Millions of Americans drink alcohol on a regular basis. Most do it in moderation, while others practice unhealthy habits like binging. Most people assume they aren’t dependent on alcohol for anything, but take it away and they get angry, agitated, or hurt.
Regardless of whether or not you think you have an alcohol “problem” or addiction, removing it from your lifestyle could lead to greater health and happiness.
Alcohol Has Power
“Not all alcoholics develop a physical dependency, but heavy drinkers are at much higher risk of becoming physically dependent on alcohol, especially when drinking occurs on a daily basis,” Leah Miller, MA, writes for Rehabs.com. “This occurs when the body becomes so accustomed to consistently receiving certain levels of alcohol that its new balance is upset in absence of continued drinking, often resulting in subjectively unpleasant if not physically dangerous consequences.”
The dependency that alcohol often commands is just one example of the power it has over people. As most people know, alcohol has the ability to make people do things they otherwise wouldn’t. It lowers your inhibitions and makes you more likely to do dangerous things, make hurtful comments, or even become the victim or perpetrator of some form of abuse.
Alcohol, while not necessarily an evil substance, has immense physical, emotional, and relational power over a person. And while there’s nothing wrong with an occasional drink with friends, it’s possible that a life of sobriety could make you feel much better.
3 Reasons to Get Sober
Sobriety is sort of taboo in today’s culture, but you’ll find that it comes with a number of benefits. Here are a few specific reasons why you should give it a try:
1. Live a Life of Authenticity
For best-selling author Gabby Bernstein, one of the greatest benefits of sobriety is that it allows her to choose consciousness. “I’m not trying to be out of myself — I’m choosing to be more in myself,” she explains. “Choosing to live in this consciousness has created a beautiful life that has given me a greater sense of awareness of the truth of who I am, and a greater sense of authenticity.”
2. Forces You to Confront Problems
Whether you realize it or not, alcohol allows you to escape your problems – or at least dull them. When you get sober, you have no choice but to deal with these issues, which ultimately leads to a more carefree lifestyle with fewer looming problems.
3. Offers Amazing Health Benefits
While most people talk about the mental health and relational benefits of sobriety, there are lots of physical health benefits associated with a life free from alcohol.
For one, you’re most likely going to lose weight. (Alcohol slows down your metabolism and inhibits your ability to quickly break down fats and sugar.) When you stop drinking, you’ll notice improvements in this area, which are usually noticeable around the waistline. Other benefits include better quality sleep, superior hydration, clearer skin, and lower risk of heart disease.
Enjoy a Life of Sobriety
It doesn’t have to be some dramatic situation where you open up your liquor cabinet and pour all of the alcohol down the drain – most people don’t need such a defining moment. Choosing to live a sober lifestyle is something most people – meaning those who don’t suffer from serious addictions – can just choose to do.
There will be moments where it’s tough, but for the most part, you’ll enjoy the happiness and health that comes with a life free of alcohol. Are you ready to reinvent yourself?
My name is Jessica and I am an independent journalist, freelance blogger, and technology junkie with a passion for music, arts, and the outdoors. One of my greatest passions and joy is assisting communities and business owners. My utmost desire is to help people and business owners to succeed and prosper in their personal and business affairs. I share, comment, write and edit popular news stories.