Sometimes I feel like sobriety’s Andy Rooney – the ironic, curmudgeon of the blogging set, pointing out the pitfalls and snafus that no one else will tell the world about quitting drinking. I have been known to sniff at the sophomoric crowing of those who extoll the benefits of living clean and sober. As if, like that other killjoy Groucho Marx, I do not want to join any club substandard enough to have me as a member. It may also be helpful to get to know yourself on your own, first. Spending sober time becoming familiar with your body intimately can help you better communicate your needs to someone else when you feel ready for that step. Thankfully, there have only been a few times when someone at the table hasn’t pointed it out on my behalf and adjusted accordingly.
Bonus benefits
Once you embrace sobriety, it can also bring about a transformation not just in how you perceive yourself but also in your physical appearance to others. This contributes to a positive cycle of improved self-esteem and well-being. Usually apparent within the first month, with continued improvement over the following months.
Incredible Books on Sobriety That Helped Me Quit For Good
This improvement in relationships is one of the most rewarding benefits of a sober life. It can offer a richer and more fulfilling way to connect with others. Another one of the most celebrated benefits of sobriety is the dramatic https://ecosoberhouse.com/ improvement in sleep quality. Alcohol, while misleadingly used by some to hasten sleep onset, actually disrupts the sleep cycle. This is particularly true for the REM stage, which is crucial for mental restoration.
How does it take for your appearance to improve after quitting alcohol?
It is not the mere fact that I am away from mind-altering substances, but it is because of the spiritual actions that can free my mind from itself. The life I had before I quit drinking was a lot like Groundhog Day; I was always waiting for it to begin and always reliving the same stuff, day after day, year after year. When I finally walked away from booze at 34, my life opened up.
I LOVE not having to feel bad about something stupid or mean I said when drunk. There are zero alcohol-related regrets plaguing my life right now. The ability to think, read a book, engage in an intelligent conversation, actually have IDEAS again, and not just loop terrible thoughts on autopilot in your brain is liberating.
Better Focus and Cognitive Functions
This means everything from waking up clear-headed and diving into weekends full of actual fun activities, to saving some serious cash that used to disappear one sip at a time. As an addiction counselor, I offer online counseling to persons struggling with alcohol, substances, gambling, and gaming. If you would like to discuss whether counseling is right for you, contact me here. Guilt is a sense of doing something wrong, whereas shame is the sense of being a bad person. When drinking or substance use gets out of one’s control, it can spiral downward at a rapid pace.
Surprising Benefits of Sobriety That Will Transform Your Life
But these benefits are available to you if you keep at it. Your world is not going to transform completely in three months. Your sobriety is heavily dependent on being both optimistic and realistic. I’ve mentioned this in a previous post, but in case you missed it, did you know the average person spends TWO YEARS of their life hungover?
I can honestly say sobriety is the best thing I have ever done for myself. It was my jumping-off point into a life I knew I had buried inside of me. I got out of debt, started a company that provides digital recovery, launched a podcast, and am in the middle of writing a book.
- This can be noticed almost immediately, within the first month as you stop spending money on alcohol.
- Recently, I was asked this question in group therapy (the exact words have been edited as they were not fit to print).
- The ability to think, read a book, engage in an intelligent conversation, actually have IDEAS again, and not just loop terrible thoughts on autopilot in your brain is liberating.
- I consumed both because I wanted to escape how bad I felt.
If you’re early in your sobriety or stuck in a cycle of relapse, you might find yourself questioning why you’re doing this to yourself. So now I’m sober, and I have zero choice but to be me in all situations. Those who have been invested in AA swear these promises are realized. Many newcomers wonder being sober sucks how long-time members can make these claims when sober members are still acting out. When you feel better, your mood is elevated, you’re more likely to ignore the little annoyances, and you’re less likely to feel like a relapse is your only way out of any uncomfortable situations that may arise.
- These get replaced by hours reclaimed for hobbies, projects, and personal growth.
- Then, letting it be, ask yourself what matters right now.
- Chronic alcohol use can impair your cognitive functions, affecting your memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
- Sobriety clears the fog, often leading to a significant improvement in mental health conditions.