For some people, this dopamine cycle leads to emotional and physical addiction. While they can stop indulging in their addictive behavior and not suffer physical effects like elevated blood pressure, the emotional ramifications feel overwhelming. Without the stimulation of the addictive behavior, their emotions are like an out of control roller coaster. The brakes are off and they’re rising to heights and crashing to new lows without any way to smooth out the bumps. There are many ways addictive substances can change gene expression. They can alter which proteins bind to DNA to turn genes on and off and which segments of DNA are unwound.
Quitting drinking will help one understand one’s physical and emotional needs better and help indulge in self-care and improve self-esteem. It is really important to understand that YOUR well-being is one of the most significant acts for improving the world. When you get into treatment, you are not only helping yourself; you are also helping your spouse, children, friends, family, colleagues, and other people in your life. Every time you buy or use drugs, you put yourself in danger. Possessing or distributing illegal drugs is a crime in all states of the U.S. Many government sources report that drug abuse violations have the highest number of arrests.
Deeper sleep
When dependence is formed, the neurotransmitters in the brain which regulate our mood and behavior tweak out. So do the parts of our brains that supervise learning, memory, and cognition. For parents, the most important benefit of being drug benefits of living an alcohol and drug free lifestyle and alcohol free is becoming a better parent. Addiction can seriously affect families, and all relations in the family may be exposed to danger. You may neglect your responsibilities as a parent because getting high became more important.
- What begins as occasional binge drinking or a harmless glass of wine each day after work creeps into frequent use as the brain adapts to the effects of alcohol.
- Such individuals don’t just motivate others by their example but also create supportive environments and networks.
- Alcohol can also trigger the release of chemicals called endorphins and raise levels of the “feel good” hormone dopamine.
- Very often, we attract people that share the same interests as us.
- When drugs consume your thoughts, it’s easy to abandon your hobbies.
- This campaign was led by First Lady Nancy Reagan and was a response to the increasing prevalence of drug use among young people.
They may no longer perform the roles they once did, and they can disrupt family dynamics. Alcohol, nicotine, cocaine and opioids also all activate important signaling pathways that are central regulators of metabolism. Start by talking to your doctor about how much alcohol you’ve been using and your plan to quit. It’s important that you work with your doctor when you’re ready to stop drinking rather than trying to do it alone. People who drink heavily are about twice as likely to have a cardiovascular event within 24 hours than people who do not drink at all. If you look out a longer time, people who drink are six times more likely to have a cardiovascular event within a week compared to people who don’t drink.
Other Advantages of Sober Living
What you can do in such a situation is to find a substitute drink that you can access at that time or carry it with you just in case you have such an encounter. When you have your own drink, it will keep people from offering you alcohol and also keep you from having the urge to get something to drink. Keeping oneself distracted by the goal of staying fit is often a great help when trying to stay away from alcohol.
Creating a “Success Savings” is a great way to reward yourself for your hard work in recovery. Put money away for each sober day and recovery meeting attended. Check out our blog posts and resource links for the latest information on substance abuse.
What are some long-term effects of drug abuse?
This damage can lead to serious serious complications that can take your life. Quitting alcohol for good can help you to eliminate these health complications and bring your body back to a healthy state. It can help your body achieve better levels of physical wellness but it also has the ability to make a positive impact on mental wellness as well. In conclusion, enjoying life without drugs and alcohol is not only possible, but can lead to a more fulfilling, healthier, and happier existence. By understanding the impact of addiction, embracing a sober lifestyle, overcoming challenges, and seeking professional help, you can build a solid foundation for a life free from addiction. Let the inspiring success stories and sober activities serve as motivation and encouragement on your journey towards a brighter, drug-free future.
- When you’re misusing drugs or alcohol, your relationships may be built on substance use.
- Some of the immediate changes you will need to make will be obvious—like not hanging around the people that you used with or obtained drugs from.
- For example, a commonly prescribed drug for depression called escitalopram affects how tightly wound DNA is and can change the expression of genes important to brain plasticity.
- Choosing a drug-free life ensures a more secure financial future, allowing for investments, savings, and planning for long-term goals without the constant drain of drug-related expenses.
- Talking with a professional or a support group can help you learn strategies for combating cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and other challenges.
- There’s the misconception that if you’re sober, you aren’t fun, you won’t be able to enjoy your life to the fullest and you’ll have trouble forming relationships.
I learned to reconnect with the loving God I once knew as a child. This relationship may look different from person to person but for me it means connecting with the divine essence within myself, the world around me and the entire Universe. This relationship is something that I ground in each and every day and I don’t take for granted. I feel good physically, I wake up feeling refreshed, my mind is clear, I’m working on passion projects, making strides in my career and feeling really good about myself.
More Time For Your Hobbies
Excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of serious problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems. To stay strong when you find yourself alone and tempted by drugs and alcohol, reach out and call someone to keep you company. Many drugs of abuse can damage your memory, including alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and benzodiazepines (such as Ativan, Klonopin, and Xanax). I lived for decades without it and I never take it for granted.
- “Quitting drinking can improve a person’s sleep, but there may still be a significant number of people who continue to have sleep problems even with continuous abstinence,” Volpicelli says.
- Sober living homes can be a fantastic option for people dealing with substance use disorders (aka SUDs), whether it’s you or someone close to you.
- If you’ve been trying to get to and maintain a weight that supports your health, quitting alcohol can help you meet that goal.
- Constructing new relationships in recovery can give you a sense of belonging and a support network of people who can relate to your experience.