For example, you may have developed a co-dependent relationship, or a family member, friend, or employer may have been enabling you without even knowing it. Alcohol is metabolized by the liver and an enzyme called dehydrogenase. However, when you drink in excess, the enzyme gets saturated and is metabolized by a different enzyme.
Other Benefits of Quitting Alcohol
By the end of my drinking days, it was a wonder to me that I could do anything. It depends on many factors, including the amount of damage you’ve done, years of heavy drinking, age, and genetics. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. Life after addictionmight also mean you have more professional success and new creative outlets that you discover when drugs and alcohol aren’t occupying all of your time.
What Is Sobriety, Anyway?
- These people play an integral role in getting you to where you are, and celebrating with them can be very special.
- Choosing sobriety is an incredible step towards living a healthier and happier life.
- If you don’t have family or friends nearby, or if you need additional support, consider reaching out to a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery.
- If you want to become sober, it can be important to establish the kind of healthy habits and guardrails that make it sustainable.
- Getting your liver or blood pressure checked by your doctor can help you feel motivated to continue the journey of recovery, and reduce long-term effects of alcohol on the body.
- In the more challenging moments, it’s important to remember that your body is recovering, and that discomfort is often a sign of growth.
Cognitive, emotional, and sleep disturbances can occur at even moderate levels of drinking. As one drinks more over time, these disturbances get worse and become more difficult to reverse. The world is so much bigger when you’re sober, and you feel emboldened to grab your slice of it.
- It’s not uncommon at this stage to struggle with anger, resentment, and other complex emotions such as shame or guilt.
- Your sleep patterns may be altered and you may not think about eating healthy when you’re under the influence.
- Then, they don’t have to learn how to love themselves because they’re covering their feelings rather than dealing with them.
- “Some individuals find that they have changed their lifestyle quite dramatically in a relatively short period of time,” she says.
- Alcohol and drug abuse can cause damage to different organs and systems in the body, such as the liver, heart, and respiratory systems.
Day 6
- After all, you can’t hang around your drug dealer or old drinking buddies and expect to remain sober for very long.
- In addition to the health benefits, when you stop drinking for any amount of time it automatically saves you money.
- However, for people who exceed recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, he said staying away from alcohol for a month can reap changes.
- “Alcohol increases cortisol, a stress hormone that can inhibit weight loss,” notes Dr. Kennedy.
It’s important to remember that the reactions of others say more about their own relationship with alcohol than they do about you and your choices. Trying out new sober activities and joining sober communities can help you create meaningful relationships with those who share similar interests and values. In addition to mental health challenges, it can also be tough navigating social situations while sober for the first time, and filling your newfound free time that used to be spent drinking. This is where reaching out for additional support can make a huge difference.
In the earliest alcoholic reasons to stay sober recovery stages, alcoholics may also rationalize their drinking or deny that there’s an issue — even when all signs point to a problem. Most reputable alcohol recovery programs address co-occurring disorders. It’s nice not to have that weekly reminder of how much you were drinking or to worry about the noise they make. This newfound time opens doors to exploring hobbies, cultivating new skills, and investing in yourself. Also, the absence of hangovers means waking up feeling refreshed and ready to make the most of each day. Similar to being more productive, you will also find an abundance of free time.
