The Benefits of Being Sober
Overcoming an addiction to alcohol and other substances is not an easy feat. Substances such as opioids, benzos, stimulants and alcohol can have a significant impact on both the physical body and emotional psyche. It can influence many aspects of your life negatively. Alcohol is the only socially acceptable mind-altering substance worldwide. It is often found at parties, get-togethers, during meals, holidays and just a part of daily life. This makes accessibility to this drug easy and not often seen as a negative factor.
Alcohol impacts brain chemicals called excitatory neurotransmitters that can stop functioning when you drink to make you feel sleepy, calm and sedated. Alcohol can also trigger the release of neurochemicals called endorphins. These endorphins raise the levels of the “feel good” hormone called dopamine in the brain. This feeling of sedation and euphoria often leads people to abuse alcohol as they try to achieve these effects. Once you have built up a tolerance, dependence and addiction to alcohol, it can be very difficult to stop.
Once you enter into recovery, sobriety can also be a difficult phase to maintain. Early sobriety can be daunting as your body and mind are going through more changes as it tries to rebalance and find a new normal. However, there are many benefits of being sober from alcohol and living a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Physical Benefits of Being Sober
- Weight loss and weight management. Alcohol can slow down your metabolism and alcoholic drinks are often loaded with sugar and empty calories. Binge drinking also leads to consuming large amounts of caloric drinks in a day. Drinking too much can also decrease the likelihood that you will continue regular exercise and physical activity. All of these factors can cause increased weight gain. When you become sober and cut out alcohol, you will be able to better manage your weight and even lose unhealthy weight.
- Improved nutrition. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can make it very difficult to stay healthy. Those who abuse alcohol are more likely to drink instead of having a nutritious meal, so they are not getting enough vitamins, minerals or nutrients the body needs in order to function properly. Alcohol can also affect digestion and the way the body stores food leading to a person becoming malnourished. When alcohol is finally removed, clients will turn to eating more normally and receiving the needed nutrition in order to maintain overall health.
- Improved immunity. Alcohol significantly impacts the immune system by making it weaker and unable to fight off infections, bacteria and other viruses. Alcohol abuse reduces the immune system’s ability to produce enough white blood cells to fight off germs and diseases. When you become sober and quit drinking, your body’s immune system will go back to normal, you will get sick less often and you will be able to recover more easily.
- Better skin. Drinking can cause broken capillaries on the face and nose. Drinking also causes dehydration, reduction of collagen production and inflammation, which can also manifest on the face. Going sober can improve skin elasticity, firmness and hydration for more radiant-looking skin. Signs of redness and discoloration on the face will also begin to fade away.
- Lower cancer risk. Numerous studies and research have proven the link between certain types of cancer and alcohol abuse. According to the CDC, the more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk of developing cancers such as breast cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer and throat cancer. Sobriety reduces the risk of developing a possibly deadly cancer.
- Improved cardiovascular health. Those who drink alcohol excessively are twice as likely to have cardiovascular issues. A 2021 study found that alcohol abuse, regardless of how much was consumed, contributes to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, heart attack and stroke. Eliminating alcohol can significantly reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease including a lowered blood pressure. You will also have less chance of developing cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias.
- Improved liver and kidney function. The liver and kidneys are two other organs that are impacted in the processing of alcohol. When they have to work overtime to process excessive amounts of alcohol, it can cause a toxic build in the organs. This leads to damage such as fatty liver disease or liver cirrhosis. When you stop drinking alcohol, these organs will be able to heal and resume their normal functions in the body.
- More energy. Alcohol abuse often causes feelings of sedation and can even cause sleep disturbances such as insomnia. Once alcohol is eliminated, you will get better sleep and have more energy. Your hormones will balance and your body will be able to restore itself.
- Healthier brain. Alcohol abuse has a major effect on brain health. In extreme cases, it can alter the brain chemistry and damage some of the vital functions of the brain. Alcohol disrupts brain communication pathways and can change the way the brain looks and works. Once alcohol use has stopped, the brain will be able to heal and there is less of a chance of developing wet brain syndrome.
Mental Health Benefits of Being Sober
- Healthy boundaries. You will learn that setting healthy boundaries is an act of love and respect for yourself and the people around you. You will allow a space of healthy relationships to grow and focus on things that matter most to you.
- Less brain fog. Often times drinking alcohol is used as a form of self-medication so that users who aren’t ready to deal with their mental health issues, do not have to. They use it to dull out or numb the sensations. Once alcohol use has stopped, sobriety can help improve mental clarity and sharpness.
- You can begin to acknowledge that past traumas were not your fault and they were out of your control. This will also help you move forward in the healing process.
- You will learn how to have fun without drugs and alcohol. You can pick up new hobbies, find new sober friends and a support system, and engage in new and meaningful activities.
- Your brain will be able to heal cognitive functions such as problem-solving, memory retention and the ability to focus and give attention. Cognitive improvements can be seen 2-4 weeks after you stop drinking or doing drugs.
- Improved anxiety and depression. Sobriety can help stabilize your mental health and provide a more positive outlook on life.
- You learn how to better and effectively manage your cravings and triggers.
- Save money. Having an alcohol addiction means spending time and money of getting alcohol, drinking alcohol and recovering from drinking alcohol. In sobriety, you are no longer financially burdened by the substance and can use it to fuel healthier options.
- Sobriety can help increase your self-awareness and increase your self-confidence and self-esteem.
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Ways to help you maintain your Sobriety
- Find a new hobby or activity to participate in
- Spend more time in nature: hiking, walking, camping
- Find a support group and make friends with peers who have experienced similar life events and changes as you have
- Self-care through meditation and practicing mindfulness
- Set meaningful goals: these can be personal or professional goals
- Get involved in your community and volunteer your time to help others
- Take care of your health by maintaining nutrition and a healthy diet
- Continue with individual or group therapy sessions as maintenance for your mental health
- Create a plan for when you might be put into a situation that can trigger feelings associated with your addiction
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Do you need Alcohol Addiction treatment?
Alcohol addiction can be a difficult disease to overcome. Luckily behavioral health treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea, specialize in treating those who have mild, moderate and severe alcohol use disorders. We provide all levels of care including alcohol detox, residential treatment, PHP and IOP. In addition, we utilize evidence-based treatment methods such as CBT, DBT, group therapy and family therapy. The alcohol addiction treatment program at Hotel California by the Sea provides the tools, resources and support necessary for our clients to successfully navigate a life in recovery and sobriety.
References:
https://www.businessinsider.com/sobriety-benefits-sober-alcohol-drinking-2024-1
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-alcohol-recovery-67761
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/12/27/dry-january-health-benefits
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body
https://www.vogue.com/article/what-happens-when-you-stop-drinking
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/addiction/overcoming-drug-addiction
https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/recovery/physical-benefits-sobriety