5 Reasons to Stop Drinking Alcohol (At Least for a While)
If alcohol is negatively impacting your life, it’s probably time to quit. Even if it’s not causing major problems, you can experience some major benefits from taking a break. Here are 5 great reasons to stop drinking alcohol, whether it’s for 30 days or forever.
Sure, drinking can be fun, especially in social situations. In fact, the vast majority of people drink alcohol in some capacity according to research. But that doesn’t mean that you should take a break every now and then.
Whether you’re struggling with addiction or just want to shed some pounds, we’re outlining five of the best reasons to stop drinking.
1. Your Wallet Will Thank You
Drinking, while fun, can be expensive. Even if you’re not going out to bars more than one night a week, chances are you’re spending quite a bit on alcohol.
Let’s say you buy one 12-pack of beer a week. We’ll even say that you’re skipping the good stuff and going with the most affordable 12-pack available at your local store.
You’re still spending around $11 per 12-pack. Over four weeks, that adds up to $44 per month on beer alone.
Sounds bad, right? It gets worse.
At $11 before tax per 12-pack, you’re spending $572 per year just for casual drinking.
2. Drinking Can Get Dangerous
For some people, what started out as a hobby can quickly devolve into a crutch. That once fun activity soon becomes a necessity in order to function on a daily basis.
No one deserves to live that way.
Alcoholism is a very real and very dangerous threat. Excessive drinking has the potential to damage your liver irreparably and cause brain damage. In some instances, alcoholism may put you at a greater risk of certain types of cancer.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, checking into a rehab center such as Silver Ridge Recovery in North Carolina may be the solution.
3. Alcohol Makes Weight Loss More Difficult
If you drink on a regular basis, you’re ingesting a ton of empty calories. Over time, these calories can come back to haunt you.
For those who are looking to drop some weight, start by cutting out alcohol. While you don’t necessarily need to cut out drinking completely, it can help quite a bit if you struggle with moderation.
When combined with a healthy diet, abstaining from alcohol can result in quick weight loss.
4. No More Hangovers
While a night of drinking with your friends is a blast, the morning after is often anything but.
And while drinking a glass of water and taking an Aspirin before bed can lessen the effects of a hangover, the best way to reduce hangover problems is by eliminating them entirely.
5. You’ll Sleep Better
A lot of people wake up feeling groggy and disoriented after a few drinks. That’s because alcohol directly inhibits your natural sleep cycle.
According to The Sleep Foundation, excessive drinking can prevent REM sleep as a whole, causing exhaustion and grogginess that can last days.
Final Thoughts On Reasons To Stop Drinking
Not convinced that these reasons to stop drinking are legit? Try them for yourself and see how you feel. Not only will you feel healthier, but you’ll have better finances, too.
Check out our health blog for more awesome tips to help you live a better, healthier life!