Five Great Things That Happen When You Quit Drinking

Pouring water at the dinner table

Have you ever woken up the morning after and told yourself that you’re “never drinking again.” This phrase has been used far and wide, typically from individuals who have had one too many drinks; however, it presents an interesting possibility. What if you did stop drinking? What if you held true to your words? What would happen to your body? To your mind?

Increasingly, individuals are taking steps towards sobriety with movements such as the “sober curious” movement which introduces people to sober life and at the same time, there has been a sharp advent in the production of non-alcoholic beverages, with a global industry, expected to grow from £669.34 million GBP in 2020 and to £1256.2 billion GBP by 2028.

Getting sober may seem daunting, but the benefits will outlive any of the short-term ones that come from drinking. The positive effect on your life, your health, and your mentality are numerous – we’ve listed just five of them below:

1. Improved Skin and Health

The most evident change following a shift to sobriety will be in your skin. Alcohol affects your skin in multiple ways: from falling asleep in your makeup to the dilated blood vessels caused by heavy drinking. Each of these take a large toll on your skin, one that not even the most in-depth regime can prevent. By not drinking, your skin will not only stop aging as quickly, but it will also glow more radiantly, look firmer, and, ultimately, provide you with a healthy complexion.

The benefits to your health are numerous. From your liver, to your brain, to your heart, to your teeth, alcohol’s impact is evident in the majority of your body.

Gut Health

According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, heavy drinking can lead to a lack of the necessary “amino acids, proteins and certain vitamins”. The acidity in alcohol hinders your gut health and prevents it from absorbing the necessary vitamins and minerals. By not drinking, you can heal the lining of your stomach and intestines and facilitate the rejuvenation of your gut.

Cardiovascular Health

Giving up alcohol will significantly improve your heart health, reducing the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Alcohol can narrow your blood vessels and prevent the facilitation of important heart functions. This affects your cardiovascular strength both in the short-term, with increased strain, and the long-term, with the development of hypertension. By quitting, you are able to reverse the impacts on your blood pressure and return your body to its normal, healthy state.

Cancer

We’ve all heard of how alcohol severely impacts our livers, ultimately putting us at risk of liver disease and cancer; however, the stark reality is that alcohol puts us at risk of developing cancer in more than one area. Heavy drinking can lead to

  • Breast cancer
  • Colon and rectal cancer
  • Oesophageal cancer
  • Laryngeal cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Oral cancer
  • Throat cancer
  • Quitting drinking can decrease your risk of such diseases, increasing your overall health.

 

2. Increase in Cognitive Function

The brain takes a large hit when you drink, especially in the frontal lobe – the part responsible for many critical functions including reasoning, behavior control, memory, and motor function. Long-term heavy drinking can lead to a loss of memory and a deterioration in one’s ability to think critically. Studies have found, however, that individuals who stop drinking are able to reheal their brain and grow back parts of the damaged/lost tissue.

3. Financial Security

Drinking drains. It drains your mind and body, but it also drains your wallet. Heavy drinking can add up to thousands of dollars yearly. The money saved from abstaining can be used to invest in yourself and your future, ultimately reaping greater benefits than a drunk night out. RewardDays has a number of partners that can be purchased both as temporary and longer term replacements to alcohol.

4. Control in your life

Quitting alcohol is a process, a journey that can lead to positive changes throughout your life. Quitting not only impacts your physical health, but it can also improve your self-confidence and your sense of accomplishment. Without the hangovers, guilt, exhaustion, and lost money, you can begin to focus on achieving more and set yourself on a path towards achieving your goals and dreams if quitting becomes a part of a wider lifestyle change.

5. Mood & Mental health

Drinking can often leave you in a sad, drained, and overly emotional state. Dr. Hemal Shah, a GP, notes that “while alcohol may temporarily boost your mood, ultimately it’s a depressant which, over time, can make you more vulnerable to depression and anxiety.” By turning to a life of sobriety, you can stabilise your mood and improve your mental health. Additional benefits such as a better sex life, strengthened immune system, and greater ability to manage stress and pressure also work to support this improvement.

Think back now to the morning after, the overwhelming headache and unsettled gut. Now consider the alternative, what mornings could look like when sober. You can socialize and enjoy your time with friends, but this time, you won’t be punished the next day.

RewardDays is a habit tracker with a difference. We provide exclusive deals for people who complete consecutive days without their bad habits. Users can track their days off and we provide a road map of milestone rewards such as discount codes, vouchers, and more from recommended partners. Download the app for free and begin your rewards journey today by giving something up and getting something back.