawal process with a detox program.
Alcohol Detox
Abruptly stopping alcohol consumption can lead to various withdrawal symptoms, some of which may be severe or even life-threatening. Common symptoms include tremors, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, and nausea. In more serious cases, about one in ten individuals may experience severe symptoms such as rapid breathing and excessive sweating.
Approximately five percent of untreated patients may suffer seizures, and delirium tremens can occur, potentially leading to death. The primary goal of alcohol withdrawal treatment is to manage agitation, minimize the risk of seizures, and reduce the chances of mortality.
Next Steps
Although there are many benefits to quitting alcohol, the process can be challenging. Many individuals who achieve sobriety describe it as one of the hardest experiences of their lives. However, with commitment and a few lifestyle changes, you too can attain sobriety and return to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
If your situation is particularly serious, seeking help from a drug and alcohol rehab center in Indiana, such as Sunrise Recovery, may be necessary. Sunrise Recovery is dedicated to assisting one million families over the next century. To learn more, please visit our website and contact our admissions team today.
