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And because alcohol causes dehydration, one of the benefits of being teetotal is a healthier and more youthful complexion. Heavy drinking can actually cause the part of the brain that’s critical to memory and learning (hippocampus), to shrink. For example, research shows that people will see their benefits of living alcohol free stress levels, relationships, work performance, and self-confidence get better when they get sober. According to Volpicelli, the cognitive changes people can have from drinking—like memory trouble, slowed reaction time, difficulty controlling behavior, and poor concentration—get worse over time.
You know, I have clients, sometimes he’ll say to me, Oh, I really want to stop drinking. And I’m going vegan, I’m trying really hard to be vegan, and I’m taking up exercise, and I’ve gone sugar free. And I’m also trying to be kind of raw at the moment. And like just enough already, this is the most important thing you’ll ever do. It’s not, it is way more important than not saying those things don’t matter, though. Janey wasn’t alone in not being aware of the negative impacts of alcohol on your health.
What is sober curious?
Brain functioning rebounds as the depressive effects of alcohol diminish. Concentration, learning, and memory sharpen without alcohol interfering with cognitive processes. Most of us realize that alcohol is heavily woven into modern culture, but going alcohol-free is going to increase your awareness of the direct and indirect social pressures to drink. You’ll start noticing how many alcohol references you see throughout your day, and it will probably be annoying at times.
According to the NIAAA, more than 70% of Americans aged 18 and older report having drank in the past year and 56% have consumed alcohol in the past month. The definition of a “standard” alcoholic drink depends on the alcohol content of the beverage. In the US, the NIAAA consider one alcoholic drink to be 5 oz of wine, 12 oz of beer or 1.5 oz of spirits. I will leave you with this, ask yourself what alcohol provides to you in your life that is positive and makes you feel alive as you age.
How Do You Know if You’re in Perimenopause?
Alcohol affects the brain’s serotonin levels, which can lead to depression. Alcoholics are also more likely than non-alcoholics to have mental health issues because of the symptoms that alcohol exacerbates. Thank you for listening to this episode of The Hello Someday Podcast.
- When you go without alcohol for an extended period of time – whether it’s six weeks, or two months, or whatever – you’ll likely end up in some social situations where you’d normally drink.
- Being sober enough to put your PJs on might not sound like a big deal, but it sure feels good in the morning.
- I heard an ad on the radio, just today actually linked to the whole dry January thing.
- A person with diabetes is likely to have an HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher.
- There are also mental health issues linked to frequent alcohol consumption, which include mood swings, disrupted sleep patterns, irritability and depression.
American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information. We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. After a separation, your employer will inform you of your eligibility to maintain https://ecosoberhouse.com/ your insurance through COBRA and you’ll have 60 days to decide if you’d like to participate. However, your insurance will cost more than you previously paid as you’ll now be paying for the total premium instead of sharing the cost with your employer plus a 2% administrative fee.
What to know before you quit drinking.
A person with diabetes should discuss with their doctor any effects that alcohol may have on their condition or medications. Alcohol may offer protective effects for certain body systems and may reduce the risk of developing some health conditions, including the following. Moderate alcohol consumption has some potential benefits for the body, but these do not outweigh the risks of alcohol consumption. What’s more, prolonged alcohol misuse can cause changes in the homeostasis of your brain for weeks, months, even years!
It’s, she says, anxiety is almost always linked to overwhelm. So, Janie, when I read that I was just totally Fan Girling – dim and distant past. And it’s always quite interesting, because, you know, the producer will often ring me and say, will you contribute to this piece?
Alcohol: does it really offer health benefits?
More research is necessary to explore any further associations across bigger samples and longer time periods. A 2018 animal study found that resveratrol had protective effects on cardiovascular function in diabetic rats. Meanwhile, 54.9% of people reported that they had consumed alcohol in the past month.
The biggest surprise most people find when they begin exploring life without booze is the mindset around it. Sobriety can lead to better physical health, enhanced mental clarity, improved relationships, and a greater ability to enjoy life’s moments fully. Taking time to focus on your health and well-being without alcohol is an investment that pays dividends across all areas of life. Listening and supporting each other’s growth cements strong foundations.