Since alcohol is legal and accessible, many people confuse it for being a routine part of life. Unfortunately, this can overshadow the people who are actually experiencing alcohol use disorder (AUD), a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop drinking. Consider that here in New York, one in six adults demonstrated excessive alcohol use in the form of binge drinking or heavy drinking in 2021.
Even if a person doesn’t have a full-blown AUD, binge drinking, heavy drinking, or any other form of alcohol misuse can eventually lead to alcohol dependence. No amount of alcohol is safe. The only way to reduce the risk of AUD and other negative mental and physical health effects is to reduce or stop drinking. Let’s explore the benefits that people can enjoy when they start alcohol detox and take this healthy step forward.
Improved Physical Health
Alcohol can damage the body, especially if you drink heavily or in binges. Even small amounts of alcohol are linked to the development of certain cancers and diseases, and it weakens the immune system, making you more likely to get sick.
Quitting drinking improves physical health in just a few weeks. People see better liver function, which reduces the risk of liver diseases like cirrhosis and fatty liver. Abstaining from alcohol also improves heart health and digestion, and it lowers the risk of cancers of the mouth, liver, and throat. People who quit alcohol also tend to lead healthier lives in general, eating wholesome meals, staying active, and getting restful sleep at night.
Better Mental and Emotional Health
Alcohol makes it harder for certain areas of the brain to function. Consuming too much alcohol can eventually cause brain cells to die and the brain to shrink. This means there are fewer brain cells to carry the messages that the brain needs to complete tasks. Alcohol also affects the chemistry of the brain, increasing the risk of mental health problems such as depression, impulsive behavior, and panic disorder.
By quitting alcohol, the brain starts to heal, and thinking, memory, and judgment will improve. Neurotransmitters also balance out over time, leading to more predictable and balanced moods. Abstaining from alcohol can also boost self-esteem, as you’ll improve your confidence and have more control over your life.
Financial Savings
Alcohol is not cheap. According to a Lending Tree article, 45% of people who drink say that they’ve regretted overspending on alcohol and partying. Meanwhile, 17% say they’ve gone into debt from buying alcohol. Not only does it cost money to drink, whether at home or at bars, but also there are other financial problems that can occur, such as job loss, poor work performance, and legal troubles like DUIs.
You can use this calculator to find out how much you’re spending on alcohol. By quitting, you can save up money for other priorities—traveling, sporting events, educational classes, and more. And, since your health will improve, you can also cut back on healthcare costs.
Social and Relationship Benefits
It’s clear that alcohol affects relationships in a negative way. It’s linked to an increased risk of aggression and violence in marriages, and it can lead to personality changes and negative behaviors, which can impact all relationships. Plus, the effects of AUD can extend into legal problems, job loss, financial strain, and neglecting personal hygiene.
Removing alcohol from your life is a sure way to improve your relationships, though you may have to give it some time. Many people benefit from family therapy or marriage counseling as they work through problems and learn healthier ways to interact and communicate. You will also learn to feel more present and engaged in social activities without the need for alcohol.
Start Your Path to Alcohol Recovery
Are you ready to remove alcohol from your life? Spearhead Health can help you find a path that works for you while taking into account your unique lifestyle. Some people have a hard time getting away from alcohol due to the line of work they’re in or the people they live with. But there is always a way. Contact Spearhead Health for a consultation and let’s discuss a sensible and practical way to help you reach healing and recovery.