It’s important to understand that cravings and setbacks are part of the process and they don’t mean that you’re unable to be alcohol-free. They just mean that alcohol had a bigger role in https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcoholism-statistics-you-need-to-know/ your life than you may have noticed. The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey.
Is an alcohol-free lifestyle right for you?
Most alcoholic beverages are high in calories, and many are also mixed with juice or other liquids that are loaded with sugar. Over time, drinking alcohol can cause you to gain weight because your body processes the alcohol before other nutrients. The unused nutrients, such as sugar, are converted to fat and stored in your body. Alcohol can also stimulate your appetite, causing you to eat more than you normally would. Reducing the amount of alcohol you consume can help you to make better food choices and eliminate unnecessary calories and sugars from your diet.
Physical Health Benefits
- Alcohol affects our pleasure center in a different way than all of the other experiences available to induce natural joy and pleasure.
- Herbal teas offer warmth and comfort, sparkling water with a slice of lime can be refreshing, and mocktails, with their myriad flavors, can be a tasty treat.
- Check out our blog posts and resource links for the latest information on substance abuse.
- You know, I love those news articles that said, the glass of red wine is good for your heart.
But oh, what the hell you know, it, won’t it or whatever the boy says to you. Whereas if you can constantly be reminded that life is better, life is better without the booze is that positive sobriety peace? Yeah, and start to consider what else could be there for me, you know, what other layers can I unwrap?
Support Group: Navigating the non-linear treatment journey
You can still participate without compromising your sobriety goals. Yes, there are many non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits, as well as creative mocktails that offer the festivity of traditional drinks without the alcohol. The options for fun social drinking without alcohol continue to grow. If hosting a celebration of your own, supply delicious mocktails and alcohol-free beer/wine so guests feel included, not divided over beverage choice.
Watch for withdrawal symptoms, even if you don’t think you’re a heavy drinker.
- Limiting your alcohol consumption can help stabilize your serotonin levels and prevent drastic shifts in your mood.
- Volpicelli explains that this volleying can also lead to low motivation or anxiety and depression.
- The sober curious movement has gained steam recently, such as with the rise of interest in “Dry January” — a time when participants decide to not drink for the month of January.
- In fact, alcohol is a top cause of preventable cancer after smoking and obesity – even when it’s packaged in a pretty bottle of Chardonnay.
- You know, literally just come on sweetheart, go to this place and all yourself and get a nice glass, some ice in it, have a lovely tonic and make sure they put a lemon in for you.
A 2017 study found that people who had a dependence on alcohol had a higher prevalence of dental issues — such as dental caries and periodontitis — than those who did not have a dependence on alcohol. A 2022 review benefits of living alcohol free suggests that alcohol consumption may have an association with the immunological risk of alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles.
- Yes, there are many non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits, as well as creative mocktails that offer the festivity of traditional drinks without the alcohol.
- So instead of feeling like an odd man out, think of being the leader and influencing others.
- Now that we have learned the potential benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle, we can explore how to stay alcohol-free in your daily life.
- Find support from family, friends, or social media groups.