Benefits of Sobriety: Living a Sober Life

Plus, having the energy to get things done or just chill and enjoy the morning quiet. Mornings just become a whole lot better without the fog of last night’s drinks hanging over you. Sobriety turns mornings from something you dread into parts of the day you can actually look forward to.

What Alcohol Does to Your Body

If you or someone you know drinks alcohol, it is important to bring intention to the quantity that you consume, with knowledge of what is considered heavy or risky alcohol use. In severe cases of withdrawal when symptoms are not treated, a person may experience generalized tonic-clonic seizures, delirium tremens, and even death. “[The bottom line] is, protect the heart with [a] low amount of alcohol, but increase the risk of cardiovascular disease with high amount of alcohol,” Dasgupta said. It’s pretty nice to actually enjoy your coffee and not use it as a lifeline.

What Happens When You Stop Drinking Alcohol?

Even if you know that there are benefits to quitting alcohol, it does not mean that it’s easy to stop drinking—especially if you’ve been misusing alcohol for a long time. Why being sober is better not only includes the physical and emotional benefits but also the reasons to stay sober profound sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with maintaining sobriety. This can boost your self-esteem and confidence, which are essential for a fulfilling life. A life in recovery gives you the unique opportunity to develop healthy coping mechanisms.

• Further, if you’re caught drinking and driving, you may be charged with a DUI which can result in additional financial burdens.
• According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.2 million U.S. adults had both mental health disorders and a substance use disorder in 2018, yet nearly 60% did not get treatment.
• Whenever you suffer from addiction, you’re willing to spend every last penny that you have on alcohol or drugs.
• That’s why it’s so important to get the proper amount of sleep each night.
• After 24 hours without alcohol, your body will start to detoxify and you may experience withdrawal symptoms.

For feeling great in your own skin

People in recovery generally agree that abstinence is necessary but remains just a starting point for a new, sober life. If you find it difficult to make new, sober friends, try joining a support group. Abstaining from alcohol can dramatically enhance your physical health.

Six months of commitment takes a lot of resilience, mindfulness, and support. “While for some people these structural changes are not reversible, most people are able to show less shrinkage in one to three months with alcohol abstinence,” says Volpicelli. If you’ve stopped drinking and still can’t sleep, talk to your provider. There are many things that can affect your sleep—physically and mentally. But there are also things you can do to cope and improve your sleep.

Leaving alcohol out of your daily life also contributes to your overall cardiovascular health, and reduces your risk of heart disease. And if that wasn’t enough reason to hit the ground running toward sobriety, enhanced lung function and a decrease in respiratory issues might be. In short, not drinking alcohol greatly contributes to happier, healthier organs and body systems. As Mercury slows down for its U-turn out of retrograde, a change of approach in your career and public sphere is ready to be actioned. This may be as simple as a creative tweak or an overhaul, or it might involve hiring a speech and presentation coach if you’re in the public eye. Reflect on the last three weeks for realizations about using your authentic voice and creative ideas.

Other benefits of not drinking alcohol

When all is said and done, a first-time DUI offense could potentially cost you anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000. However, most people do not think about the impact of alcohol use on their financial well-being. One area where heavy alcohol use can impact you is related to your job. As we stroll further into Virgo season, this is the perfect time to pack away some summer items and prepare for changeable temperatures. Virgo is all about being organized and ahead of the game, with a run sheet and a light cardigan just in case. Mercury is hot to go as it finishes its retrograde in fiery Leo on Wednesday.

Addiction can lead to poor work performance, absenteeism, and even job loss. It can also lead to financial problems, as individuals may prioritize substance use over other expenses such as rent, bills, and food. Individuals can rebuild their careers and finances by getting sober and improving their overall financial stability. Right now, your brain may be saying, “being sober is boring,” but we guarantee that the benefits of a sober life are worth the effort. In the past, I thought boundaries would make me cold, less likable, a bitch. In sobriety, I know that setting a boundary is an act of love, allowing space for healthy relationships, better focus on the things that matter, and continued love for certain individuals.