Too many people don’t want to give up drinking alcohol because they think that life will be no fun. The reality is that life is far more enjoyable, productive, and wonderful when you aren’t constantly looking for your next drink. Not only will you have more money to do things that are actually fun, but you’ll also find that people enjoy being around you far more often than they did when all you did was drink. Life is better when you’re sober, so if you've ever been tempted to give up drinking, here are some of the benefits.
Better Health
In the United States, alcohol is one of the most common drugs used and it’s also one of the most acceptable. But drinking frequently can have negative impacts on your overall health including liver health and gastrointestinal health. Quitting will help you have better health in many ways.
Better Sleep
Sleep is one of those things that you wish you had more of, yet many adults struggle to create habits that promote better rest. When you quit drinking alcohol, you may find that you sleep more deeply and wake up more refreshed.
Better Nutrition
When your stomach is filled with alcohol, it’s not filled with much else. Letting go of drinking helps you to prioritize nutrients and foods that will improve your health. This can impact everything from your skin appearance to your digestive health. Some people end up needing Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in order to detox from alcohol in order to heal their digestive system to better absorb nutrients.
Less Stress
People who drink often are regularly stressed. They spend their time thinking about when they can drink again, and this can even lead to mental health problems. The stressors of life get overwhelming which is often one of the reasons people turn to alcohol in the first place.
More Exercise
People who don’t drink tend to exercise more. This is in part because they have more time when they feel good enough to do physical activity. But also, exercise gives them a little bit of a dopamine rush which helps them feel good.
More Money in Your Pocket
Think about the last time you bought alcohol. How much money did you spend? It’s easy to drop $100s on drinks for yourself or your friends without even realizing it. Saying goodbye to drinking will put more money in your pocket so you can spend it on more exciting things or save up for a rainy day.
You Can Always Drive
The benefits of being sober include not having to worry about driving while intoxicated. You can always drive yourself home after dinner, after you go to a party, or after you spend the night on the town with friends. There are many ways you can be arrested for drinking and driving, plus the danger it poses to yourself and others is never worth the risk. Staying sober means that you can always drive yourself.
You’ll Have More Free Time
If you’re a regular drinker, there are probably some days when the hungover regret of your previous night out keeps you indoors. There are other days when you have to sleep off drinking and can’t go anywhere. You’ll have a lot more free time when your days are not consumed by drinking alcohol and then recovering from the effects of it.
Improved Memory
One of the most common benefits of being sober is improved memory. Alcohol can impair your ability to form new memories, and it also impairs your ability to recall old ones. Plus, if you’ve ever had enough alcohol, you know that it can even impact your ability to form short-term memories. Even after you sober up, the effects can linger.
Fewer Distractions
There are so many benefits to being sober, but one of the biggest is that it helps you focus on what's important to you. With fewer distractions and hangovers, sobriety allows you to accomplish more with your life in a short amount of time.
Improved Mental Health
It's a common misconception that sobriety is just about getting sober. Sobriety is also about staying sober. As you learn to live in recovery, your mental health will improve, as well. For many people with addiction, their mental health has been damaged by drugs and alcohol for a long time.
As you can see, there is a multitude of ways that being sober makes your life better. Can you think of one that you would appreciate the most?
