by Adrian Zupp
Throughout alcohol awareness month, you’ve likely heard a lot about how to determine if you have a problem with alcohol. For some people with serious alcohol issues, total abstinence is the best solution. For others, simply cutting down on alcohol consumption is enough to greatly improve their quality of life.
What are the clear-cut advantages – the incentives – of quitting drinking?
The return of the “real” you. Quitting drinking can bring back the real you – with “real” being the operative word. As you reach sobriety, you will rediscover an appreciation for genuine fun – and the fact that you will be able to remember it the next day. Also, you will be able to experience real emotions again, which is virtually the definition of feeling alive. This, in turn, will lead to you being able to once again relate to others in a meaningful way. Alcohol is the enemy of these things because it takes one away from reality.
Better health. More obvious, still, are the health benefits that accrue from ceasing drinking. For example, heavy drinkers who quit have been shown to add years to their life. If this is combined with good diet, regular exercise, and, if relevant, smoking cessation, then it’s possible to extend one’s life significantly.
Reverse the physical damage. Furthermore, once you stop putting alcohol into your system, it is possible for the damage that has been caused by excessive use to begin to repair. Research has shown that some damage to the liver, brain, and cardiovascular system by alcohol abuse will slowly begin to heal after beginning sobriety.
Have more money. (Who doesn’t want that?) Have you ever thought about the money you could save if you weren’t spending it on alcohol? You might be surprised. In fact, do a little math: write down what you think you spend on alcohol in a week – then multiply it by 52. If you really want to get a shock, multiply that number by the number of years you’ve been drinking, and consider what you could buy with that. Food for thought!
Elevated mood. Since alcohol is a depressant, moving to sobriety can also result in a positive mood shift and greater mental clarity.
Grab more Zzzzzzzz. Your sleep can improve, too. Although alcohol can temporarily make you feel sleepy, it disrupts normal sleep patterns. Who doesn’t want more sleep?
And never fear: If you feel any withdrawal symptoms after quitting, there are medical treatments available. So it’s a good idea to check in with your physician.
But first, it’s a good idea to take a free, anonymous online screening for alcohol to get a better idea of your drinking habits and if you might be exhibiting any indicators for risky drinking. (The screenings are not diagnostic but are an excellent first step.)
Good health, clear thinking, longer life, better quality of life, improved social skills, a fatter wallet, better sleep… the benefits of sobriety are numerous and significant. So why not give it a try?
Adrian Zupp is the marketing and communications writer for Screening for Mental Health, Inc.
