Abstaining from drinking may seem hard, but it can truly change your life for the better. When you stop drinking your body initiates a process of reversing alcohol damage to your body and mind. Alcohol is attributed to over 200 diseases and conditions that can be prevented by shifting your habits. The day by day benefits of quitting alcohol are more than enough motivation to sustain long-term sobriety and regain control of your life.
Liquor abstinence helps you more than living by the saying “everything is good in moderation.” Quitting altogether can radically change how you feel physically and mentally. One of the most profound shifts in your physical health occurs in how your brain functions after quitting alcohol. You gain more clarity the longer you abstain from drinking, increasing your decision-making capabilities and enriching your daily life experience. What happens when you stop drinking alcohol may just give you the push you need to start recovery.
There are many rehabs in Tennessee offering specialized detox and clinical care that can help you gain that control. If you are looking for a more high-end care, there are luxury centers for Nashville residents. You can also enter rehabs around the Nashville area or a facility by Knoxville. Read through this article to explore how sobriety can change your life. Don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as you feel it’s time to start your abstinence from alcohol.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is classified as a medical condition characterized by the inability to control your alcohol use. In this chronic disease, consumption of alcohol impacts your life socially, occupationally, or through your physical and mental health.
AUD can also be known colloquially as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, and clinically as alcoholism. The severity of the disease is divided into three categories: mild, moderate, and severe. Alcoholism has lasting impacts on your health; however, by choosing to abstain from alcohol, you can create an opportunity for you to combat most of these side effects and make positive changes to your life.
Negative Impacts of Heavy Drinking
Before we go into the benefits of quitting alcohol, it’s useful to understand the risks of heavy drinking. Heavy alcohol consumption my seem like a harmless social activity but it can truly take a toll on various aspects of your health. Some of the main negative impacts include:
- Injuries, such as falls, burns, and motor vehicle crashes
- Increased violence
- Alcohol poisoning
- Risky sexual behaviors, including greater chances of having unprotected sex
- Problems with pregnancy
- Higher blood pressure leading to heart or liver disease, strokes, and digestive problems
- Increased risk of cancers
- Reduced effectiveness of the immune system
- Memory problems and lack of focus
- Increase in mental health problems such as depression and anxiety
- Life problems, including social, family, and job-related issues
What Is a Standard Drink?
In the US, a standard drink contains 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, about 14.0 grams or 1.2 tablespoons. This amount would be equivalent to the following:
- 12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol content)
- 8 ounces of malt liquor (7% alcohol content)
- 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol content)
- 1.5-ounces of 80-proof spirits or liquor (40% alcohol content)
What Is Excessive Drinking?
Excessive drinking differs from person to person and varies depending on body size. However, the guidelines are as follows for binge drinking and heavy drinking:
- Binge drinking (Women): 4 or more drinks during a single occasion
- Binge drinking (Men): 5 or more drinks during a single occasion
- Heavy drinking (Women): 8 or more drinks per week
- Heavy drinking (Men): 15 or more drinks per week
The Benefits of Alcohol Abstinence
The positive news is that research shows some of the damage caused by alcohol abuse is reversible! Damage caused to your liver, brain, gut, and cardiovascular system will slowly heal when you stop drinking.
Improved Skin Condition
Skin can be negatively affected by alcohol, appearing as broken capillaries on the face and nose, inflammation, and sagging skin because of reduced collagen levels. Luckily, the body will gradually restore the skin’s elasticity after undergoing a period without drinking alcohol.
Better Sleep
Alcohol heavily interferes with your sleep-wake cycle and can make falling and staying asleep difficult. Alcohol can sometimes relax the muscles in your throat, which can make you more prone to sleep apnea and snoring. By abstaining from alcohol, over time, you’ll notice an improvement in your sleep quality.
Healthier Weight
Alcohol robs your body of nutrients by impacting your metabolism and is filled with empty calories from sugar. If you’re a binge drinker, you can easily consume over 600 calories hidden in alcoholic beverages in one night. When you cut out alcohol, you naturally eliminate these excess calories and allow your metabolism to stabilize.
Better Mental Health
There’s a clear link between excessive alcohol consumption and mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. When you quit drinking, you can help reduce these symptoms and as you achieve your sobriety goals, you will begin to notice an improvement in your mental health.
Improved Immunity
Alcohol has a direct impact on your immune system because it prevents your body from producing enough white blood cells. So, another benefit of quitting alcohol is that you won’t be as prone to getting sick.
Lower Risk of Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases
Alcohol is a carcinogen that can increase your risk of getting cancer if consumed regularly. People who drink heavily are about twice as likely to have cardiovascular relates illnesses. Quitting alcohol will greatly reduce your chances of getting many types of serious illnesses.
Better Memory and Thinking
Drinking excessive alcohol can cause the hippocampus to shrink, affecting your memory and thinking functions. Like other bodily systems your brain will start to recover over time after ending your use of alcohol. You’ll also experience a noticable improvement in your attention and memory skills.
Reach Out for Help Today
If you’re worried about alcohol abuse, we’re here to help. We have the tools and tips you need to abstain from drinking. Stopping is the first step toward reversing alcohol damage. Speak to one of our friendly intake coordinators at (877) 881-2689 to talk about your journey. Our team can explain the rehab program cost and help you find treatment that aligns with your values.
At Apex Recovery, we provide the support you need for lifelong liquor abstinence. When you experience the day by day benefits of quitting alcohol you will never want to go back. There are various specialized care programs, including support for mothers in recovery, programs to help seniors seeking help, and faith-based healing if you find strength in your religion.
Understanding what happens when you stop drinking alcohol is the key to maintaining long-term wellness and improving brain function after quitting alcohol. Whether you are looking for short term rehab or luxury Nashville centers, our goal is to help you successfully transition into a life of sobriety. We accept most insurance plans and also have self-pay options, so you can receive the highest quality of clinical excellence without financial worries. Speak to a member of our team today.
