A lot of people can’t manage the stress and other psychological troubles. As a result, they consume alcohol to achieve emotional well-being.
An ethanol drink depresses the neurological transmitter and releases dopamine (a happy hormone) that makes them calm and relaxed.
Too much consumption of it can adversely affect your vital organs, including the liver, heart, kidneys, and brain. This impact can cause organ dysfunction, which may lead to death.
According to the WHO, a report shows that an estimated 400 million people live with alcohol use disorders globally.
While you may think you cannot quit alcohol, as you are so used to it. The truth of the matter is that it is never too late for you to stop drinking and free yourself and your life from the grip of it.
Stick to this post to learn about the health benefits of quitting alcohol and how it improves your life.
Physical Health Benefits
Improved Liver Function
The liver is one of the first vital organs to be impacted by heavy drinking. Cirrhosis of the liver or scarring of the liver can happen over a period, which impacts its functioning and well-being. But the good news is that your liver is a very resilient organ.
Within just weeks of abstaining from wine or beer, your liver’s functioning can improve, and it will be able to break down the toxins produced by your body and metabolize fats that have to be broken down.
Better Heart Health
Heavy drinking oxidizes bad cholesterol or LDL, which deposits on the carotid arteries, leading to a blockage. So, excessive drinking can adversely impact heart function and even lead to failure.
So, experts suggest that cutting down alcoholic beverage intake or abstaining from it entirely elevates heart well-being. At the same time, regular physical activity also protects heart health to a great extent.
Improved Sleep Quality
As alcohol is a depressant, many often think that it facilitates sleep. Many even reach out for the bottle so that they can nod off after a trying day. However, this is only a myth. The reality is something entirely different.
Heavy drinking before bedtime delays the onset of sleep and leads to disrupted sleep. With misuse and dependence, this just gets worse. You wake up feeling irritated and tired, and the day ahead only becomes difficult to navigate.
Factoid! The percentage of alcoholics who recover and stay sober is about 35.9 percent, or about one-third, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
However, when you quit drinking and engage in deep breathing exercises before sleep, it elevates your quality of sleep, and you feel rejuvenated to rise and meet the day ahead.
Healthier Weight
Alcohol is high in calories, so heavy drinking over time leads to weight gain. So, cutting down this ethanol, along with regular physical activity allows one to effectively manage their weight. Not only can they maintain a healthy weight, but they also notice improved body composition and reduced stomach fat.
Stronger Immune System
Your immune system is your defense against infections from the outside world, but every drink you take can weaken your immune system.
So, over time, alcohol can disrupt the body’s ability to fight against infections, and you can fall sick quite frequently. Therefore, reducing consumption of it is good for your overall well-being and also strengthens the body’s ability to repair itself.
Mental and Emotional Health Benefits
Reduced Anxiety and Depression
When you drink heavily, you are at risk of developing alcohol use disorder. This can lead to cognitive challenges like anxiety and depression, which can further bring down your quality of life. When you quit the habit, it lowers your anxiety and heightens your mood.
Combined with the fact that it enhances your quality of sleep and boosts your energy levels, quitting consumption can improve your entire sense of well-being as well. Many individuals also find strength in alcohol-free living environments that support emotional and mental healing during early sobriety.
Enhanced Cognitive Function
This beverage also impairs your attention and memory and leads to poor decision-making. Heavy consumption can even lead to lapses in your memory or blackouts, or even something more severe like Korsakoff syndrome, which is a kind of amnesia.
Do You Know?The following infographics show some shocking facts about alcohol consumption. Take a look!
On the other hand, given that your brain has the amazing ability to repair itself, quitting drinking enhances your cognitive functioning and allows you to navigate your daily life with greater clarity and control.
Improved Self-Esteem and Confidence
Heavy liquor use can be an isolating experience. It not only impairs your health, but it also disrupts your relationships, studies, career, and so on.
When you quit drinking, you are slowly able to rebuild your life and get back on track to pursue your dreams and goals. This allows you to move forward with greater self-esteem and self-confidence.
Final Reflections
Quitting drinking can challenge your mind and body, so it can be difficult to do it alone, and seeking professional help can go a long way in a sober life. When you do it safely, quitting drinking can make you healthier and a better version of yourself.
