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The Effects of Alcohol on Overall Health
Alcohol is a common part of social interactions and celebrations, yet its potential adverse effects on both physical and mental well-being are often overlooked. This article delves into how living a sober life can lead to significant improvements in health.
Alcohol is frequently used as a way to cope with stress, but it’s important to understand the potential dangers associated with it. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified alcohol as the third leading risk factor for illness and disability globally, highlighting its harmful impact on health [WHO, 2018].
The Mental Health Benefits of Sobriety
Alleviation of Anxiety and Depression
Alcohol can worsen prevalent mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Embracing sobriety can alleviate these symptoms, promoting emotional stability and mental health. Eliminating alcohol from one’s life may lead to a newfound tranquility and sense of well-being (Sachdeva, A., et al., 2015).
Research suggests that alcohol can hinder the brain’s emotional regulation capabilities. Stopping alcohol consumption may reduce or even eliminate symptoms of anxiety and depression (Lyons, D.C., et al., 2018).
Enhanced Cognitive Function
Alcohol can impair cognitive abilities, making it difficult to think clearly and concentrate. In contrast, sobriety enhances mental clarity and cognitive performance, allowing individuals to tackle tasks and challenges more effectively (Maurage, P., et al., 2017).
When individuals stop drinking, their bodies can remove toxins that impair cognitive functions, simplifying previously difficult tasks.
Better Emotional Control
Alcohol can amplify emotions, making them harder to manage. Sobriety enables individuals to cultivate better emotional regulation and resilience. It allows for more effective emotional control, resulting in greater composure during stressful situations (Koob, G.F., 2013).
Abstaining from alcohol strengthens one’s ability to handle emotions, leading to improved emotional stability and resilience.
Choosing Sobriety for Optimal Health
Adopting a sober lifestyle is a powerful step toward achieving optimal mental and physical health. Quitting alcohol can enhance sleep quality, lower the risk of chronic diseases, improve skin health, ease anxiety and depression, sharpen mental clarity, and bolster emotional stability.
Prioritizing mental and physical health is crucial. If you or someone you know is grappling with alcohol dependency, reaching out to a healthcare professional, rehabilitation center, or support group like Alcoholics Anonymous is vital. Remember, help is available, and a healthier life is within reach.
About the Author
Dara Laine Murray is an engaging writer with a loyal readership on Medium. She focuses on the intersection of sobriety and statistics, exploring the transformative effects of a sober lifestyle while supporting her insights with data.
In addition to her writing, Dara serves as the Director of Research at a nonprofit organization, applying her expertise to create a positive impact in the nonprofit realm. Her varied experiences provide her with a distinct perspective, merging personal narratives with data-driven insights in her articles.
Dara is also an editor at Modern Sobriety, collaborating with other writers to share compelling stories that resonate within the sobriety community.
Her work reflects a dedication to enhancing lives through sobriety and rigorous statistical analysis, establishing her as a significant voice in wellness and personal development.
Explore More on Medium by Dara Laine Murray:
- Your First Year of Sobriety: Positive Physical and Mental Health Changes and Challenges
- Quitting Alcohol at Home: Can You Successfully Detox by Weaning Off?
- Mindful Drinking Is About Finding Balance (And It Might Just Save You)
- Strategies for Sobriety: My Journey to Quitting Drinking
- Unmasking the Poisoned Chalice: Sobriety, Autonomy, and the Subtle Gendered Influence of Alcohol Marketing
References
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Global status report on alcohol and health 2018. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565639
- Wiese, J.G., Shlipak, M.G., & Browner, W.S. (2000). The Alcohol Hangover. Annals of Internal Medicine, 132(11), 897–902.
- Walker, M.P. (2017). Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Simon & Schuster.
- Rehm, J., Hasan, O.S.M., & Imtiaz, S. (2017). Quantifying the contribution of alcohol to cardiomyopathy: A systematic review. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 52(4), 456–465.
- Seitz, H.K., Bataller, R., Cortez-Pinto, H., & Gao, B. (2018). Alcoholic liver disease. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 4(1), 16.
- Smith, R.N., Braue, A., & Varigos, G.A. (2003). The effect of a low glycemic diet on acne vulgaris and the fatty acid composition of skin surface triglycerides. Journal of Dermatological Science, 31(1), 25–30.
- Sachdeva, A., Chandra, M., & Choudhary, M. (2015). Alcohol-induced psychotic disorder: A case report. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 9(1), VD01-VD02.
- Lyons, D.C., Friedman, A.K., & Nader, M.A. (2018). The role of the orbitofrontal cortex in alcohol use, abuse, and dependence. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 87(Pt A), 85–107.
- Maurage, P., Joassin, F., Speth, A., Modave, J., Philippot, P., & Campanella, S. (2017). Cerebral effects of binge drinking: Respective influences of global alcohol intake and consumption pattern. Clinical Neurophysiology, 128(5), 903–919.
- Koob, G.F. (2013). Negative reinforcement in drug addiction: the darkness within. Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 23(4), 559–563.