Choosing to say no to drugs is the first step towards a more rewarding life of joy. Shifting one’s mindset is essential as it allows for a fresh start of a journey that can be full of fun, as well as excellent physical and mental health. Whether you’re going alcohol-free temporarily or as part of addiction recovery, social support can be a critical aspect of sticking with it. Mutual support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can be helpful, but some people don’t find the 12-step approach compatible with their beliefs and needs. So take some time to familiarize yourself with other types of support; the pandemic has led to the rise of virtual options that increase accessibility beyond what you can access in person.
When you’re using drugs or alcohol, you can feel like you’re skating through life, but never really feeling or being in any of the moments. Living a drug-free life or an alcohol-free life means not only that you can be present, but that you’ll remember everything in your life in a clear-headed way. Choosing a drug-free lifestyle can bring long-term physical health benefits, enhance meaningful relationships and create a sense of happiness and satisfaction. To skyrocket your life satisfaction, focus on building meaningful relationships, pursuing meaningful work, taking care of your physical and mental health, and living according to your values. Giving up drugs and alcohol can be a challenge for someone with addiction because of denial, fear, or the desire for joy in everyday life.
You’ll save money.
Children may no longer be able to rely on the adult with AUD, which can place undue pressures on them. They might also be at risk for other forms of physical and emotional violence. Intoxication can also present other unpredictable events, including physical dangers. When under the influence, your loved one may become angry and lash out. They likely don’t even realize they’re behaving this way, and they may not remember once the effects of the alcohol wear off.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies this as drinking five or more drinks on one occasion for men and drinking four or more drinks on one occasion for women. According to SAMHSA, in 2019, 25.8% of adults over age 18 reported that they had consumed alcohol excessively in the past month. While the 2020 review suggests that consuming small amounts of alcohol may carry some benefit, consuming large amounts, even occasionally, remains detrimental.
Your blood pressure will drop
Get treatment now for your drug and alcohol addiction and avoid arrest, incarceration and the nightmare of DUI on your conscience. If the thought of jail time doesn’t scare you, let the ramifications of DUI accidents sink into your consciousness. Not only is benefits of living an alcohol and drug free lifestyle your life in danger, but the lives of others around you. For instance, alcohol abuse can cause digestive problems, liver damage, and multiple types of cancer. Similarly, stimulant drugs increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
On its own, alcohol is high in sugar and empty calories, and when you add mixers, you’re likely to substantially increase your calorie intake. Cutting back on drinking is a good first step, since discontinuing drinking all at once will likely boomerang. Gradual reduction in drinking is good when someone’s giving serious thought to what is the sober curious movement and adopting this new sobriety.