My City Wellness Summer 2022

My Wellness

The Benefits of Becoming a Non-Drinker

For those who drink heavily, sobriety is another signi cant

anyone can drop the habit. (For those who are dependent upon alcohol for daily functioning, withdrawal symptoms can be extremely intense – in rare instances, life-threatening – and should be addressed under medical supervision.) After dropping this bad habit, withdrawal may begin as early as two hours following the last drink. Early effects include restlessness, sweating, anxiety, retching and hand tremors. Symptoms will increase in intensity with the hardest cravings setting in for most people around the 72-hour mark. After 3-4 days, withdrawal symptoms will begin to subside and the body begins to heal. (Some people with extreme addiction may face dangerous withdrawal symptoms for a period of one week.) A single week of sobriety will bring better sleep. In two weeks, nearly all withdrawal symptoms should disappear and the liver will begin to recover. For those who remain active, weight loss will begin. A er a month, blood pressure will decrease to normal levels and the skin

will begin to look better, more exible with a healthier tone. A er 90 days, you will experience better energy, clarity of mind and a more con dent outlook. A er only one year of sobriety, you will feel as though you never had a drink. Any sexual functionality problems will disappear and your risk of various cancers will decrease to pre-drinking levels. Like quitting smoking, the craving will remain but saying “No, thank you” will be a much easier thing to do. No one has ever quit drinking at any point in their life and regretted doing it. Not one person. The benefits of dropping any unhealthy habit can be seenwithin a fewmonths or sooner, sometimes immediately. 

challenge. (Keep in mind, you don’t have to be an alcoholic to appreciate the bene ts of quitting or signi cantly cutting back on the amount you consume.) is bad habit is another that is hard to kick even for those who don’t yet rely on alcohol to function on a daily basis, largely due to social cues. Drinking is encouraged in today’s world, bolstered by marketing and the belief that having “a cold one” is the best way to enjoy leisure time and activities. Well, the longterm downsides of alcohol consumption far outstrip the short-term e ects. As with any substance, it’s best to nd a safe limit or quit altogether. Everyone will experience withdrawal symptoms, but with determination and support,

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