Today it seems like everywhere you turn, alcohol is in your face. Whether it’s tv ads, billboards, or your coworkers discussing having a drink after work, the social pressure to drink alcohol is at an all-time high. However, the reasons to stop drinking alcohol far outweigh the reasons to drink alcohol.
Depending on how long, how often, and how much you drink, alcohol could be causing damage to your body. Our bodies are a complex web of organs and systems designed to work as one. When alcohol damages one part of the body, it causes issues in other areas.
This can also work in reverse. When you stop drinking alcohol, one part improves, and the others improve. But for many people, stopping alcohol isn’t easy.
Alcohol Can Pressure People to Drink
When people hear the term “peer pressure,” they think of children and teens. However, people of all ages and backgrounds fall victim to the influence of alcohol and those drinking alcohol.
You can’t go out to dinner without being asked if you want an alcoholic drink or go out with friends without being pressured into drinking alcohol. A National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University report found 75% of teens feel encouraged to drink after seeing others drinking on social media.
Because of alcohol and peer pressure, many people begin abusing alcohol. What was once a social behavior becomes a way to cope with stress. And eventually, an alcohol use disorder (AUD) develops.
Health Benefits of Quitting Alcohol Through a MAT Program
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol addiction is the safest way to achieve and maintain recovery. MAT programs provide comprehensive and individualized medication and behavior-based treatments.
Medications used in MAT programs can help you safely detox from alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms can vary from making you uncomfortable to very sick. Some withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening. But medications can help you detox comfortably and maintain your recovery by minimizing cravings.
Some common health benefits of quitting alcohol with the help of a MAT program include:
- Decreases health risks – including cancer, alcoholic hepatitis, pancreatitis
- Improves immunity – alcohol prevents the body from producing enough white blood cells
- Reduces mental health symptoms
- Improves sleep
- Enhances nutrition
- Becoming a healthy weight
- Better heart health
- Better hydration
These are only a few health benefits of medicated assisted treatment programs for alcohol recovery. However, these are only a few reasons to quit drinking alcohol. Let’s look at all the things that can improve if you stop drinking alcohol and get help today.
1. Improved Physical Health
Alcohol consumption can have negative effects on physical health, including liver damage, high blood pressure, and digestive issues. Quitting alcohol can improve your overall physical health and reduce the risk of long-term health problems.
2. Better Sleep
Alcohol consumption can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to poor-quality sleep. By quitting alcohol, you can improve sleep quality and feel more rested and energized during the day.
3. More Energy
Alcohol consumption can make you tired and sluggish, reducing your overall energy levels. By quitting alcohol, you may increase energy levels and have greater motivation to engage in physical activity.
4. Improved Mental Health
Alcohol consumption exacerbates symptoms of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. By quitting alcohol, you can improve mental health and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
5. Better Relationships
Alcohol consumption can strain relationships and lead to conflicts with loved ones. By quitting alcohol, you may be able to improve your relationships and rebuild trust with those around you.
6. Increased Productivity
Alcohol consumption can reduce productivity levels and lead to poor performance at work or school. By quitting alcohol, you can increase productivity and improve performance in your daily activities.
7. More Free Time
Alcohol consumption can take up a lot of time and energy, leaving less time for self-care activities, hobbies, and other interests. By quitting alcohol, you have more free time to pursue activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
8. Improved Finances
Alcohol consumption can be expensive, especially if it becomes a regular habit. By quitting alcohol, you can save money and improve your financial situation.
9. Greater Confidence
Alcohol consumption can lead to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. By quitting alcohol, you can build a greater sense of confidence and self-assurance.
10. Improved Decision-Making
Alcohol consumption can impair judgment and lead to poor decision-making. By quitting alcohol, you may be able to make better decisions and avoid negative consequences.
11. Better Memory Recall
Alcohol consumption can impair memory recall and make it difficult to remember important information. By quitting alcohol, you can experience improved memory recall and better cognitive function.
12. Improved Physical Appearance
Alcohol consumption can dehydrate the skin and lead to wrinkles and other skin issues. By quitting alcohol, you may have an improved physical appearance and healthier, more radiant skin.
13. Better Sex Life
Alcohol consumption can contribute to sexual dysfunction and decreased libido. By quitting alcohol, you may experience improved sexual function and greater satisfaction in your sex life.
14. Increased Self-Awareness
Alcohol consumption can lead to a loss of self-awareness and poor decision-making. By quitting alcohol, you may experience increased self-awareness and a greater ability to make choices that align with your values and goals.
15. Greater Sense of Purpose
Alcohol consumption can lead to a lack of direction and a sense of aimlessness. By quitting alcohol, you may be able to clarify your values and goals and live a more purposeful life.
16. Improved Immune System
Alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness and disease. By quitting alcohol, you may experience improved immune function and overall health.
17. Better Digestive Health
Alcohol consumption can irritate the digestive system and lead to issues such as acid reflux and stomach ulcers. By quitting alcohol, you may experience improved digestive health and a reduced risk of gastrointestinal problems.
18. Increased Physical Activity
Alcohol consumption can lead to a sedentary lifestyle and decreased physical activity. By quitting alcohol, you may have more energy and motivation to engage in physical activity, which can improve overall health and well-being.
19. Greater Sense of Control
Alcohol consumption can lead to losing control and making you feel powerless. By quitting alcohol, you may experience a greater sense of control over your life and your decisions.
20. Improved Spiritual Connection
Alcohol consumption can interfere with spiritual practices and lead to a disconnection from a higher power or a sense of purpose. By quitting alcohol, you may be able to deepen your spiritual connection and live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
There are many reasons to quit drinking alcohol. Deciding to quit alcohol can be difficult, but the benefits can be life-changing and lead to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
If you are struggling with alcohol abuse, consider seeking support from loved ones, a therapist, or a support group to help you on your recovery journey.
Your Health is in Your Hands – Positive Things Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol
There are many reasons to stop drinking alcohol. As you have just read, there are at least 20. Positive things start happening when you take care of yourself and quit drinking. Some of the reasons to quit drinking alcohol may take time to happen.
But some benefits start happening immediately, including:
- No more hangovers – One of the most immediate and noticeable benefits of quitting alcohol is the absence of hangovers. Hangovers can leave people feeling dehydrated, nauseous, and tired. Hangovers can also impact work productivity and daily activities. By quitting alcohol, people can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day without a hangover’s discomfort and negative effects.
- You save money -Another immediate benefit of quitting alcohol is financial savings. Alcohol can be expensive, especially if consumed frequently or in large quantities. By quitting alcohol, individuals can save money previously spent on alcohol and redirect those funds toward other things they enjoy, such as travel, hobbies, or self-improvement.
- Mental clarity: Alcohol consumption can interfere with mental clarity, and quitting can lead to improved cognitive function, better focus, and sharper memory. This can translate to better work performance, relationships, and overall quality of life.
- Reduces risky behavior: Alcohol consumption can lead to risky behavior such as drunk driving, unsafe sex, or engaging in violent behavior. By quitting alcohol, individuals can reduce the risk of dangerous situations and avoid the negative consequences that come with them.
- Improves relationships: Alcohol consumption can put a strain on relationships with loved ones, leading to communication breakdowns, trust issues, and conflict. By quitting alcohol, individuals can improve their relationships by being more present, reliable, and engaged with their loved ones. They can establish healthier boundaries and develop better communication skills, leading to more fulfilling and positive relationships.
Stop Drinking Today with Help from Casco Bay Recovery
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, it is time to start your recovery journey. Contact us today and find out how our medication-assisted treatment program can help you achieve lasting recovery.
References:
https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions
