The regular consumption of alcohol has a massive impact on the human body. It is widely known that alcohol is the root cause of over 60 medical conditions, including addiction and early death.
The benefits of quitting alcohol include:
Improved mental capacity
Improved memory
Better mobility and balance
Weight loss
Better nighttime sleep
Better vision
No more headaches and vomiting due to hangover
A healthier liver
Fewer chances to develop cancer
Better kidney functions
Lowers the blood sugar
Improves the skin’s elasticity
Effective anti-ageing results
Stops hair loss
A healthier, intimate relationship
Reducing the level of cholesterol
Reduces the risk of heart-related illnesses
Improves the immune system
The cells can regenerate to heal the body faster
Improved mental health – anxiety and depression
Establishes positive social relationships
Improved family life
Better anger management
Higher levels of energy
Stops a person from doing ridiculous things
Saves a lot of money
It saves your life!
Alcohol is sold everywhere, and glamorous magazines include images of celebrities enjoying alcohol nearly everywhere: in their homes, in bars or restaurants, on the beach, in the hairstylists or whilst waiting for the next beauty treatment. Young people are exposed to these images, and alcohol seems trendy, so they will start drinking earlier than in their 18’s.
Alcohol can be enjoyed moderately when celebrating something special or trying to unwind. However, scientists agree that alcohol doesn’t actually bring any benefits to the body, on top of it piling a huge amount of unnecessary calories, increasing the risk of obesity.
How to stop drinking alcohol
To stop drinking alcohol, discuss it with a person close to you. You will realize that people are open and supportive and can help you devise a plan on how to deal with this issue.
Stopping from drinking alcohol doesn’t need to be gloomy, and it certainly shouldn’t make you feel ashamed of yourself. Your family and friends will be there for you, and you will be surprised at how much effort they will put into supporting you in your lowest moments.
Buy a small notepad and keep a diary. Then you can start with these small steps:
Leave that glass of wine for later (maybe tomorrow or as a treat at the end of the week).
Start by adding drink-free days to your calendar and stick to them
When you want a liquid treat, choose a fruit juice, smoothie, or an antioxidant drink.
Swap alcoholic cocktails for mocktails
Change your habits when going out with your friends by choosing a low-level alcoholic drink that lasts for hours and continue with a juice or tonic water.
Avoid buying alcohol on your weekly shopping trip.
Count your money, leaving out the amount you would normally spend buying alcohol. Put these in a money box and count them at the end of the month to see how much you saved.
Have people around you who encourage you not to drink.
Remain positive and discuss your mental health with someone supportive.
Take on a hobby or a sport.
Focus your energy on something positive like gardening, colouring or reading.
Volunteer in your community.
Adopt or buy a pet
Spend lots of time outdoors.
Try meditation and breathing exercises to help relieve stress
Use an app to track your alcohol consumption
Ask someone for advice – it can be from someone you know, a pharmacist, or your doctor.
If you have a moment of weakness, don’t be too hard on yourself. Mistakes are part of being human, and they are the best way to learn new lessons. Rather than giving up on the good work you have built so far, continue with your drink-free days. Talk with family or friends and find ways to prevent further accidents.
Alcohol addiction treatment
When alcohol addiction is deepening, people will find it really difficult to cope with changes in their drinking routine. This is the time when the best option to quit alcohol is by undergoing an alcohol addiction treatment.
The duration of treatment and the methods used depend on how deep the addiction is and how long this has been happening during your life.
The treatment can consist of counselling sessions, joining alcohol misuse groups, sharing tips on how to quit alcohol, and keeping a diary on how many drinks you have over a certain period of time. Your doctor will discuss all of this with you and will suggest further appointments to touch base and see where you are heading.
The doctor might suggest starting by drinking moderately and gradually giving up alcohol. Abstinence will be recommended, especially if there are immediate health risks that put your life and the lives of others in danger.
To cope with the detox phase and the withdrawal symptoms, you might receive medication.
When the addiction is strong, and these steps can’t be taken, people can opt to be put into alcohol rehab centres. A lot of times, families will have to take this drastic measure to save their loved ones before it’s too late.
Private alcohol rehab centres
The private alcohol rehab centres work with diverse methods to stop addiction, placing an important accent on mental well-being through holistic approaches.
These centers have highly skilled, well-paid staff who will ensure that each patient is cared for and that the right steps are followed for faster healing.
A private rehab centre can offer a lot of advantages:
Personalized programs with dedicated members of staff
Yoga classes and sports facilities
Dietary counselling
SPA, massage, and sauna
Private rooms
Centres set in beautiful locations
Privacy
Personalized plan to prevent alcohol relapse
Making the decision to reduce and completely give up alcohol may well be the best decision you take in your life. The health benefits of quitting alcohol are numerous, and it is totally worth trying to change your lifestyle. Your body, your mind and your loved ones will thank you for your decision.
