Most people make resolutions for the New Year to improve their physical, mental, and social life. For alcoholics who want to stop drinking, knowing how to quit drinking will help them achieve their New Year resolution. Many alcoholics have tried to quit drinking with little or no success at all. They should not give up. The secret is to keep trying different methods because individuals are different. Seeking professional help may also help you to quit and avoid alcohol cravings. There are many reasons why you should quit drinking. Remember with moderate drinking, the body recovers from alcohol damage, but alcohol abuse may cause irreversible damage to the liver and other internal organs.
Here are the reasons why you should consider quitting drinking in the new year.
- For better physical health
One of the most obvious benefits of quitting alcohol is that it helps in weight loss. Alcohol is packed with so many calories. If you are struggling with weight loss, you will achieve your weight loss goal faster if you quit alcohol. High alcohol intake also hinders nutrient absorption in the body. Quitting alcohol will, therefore, help to prevent nutritional deficiencies caused by too much alcohol. The physical benefits you get after you quit alcohol will differ depending on how addicted an individual is. But within a week or a few weeks, some of the noticeable changes include; improvement in memory, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Individuals will also experience more mental focus that enables them to improve all aspects of their lives.
Another important physical benefit is an enhanced immune system. Alcohol weakens the immune systems and that is why alcoholics are more prone to diseases. Quitting alcohol is also one of the simple ways to prevent cancer. Research shows that alcoholics are more likely to suffer from liver, mouth, and esophagus cancer than non-alcoholics.
- Improved mental health
Too much alcohol affects mental health adversely. Alcoholics experience sleep and mood disturbances. They are also more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders. After quitting alcohol, you will experience better sleep, less anxiety, and a stable mood. Most alcoholics also suffer from depression. Quitting alcohol alleviates depression symptoms. It is good to abstain from alcohol for months to experience the effects. But some people still face mental health challenges even after they quit drinking. Such mental health complications could be due to co-occurring disorders that require special therapy. One may get therapy through alcohol recovery programs. With improved mental health, one will experience more peace and can focus more on other aspects of their lives hence improving their standards of living.
- Better social life
Alcoholics do not enjoy quality social life due to many legal and financial constraints that they endure regularly. Alcohol is expensive and may end up spending most of the family income on drinking. It will impact on the social life of all family members since some of their needs may not be met. In case one is arrested for driving under the influence, or any other crime they may commit under the influence of alcohol, the family will incur costs in bail, and other legal procedures to secure their release.
People also may experience strained relationships with their spouses or children who are alcoholics. Alcoholics spend little time with the family and this affects relationships. There are many cases of divorce due to alcoholism. Such social problems can be avoided if one quits drinking. For alcoholic students, it may affect their academic progress as well. Teens may destroy their career life if help to quit alcohol is not sought for them early. Parents should be actively involved in their kids’ life for proper guidance to avoid such problems. If help is sought early, most teens and alcohol addicts recover very fast. They can enjoy a better social life, and also advance academically and financially.
One cannot estimate the benefits of quitting alcohol for all individuals. They may differ depending on the level of alcoholism, age, gender, and family history. Existing health conditions of an individual, weight, and their desire to quit also affects the benefits one may get after quitting alcohol.
Anyone can quit drinking anytime, and the beginning of the year is a good time. Whether you have the willpower to do it, or friends and relatives recommend that you do it, it can be done. Professional guidance in quitting alcohol can help you to stop drinking, overcome cravings, and enjoy a better social life even among family and friends who are alcohol addicts. You can also get help on maintaining sobriety without the use of drugs or relapses.
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