Breaking Free from Alcohol: The Surprising Health Benefits of Sobriety
Apart from harming the detoxifying function of the liver, consuming alcohol can also have negative effects on other functions of the body. Therefore, quitting alcohol is beneficial for health. Experts have explained the remarkable changes that occur in both body and mind after a month of sobriety.
According to a report by the Huffington Post, quitting alcohol abruptly without proper supervision can potentially harm the body, leading to conditions like alcohol withdrawal syndrome, especially if one has a habit of heavy drinking. However, if you typically consume alcohol moderately and without excess, long-term abstinence can be advantageous.
Several experts have shared the benefits that temporary sobriety can bring to both body and mind.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States categorize alcohol as a carcinogen; drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing various types of cancer, such as oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, esophageal, colorectal, liver, and breast cancer.
From a scientific standpoint, when people consume alcohol, the body breaks it down into a chemical substance known as acetaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen.
Lawrence Weinstein, Chief Medical Officer of the American Addiction Centers, stated that long-term abstinence reduces the risk of cancer since the body is not exposed to this toxin.
Alcohol dehydrates the body and skin, giving the skin a dull and gray appearance. It can also lead to acne as it alters hormone levels. Therefore, quitting alcohol can lead to an immediate improvement in skin clarity.
Corey Weber, manager of an addiction treatment center in Texas, pointed out that after quitting alcohol, the color of the skin and face usually returns to normal, and elasticity improves. The yellow, red, or gray tones around the eyes or face decrease with sobriety, and inflammation in the body diminishes. Even temporary sobriety can make the skin appear fresher and more vibrant.
Long-term or excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt sleep quality, causing individuals to wake up during the night or feel uncomfortable. Weber mentioned that quitting alcohol often restores normal sleep patterns and quality.
If you typically have a habit of drinking a little alcohol before bedtime, after quitting alcohol, you can switch to drinking hot tea or milk as an alternative. Generally, sleep improves with sobriety, leading to better mood and quality of life.
Psychiatrist Bruce Bassi stated that quitting alcohol, even temporarily, can improve the function of organs such as the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and digestive system.
He explained, “Alcohol affects the absorption and utilization of vitamins and nutrients; quitting alcohol allows your body to effectively utilize them again.”
Alcohol impacts the cerebral cortex (responsible for judgment and reasoning) and cerebellum (responsible for balance and coordination) in the brain, so temporary sobriety can also induce changes in the psychological and nervous systems.
Weber added, “Quitting alcohol for a few months can enhance memory and cognitive abilities. Additionally, it can lead to partial improvements in brain structure, enhancing memory or cognitive functions such as problem-solving, attention span, and rational thinking.”
Temporary sobriety may help alleviate any mental health complications. This is because alcohol can exacerbate or cause symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other conditions. Research indicates that anxiety worsens after drinking alcohol but improves after quitting.
Alcohol acts as a depressant, disrupting neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin responsible for positive emotions.
Bassi mentioned that withdrawal symptoms may occur after quitting alcohol; some acute symptoms like difficulty concentrating, irritability, fatigue, lack of motivation, anxiety, and mood swings can make sobriety challenging, leading individuals to return to drinking.
For long-term heavy drinkers, withdrawal symptoms can be severe, including seizures and confusion. If you feel unwell or unable to quit alcohol alone, seek assistance from a doctor or treatment facility.
However, withdrawal symptoms should not be a reason to continue drinking. Overall, whether temporary or long-term, sobriety can have positive effects on both the body and brain.