The long-term & short-term benefits of stopping drinking

This article explores the benefits of stopping drinking alcohol to your body and health at various stages, from the first 24 hours to 30 days and beyond

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Introduction

Alcohol consumption has become deeply ingrained in many societies around the world, with social gatherings and celebrations often revolving around the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

However, making the decision to give up alcohol can have numerous positive effects on both physical and mental well-being.

An essential part of enjoying life without alcohol is to think of it in terms of “getting free from” alcohol rather than “giving it up”.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of abstaining from alcohol at various stages, from the first 24 hours to 30 days and beyond.

Benefits of not drinking alcohol

  1. Improved overall health

Giving up alcohol can lead to a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.

  1. Weight management

Alcohol is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain. Eliminating alcohol can help with weight loss and the maintenance of a healthy weight.

  1. Better sleep

Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns and can contribute to insomnia and poor sleep quality.

  1. Enhanced mental well-being

Abstinence from alcohol can lead to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and increased mental clarity.

  1. Financial savings

Alcohol consumption can be expensive. Cutting out alcohol can free up funds for other meaningful purposes.

  1. Stronger relationships

Sobriety often improves interpersonal relationships, as it fosters better communication, emotional stability, and presence in social interactions.

  1. Personal growth

Giving up alcohol can be a transformative experience, allowing individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve self-discipline, and gain a sense of empowerment and control over their lives.

For more details click to read giving up alcohol guide and timeline

Short-term benefits of stopping drinking

Abstaining from alcohol can lead to numerous benefits.

Within 3-7 days, detoxification occurs, mental clarity improves, and weight loss may begin.

After two weeks, physical health improves, including better liver function, digestion, and blood sugar regulation.

You can read more about the benefits on our giving up alcohol guide & timeline guide.

Long term benefits of stopping drinking

  1. Reduced risk of alcohol-related diseases

Drinking alcohol can lead to liver disease, certain cancers, and neurological disorders so abstaining reduces the risk of getting these diseases.

  1. Reduced overall sickness

One heavy drinking session can weaken the body’s germ-fighting ability for up to 24 hours. Being free from alcohol will improve the body’s ability to fight germs and so reduce overall sickness.

  1. Increased mental capacity

Heavy drinking can affect an individuals perception of distance and volumes and impair motor skills all of which will improve when and individual stops drinking.

  1. Sex life

Alcohol can affect both men and women. With men it can causes erection difficulties and with women they can being drier but these issues are improved by stopping drinking.

What’s holding you back?

Not sure if you really want to quit drinking?

Need help to stop drinking?

Want to stop, but concerned that you’ll find it tough?

Worried that you’ll be deprived for the rest of your life without alcohol?

We can help you to understand and remove those fears and in so doing, make it quitting easy

We have trained advisor available to help you right away, by calling 0800 389 2115

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Final Thoughts

While the decision to get free from alcohol may seem challenging, the numerous benefits make it a worthwhile endeavour.

From improved physical health to enhanced mental well-being, the positive changes that occur when one abstains from alcohol are evident at every stage of the journey.

By embracing sobriety, individuals can unlock a multitude of advantages that contribute to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

However, stopping can appear difficult and daunting not least with fear of alcohol withdrawal but with Allen Carr’s Easyway drug free stop drinking method.

So look forward to your new life. it is easy.

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Not sure if you really want to quit drinking?

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Worried that you’ll be deprived for the rest of your life without alcohol?

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References:

  1. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Alcohol’s Effects on the Body. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body
  2. Alcohol Change UK. (n.d.). Alcohol and Mental Health. https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/alcohol-and-mental-health
  3. Hingson, R. W., & Rehm, J. (2020). Measuring the burden: Alcohol’s evolving impact. Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, 40(1), arcr.v40.1.02. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3908703/