I’ve learned to take my time in life instead of doing everything as fast and as hard as I can. I’ve learned to appreciate the sunsets and the flowers and the ocean. I’ve learned to enjoy the little things, because all the little things add up to big things. I’ve learned that I don’t need a lot of friends, I just need good ones. It is very reassuring to know that if shit hits the fan, there are people that have my back.
Your relationships get stronger.
When drinking or substance use gets out of one’s control, it can spiral downward at a rapid pace. The difference between casual drinking and drinking to cope with underlying issues is that the latter eventually gets out of one’s control, causing increasing harms as use escalates. By breaking free from addiction, you can experience a profound transformation in your life. It’s a journey that requires immense strength and resilience, but the rewards are immeasurable.
Three Key Health Benefits of Quitting Alcohol
You’re more likely to surround yourself with other people who also misuse substances, and that can mean you never really get to know people without the influence of these substances. Romantic relationships may also be built on the use of drugs or alcohol, and frequently become toxic. Hangover symptoms including nausea, vomiting, headaches and brain fog can last for days in some cases and can diminish your quality of day-to-day life. Apps like Pocket Rehab can connect you with others that will offer immediate support. If you’re having trouble staying sober, check your app and take a nice, long look at your WHY! Whether it is someone you love, your children or wife or husband, your parents or your freedom or something else—your WHY is the reason you stay sober today, tomorrow, and every day.
- In addiction recovery, you will be empowered to achieve your true potential with clarity and purpose.
- If people thought differently than me I would automatically write them off as being plain wrong.
- It’s nice not to have that weekly reminder of how much you were drinking or to worry about the noise they make.
The Positive Effects of Sobriety on Your Health
By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website. If you’re involved in a 12-step program, you likely already know the importance of milestones. In these programs, it’s customary to receive plastic chips reasons to stay sober as you progress to the one-year mark, at which time you receive a bronze coin. Having a chaotic or disorganized lifestyle can also hinder your recovery.
Your relationships.
Adopting a sober lifestyle comes with numerous health benefits that can significantly improve your overall well-being. By abstaining from alcohol and drugs, you can reduce the risk of developing liver disease, heart problems, and certain types of cancer. Moreover, staying sober promotes better sleep quality and higher energy levels, allowing you to wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Improved physical health and reduced risk of chronic diseases are just some of the many actual benefits of staying sober. By abstaining from drugs and alcohol, individuals can experience enhanced mental clarity and cognitive function, leading to improved overall well-being.
- Substance abuse can take a toll on your energy levels, leaving you feeling drained and exhausted.
- What areas of your daily life have become unmanageable and chaotic?
- Studies also show those who don’t drink can reduce their chances of developing certain cancers and neurological disorders.
- If you find it difficult to make new, sober friends, try joining a support group.
Your diet improves.
Anger is a normal and natural emotion, but how you deal with it will make a difference in maintaining your recovery. Consider reaching out to a vocational rehabilitation counselor or career coach to help you update your resume, practice job interview skills, and locate jobs that match your skills and experience. I have my family, I have my health, I have my dream girl, I have my dog who has been with me through all of this and still wags his tail when I walk in the door.
- You may also self-medicate your sleep issues using drugs or alcohol.
- Sobriety may look boring, difficult, and unappealing, but the drinking or substance use might be starting to impact the rest of your life, making things even more challenging to manage.
- It impairs your cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate, process information, and recall memories.
- It can include a medically supervised detox, various forms of treatment including therapy and 12-step programs, and calling upon family, friends, and professionals for additional support.
- This means everything from waking up clear-headed and diving into weekends full of actual fun activities, to saving some serious cash that used to disappear one sip at a time.
You can engage in physically and mentally healthy activities, such as regular exercise, eating nutritious meals, and taking care of your mental health. You’ll also be able to regulate your emotions better without drugs or alcohol. This makes it easier to manage stress and create a healthier lifestyle. If sobriety is part of your lifelong journey, or if you’re just sober-curious – giving it a try for a month or two at a time – the benefits of not drinking alcohol are undeniable. Sobriety improves physical, mental, emotional, psychological and financial health.
