11 Things You Won’t Miss When You Quit Drinking
Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in the United States.
This is due in part because it is a legal drug that can be found almost everywhere – including holiday gatherings, networking events, movie theaters, restaurants, and even after hours work events.
And with 55 percent of Americans reporting having consumed alcohol in the past month, it is a widely accepted substance, that many find harmless.
However, this is far from true, and research indicates that the combination of mental health issues, stress, heredity, and social acceptance results in addiction for many Americans, from all walks of life.
In fact, 15 million Americans currently have an Alcohol Use Disorder, which can result in a number of serious consequences, from increased risk of cancer to increased risk of suicide.
But even for those who do not experience such dire outcomes, the downside of drinking alcohol can be serious.
And many men and women find that, after achieving sobriety, their life is greatly improved.
Below are 11 consequences of drinking alcohol that you won’t miss once you become sober, improving your body, mind, and life, in the process.
What are 11 Things You Won’t Miss When You Quit Drinking
Headaches
Headaches are a common aftereffect of drinking alcohol.
For those who are susceptible to migraines, alcohol is a migraine trigger, increasing the likelihood that they will experience these disorienting, and sometimes debilitating headaches.
Even for those who do not experience migraines, alcohol is a diuretic, leading to dehydration, which commonly results in headaches.
Regardless of what kind of alcohol you drink, dodging the uncomfortable post-drink headache will be a relief, once you achieve sobriety.
Hangovers
Hangovers are a common side effect of drinking alcohol.
As a result of impurities in the alcohol, as well as the dehydrating effects of alcoholic drinks, many individuals will experience uncomfortable symptoms after excessive drinking. These include:
- Depression, anxiety and irritability
- Sleeplessness
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Headaches and muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue and weakness
- Excessive thirst and dry mouth
- Dizziness or a sense of the room spinning
- Shakiness
- Inability to concentrate
While often these effects subside within 24 hours, they are certain to go unmissed when you stop drinking.
Blackouts
Blacking out is especially common among those who engage in “binge drinking,” and often occurs when a person’s blood alcohol content reaches 0.15.
Contrary to popular belief, blacking out and passing out are not the same. Instead, blacking out takes place when the brain ceasing to store memories, meaning that the individual has no recollection of the previous events.
And while some people may joke about becoming “blackout drunk,” this is a dangerous condition that places the individual at risk for harm, victimization, and medical issues.
Being Broke
Research suggests that the average American spends over $1,500 a year on alcohol, with binge drinkers spending far more.
That is more than the average monthly rent payment in the U.S, and almost three times more than the average monthly car payment.
Making smarter choices will allow you to have that money back in your pocket, and to have more fun at the same time.
Health Problems
The increased risk of stroke, cirrhosis, heart problems and numerous cancers for regular drinkers are scientifically confirmed, and according to the Centers for Disease Control, alcohol is known to kill roughly 178,000 people every year.
Quitting alcohol will improve your physical and mental health, and reduce your risk of serious illness.
Missing Work
Studies show that individuals with substance use issues miss 50% more work days than their peers.
This has serious consequences for their careers, including lack of promotion, peer judgement, and sometimes job loss. Nobody wants to be known as the unreliable teammate, or to be left out of the best projects in favor of other workers.
Achieving sobriety will allow you to take charge of your career, excel in opportunities that matter to you, and achieving the financial stability you deserve.
High Risk Behavior
Alcohol impairs cognition and reduces inhibition. In small quantities, this may seem to alleviate a bit of social anxiety.
But in larger quantities, this can quickly become dangerous, reducing your ability to make safe decisions, and impairing your ability to give consent – though others may not realize it.
This can result in unwanted sexual activity, unremembered expenses, criminal victimization, car crashes, and even fatal accidents.
Legal Issues
There are a host of legal issues that can result from alcohol consumption, including DUIs, public intoxication citations, and other legal consequences. Studies also show that alcohol is also a factor in up to 50% of domestic violence cases.
Loss of judgement from excessive drinking can pose serious dangers to your legal well-being, and safety.
And that is something you certainly won’t miss once you ditch the drinking.
Embarrassing Photos
Ever wake up to see an embarrassing photo posted online?
Whether the photo was taken among friends, or by a victimizer seeking an intoxicated individual to exploit, embarrassing or sexually suggestive photos can have a serious impact on your mental health, social life, and career.
And while nobody has the right to embarrass you on purpose, sobriety can help you spot some of these issues before they start, and protect your well-being in the process.
Being “That Friend”
Perhaps you have needed a designated driver on several occasions, shown up on a friend’s porch at night, asked them to cover for you at work, needed them to help you find lost belongings, or had them nurse you through a hangover.
After time, this can take a toll on friendships, making those you care about feel used.
Nobody wants to be seen as someone who can’t get their act together, and once you get sober, you won’t have to be “that friend” again.
Drama
Fights, crying, confusing texts, anger, breakups, makeups, and embarrassing scenes – these are all characteristics of an alcohol-fueled, “drama” lifestyle.
And while it may look funny in an episode of The Real Housewives it’s actually exhausting, expensive, and toxic for those you love.
Getting sober will help you communicate better, and will help you attract, and retain, the positive relationships you deserve.
Effects of 11 Things You Won’t Miss When You Quit Drinking
Even moderate drinking can bring with it significant issues, including expense, conflict, and health consequences. And there is really no benefit that you can’t enjoy through another, more positive, means.
While you may encounter some pushback from friends who don’t understand your new, sober lifestyle, the long-term benefits will far outweigh the disadvantages.
Mental Illness and 11 Things You Won’t Miss When You Quit Drinking
Alcohol Use Disorders are usually triggered by an underlying mental illness.
Trying to manage your excessive drinking alone, or to quit drinking “cold turkey” is potentially dangerous, and may result in relapse, alcohol poisoning, or a medical emergency.
And the risks of untreated alcohol addiction can include severe anxiety, depression, heart attack, cancer, stroke, damaged relationships, financial problems and potentially tragic outcomes, such as suicide.
Selecting a qualified treatment center, and getting the help you need, is the first step toward leaving behind an unhealthy life, and beginning the bright future you deserve.
Treatment and 11 Things You Won’t Miss When You Quit Drinking
With care, compassion, and commitment, recovery from alcohol addiction is possible.
The first step in your recovery journey will be medically assisted detoxification, which will help alleviate the physical withdrawal and urges related to alcohol addiction.
Detox is the process of safely removing alcohol from the body, and within our safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment, you may be given medications to help ease the burden of withdrawal symptoms.
Once detox is complete, your body will be free from alcohol and ready to begin physical and psychological healing.
Everyone recovers at their own pace, and just as no two people are identical, each recovery story is unique.
But at Resurgence, you will find the resources you need to thrive, and to write a new, exciting chapter in your life.
Payment Options
At Resurgence Behavior Health, you are a person, not a number.
Resurgence offers personalized payment plans that reflect your unique situation and needs.
And by accepting most PPO insurance and private forms of payment, we help eliminate barriers to recovery.
Our team will even communicate with your insurance provider on your behalf.
Just call our friendly staff at 855-458-0050, and begin your healing today.
How to Get Help
Let Resurgence Behavioral Health help you escape the struggle of alcohol abuse and blackouts.
We understand what you’re going through, and our dedicated treatment team includes addiction specialists, medical professionals, certified addiction counselors and licensed therapists – all committed to your alcohol recovery journey.
Resurgence has locations throughout Orange County, including our gorgeous Fullerton Hills, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, and Huntington Beach facilities – each of which is equipped with the comfort and resources your need.
In addition to our supportive, wellness-focused environments, Resurgence has a variety treatment options to empower you to achieve your goals.
We offer medical alcohol detoxification under the care of an experienced medical team, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 12-Step Programs, residential, outpatient, and partial hospitalization options, and other customized resources to support you on your journey.
Our programs are affordable, flexible, evidence based.
Together, we will help you build the skills and treatment plan required to experience freedom from alcohol addiction and blackouts.
Call Resurgence today and experience the difference.