The Benefits of Going Sober

When you quit drinking alcohol after years of excessive use, your mental and physical health begin to improve within weeks. A sober life means that you will have the energy and mindset to rediscover yourself, as well as, your passions and ability to build a healthy life.

One Week – The Benefits of Going Sober

So you made the choice to go sober about a week ago, it’s probably been harder than you thought but you should be proud of yourself! The first hurdle is always the most challenging.

After this first week off alcohol, you should be noticing changes in your appetite, energy levels and food choices. By the end of the week you’ll probably find that you have far more energy and are able to concentrate with ease. Even if it is difficult to immediately drop off to sleep without a drink, you’ll find that you get better quality sleep and wake up feeling reinvigorated the next day.

One Month – The Benefits of Going Sober

Here’s the big hitter, after one month away from alcohol your mental health begins to noticeably improve. You’ve probably heard this a thousand times before, but alcohol is a depressant that can have some hardcore negative effects on your mental health. Low moods get lower and tempers can fly. After a month sober, your brain starts to level out (as do your hormones which can also be affected by excessive alcohol use) and you’ll be able to think clearly as well as dealing with mental health issues with greater ease.

Here’s something you might not know: alcohol is a diuretic. This means that it makes your body lose fluid more regularly (loads of toilet breaks on a night out are now explained!). So now you’ve been sober for a month you should notice that your skin looks healthier – this is because you’re staying hydrated! Say hello to plump, healthy skin with reduced fine lines!

Whilst you’ve been drinking alcohol your liver was almost fighting a losing battle to keep your body clean. Alcohol is basically poison for your body, especially your liver. Luckily, your liver is very forgiving and at one month sober is already starting to regenerate. Make sure you treat it well from now on.

One Year – The Benefits of Going Sober

When you reach the one the year mark of being sober, you should definitely be congratulating yourself. This is a huge achievement! 

You would have noticed by now that you have shed some unwanted weight and are beginning to feel fitter. Alcohol consumption contributes to a lot of extra and unneeded calories! As well as this, you will have noticed how much money you have been saving. Now that you’re not spending so much on booze!

You’re at the stage now where your body isn’t searching for instant gratification anymore as it used to from alcohol. Now you can start thinking long term, planning a bright future for yourself and working towards it with a clear and sober mind. Congratulations.

Warning!

Stopping drinking suddenly can be very dangerous, if you are dependent on alcohol. If, after a period of drinking, you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be dependent on alcohol and you should NOT suddenly stop drinking completely:

• seizures (fits)
• hand tremors (‘the shakes’)
• sweating
• seeing things that are not actually real (visual hallucinations)
• depression
• anxiety
• difficulty sleeping (insomnia)

But you can still take control of your drinking.  Please feel free to contact us directly on 01795 431751 for support.