And in general, he adds, people don’t care whether you drink or not. “Many people have this idea that if I don’t have a drink in my hand at a social event, people are going to think I’m strange or weird. “Lowering alcohol intake can help improve function, cognition and health,” says Deborah Freeland, M.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Cutting back, she adds, can also help reduce one’s risk of falls, driving impairment and cognitive decline, which are already high-risk conditions in older adults. And alcohol, she warns, can also interfere with numerous medications, which can be problematic, so you may notice some improvements in how prescribed medications affect you.
Health Risks of Alcohol Use
No more overflowing recycling bins full of bottles to deal with. It’s nice not to have that weekly reminder of how much https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/does-alcohol-dehydrate-you/ you were drinking or to worry about the noise they make. Just a simple, quiet bin, and zero side-eye from the neighbors.
- In a society where so many social events revolve around the consumption of alcohol, it may be difficult to say “no” when friends ask you to join them at a bar.
- A 2011 study by Krentzman, Robinson, et al. sought to answer the question of why some people chose to continue going to meetings even after they achieved short-term sobriety.
- Biosensors monitor physical changes, detect alcohol use, and identify relapse risk.
Improved Immunity
John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). With what is spent on DUI fees alone, you could potentially save for a family vacation, a new car, or have an emergency savings should any issues arise in the future. You can take in every second, and not feel like your life is passing you by in a whirlwind of blurred memories.
Reduced Heart Disease Risk
- Then, once you feel good in that spot, you can reevaluate and go from there.
- In social situations where people are drinking, you might feel more comfortable with a drink in your hand.
- If I was magically granted a spell that would let me drink like a normal person, I would decline the offer.
- This article will describe sobriety in more detail, the challenges a person faces while working to stay sober, the options for treatment, and tips for building a sober lifestyle.
- The anxiety and tension that comes along with being an addict or alcoholic is hard to explain.
A 2011 study by Krentzman, Robinson, et al. sought to answer the question of why some people chose to continue going to meetings even after they achieved short-term sobriety. Other medicines, counseling, and psychosocial support can also help to abstain or reduce unhealthy drinking. The important point is that one must be aware of the bad consequences of drinking and take steps to stop or reduce excessive drinking. When you stop drinking, it can also reverse the negative effects alcohol has had on your cognitive functions like problem-solving, memory, and attention.
Early sobriety may come with feelings of fatigue and the stress of dealing with challenges (people, places, and things that stimulate the urge to use). It’s impossible to know how you’ll react and how your life will change when getting and staying sober. Remember the horrible things that happened when you were using drugs or alcohol?
Begin Your Recovery Today
- Sobriety is more than just abstaining from substance use, it’s a lifestyle that can bring about various benefits.
- If you recently had surgery or an injury, your doctor will be careful with the pain medication they give you, because some of those drugs can make you more likely to relapse.
- Although drug and alcohol use can temporarily raise self-esteem, you will have lower self-esteem in the long-term.
- You’ll have a clearer conscience because you won’t be numbing yourself with drugs or alcohol.
Surrounding yourself with a supportive environment and accepting setbacks as part of the process can help in stay sober. By embracing sobriety, you can (and will!) experience a range of health benefits that enhance your overall quality of life. Sobriety also fosters better relationships reasons to stay sober with family members, as it allows for more authentic connections free from the negative impacts of substance abuse. By choosing to confront and overcome addiction, individuals open themselves up to a newfound freedom and a fulfilling life free from the confines of substance abuse.