About 14.5 million people ages 12 and over have alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the US. Unfortunately, less than 10% of people with past-year AUD have received any form of treatment. Meanwhile, 95,000 alcohol-related deaths occur annually within the US.
Neglecting to seek alcohol addiction treatment could impact the quality and longevity of your life. Instead, read on to discover the benefits of sobriety.
After reading this guide, you can determine if a medical detox and rehabilitation are right for you. Read on to learn more!
Restorative Sleep
Alcohol can interrupt your REM sleep, which is the most restorative period. Drinking can also dilute your brain’s ability to form memories. After a night of drinking, you could wake up feeling groggy with gaps in your memory.
We need about seven to nine hours of sleep to function properly. Otherwise, inadequate sleep can cause:
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Low sex drive
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Weight gain
- Poor balance
- High blood pressure
- Weakened immunity
- Increased risk of accidents
- Trouble thinking or concentrating
- Memory issues (short- and long-term)
- Mood swings
- Anxiety and depression
Getting sober can help you get the rest you need. Then, you can wake up feeling restored and refreshed. Your body will have an easier time functioning properly, improving your mobility and quality of life.
More Energy
Getting the sleep you need every night can also help by providing your body with more energy during the day.
If you’ve developed alcohol dependence, you’re likely not getting enough sleep. During the day, you’re likely putting additional strain on your mind and body as a result.
Sleep gives your body the chance to heal and cleanse itself after a long day. If you continue drinking for days at a time, you could wake up with aches and pains. The waste your body usually expels as you sleep will remain within your body.
If you’ve started feeling tired and slow more often, consider seeking a medical detox and 12-step program. With help, you can maintain your sobriety to improve your energy levels.
Increasing your energy levels can lead you to make healthier choices throughout the day, too.
More Time
Drinking can steal time away from the activities and people you love. If you’ve developed an alcohol addiction, seek help to regain that time.
With treatment, you can keep alcohol from taking over your mind. You can develop the mental discipline you need to fight triggers and temptation, too.
Healthier Eating Habits
Remember, gaining more energy can also help you make healthier eating habits.
When you’re drunk, you can experience the munchies. You might eat anything within reach, regardless of whether it’s nutritious. When your body doesn’t have the vitamins and nutrients it needs, it won’t function properly.
When you don’t have alcohol in your system, you’ll have more time and energy to cook nutritious meals.
More Money
Consider how much money you’re wasting away on alcohol every month. Maintaining your sobriety will put more money back in your pocket. Whether you’re drinking at home or at bars, you can start saving more money.
You’ll also stop spending on fast food or Uber drives home from the bar.
Stronger Connections
The benefits of sobriety can seep into your relationships, too.
Drinking can impair your rational thinking and judgment. You might say or do something that can have a negative impact on your relationships. Not many people realize that alcohol addiction affects themselves and those around them.
For example, drinking can impair your feelings. You might start letting go of inhibitions, which can lead you to act on impulse. You might put yourself and a loved one in danger if you take a risk like driving while under the influence.
Getting sober will give you the chance to repair your broken relationships. You’ll have an easier time recognizing other people are having problems, too.
Those relationships could help you fight triggers, making it easier for you to maintain your sobriety long-term.
Better Skin
Drinking can also impact your skin health. For example, you might notice acne, wrinkles, or dark bags under your eyes.
Alcohol can put toxins in your body. Remember, drinking also impairs your ability to sleep, which can affect your body’s ability to remove toxins. Sobriety can help improve your complexion and overall hygiene.
More Fun
Remember, alcohol abuse can steal time from your life. It can also impact your relationships. Maintaining your sobriety, on the other hand, could help you recognize other ways to have fun.
In fact, picking up new hobbies is an effective way to distract yourself from drinking. You can read a book, go camping or hiking, or develop a new skill set.
Once you stop drinking, finding resources for fun is no longer limited to alcohol.
Better Decisions
Drinking can impact your ability to process rational thought. Instead, your brain will act on impulse by seeking immediate gratification. You could start making poor decisions that can impact your future.
For example, you might get arrested for drunk driving, skip school, or start underperforming at work.
Getting sober will allow you to make better life decisions.
A Happier Life
Becoming and maintaining your sobriety can provide long-term benefits, too. You can live a meaningful, happy life without alcohol impacting different areas of your routine.
For example, you’ll have an easier time accomplishing your goals. Instead of immediate gratification, you can set yourself up for long-term success.
You’ll also have freedom from alcohol-related anxiety, which could make it easier for you to take healthy risks in the future.
Take control of your life by seeking alcohol addiction treatment.
Avoiding Alcohol: Experience These Benefits of Sobriety Today
To recap, what are the benefits of sobriety? Remaining sober will allow you to take control of your present and future. You can improve your health, strengthen relationships, and set yourself up for lasting success.
You don’t have to start this journey alone. We can help.
Contact us today to start your path to sobriety.