But I refused to believe that it just didn’t work and did everything to avoid the inevitable. Now, I can accept the relationship for what it was and know that divorce was the right decision. I began working with sober women to figure out why I drank in the first place.
Improved Quality of Life
Another way of defining sobriety is to say that it is the natural state of a human being. This means that a person’s behavior and thoughts are not governed or influenced by intoxicants, like drugs or alcohol. Hanging out with friends sobriety sucks who drink alcohol in large quantities can increase the likelihood that you will feel pressured to drink as well. Consider taking a break from friends who might, whether they mean to or not, make you feel pressured to drink socially.
Emotional Wellness
In turn, I developed an understanding that sobriety is so much more than just not drinking. I couldn’t do everyday things, like folding laundry, without a drink by my side. I was on the verge of being fired, my husband was fed up, and my kids kept their distance. One of the unexpected benefits of giving up alcohol is that you may find yourself more productive than before. This is because alcohol can cause fatigue and decreased motivation, so when you stop drinking, you may find it easier to get things done. One of the surprising side effects of giving up alcohol is that your skin may start to look better.
Jessica Biel seen for the first time since husband Justin Timberlake’s DWI arrest in the Hamptons
Throughout my many years of working with patients, I’ve noticed clear patterns in the areas of their lives that change for the better as they cut back or cut off alcohol. It feels like my own personal gift to witness their health and perspectives transform. This is no accident; medical studies can also affirm that when folks change their drinking habits, they change their lives. If you find it difficult to make new, sober friends, try joining a support group. Spending more time with supportive loved ones and planning activities for the entire family can also help you develop a healthier lifestyle and avoid situations in which you would normally drink or use drugs.
Most reputable alcohol recovery programs address co-occurring disorders. In the past, I thought boundaries would make me cold, less likable, a bitch. In sobriety, I know https://ecosoberhouse.com/ that setting a boundary is an act of love, allowing space for healthy relationships, better focus on the things that matter, and continued love for certain individuals.
Can cutting out alcohol bring about health benefits?
Over time, you’ll also reap the benefits of improved sleep, such as improved vitality, less sore muscles, and a calmer attitude. Some people who don’t drink alcohol have made a conscious decision to eliminate alcohol from their lives, sometimes through the help of a 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Whether it’s to improve your physical health or state of mind, it can be beneficial to explore the role alcohol plays in your life.
- These days I do not “really” have more money because I quit my job and added another human to our family.
- Some states have already taken steps in this direction through mandatory all-offender ignition interlock laws, but uniformity is needed across the country.
- For those who are ready to embark on the positive journey of discovering sober benefits, recovery is possible.
- Such symptoms are often related to mood and may include irritability, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and fatigue.
- It’s nice not to have that weekly reminder of how much you were drinking or to worry about the noise they make.
- If you look out a longer time, people who drink are six times more likely to have a cardiovascular event within a week compared to people who don’t drink.
