How bad are alcohol and drugs for your health? As a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, I can say that they are harmful for both your physical and mental health. But I’m not the only one who says this, there are several studies and doctors that can back this statement up.
My problems with alcohol and drugs started when I was just a kid. During my early adulthood I was abusing and addicted to alcohol and drugs. It began as a way to fit in with my circle of friends and I only really did it occasionally at parties. However, my body soon began to crave the drugs and alcohol, and then it didn’t matter if we were at party, I would use while sitting at home. The more and more I drank and used, the more I could not go living without them.
I was 23 when I decided to change my life around. I checked into a rehab center and began my road to recovery. Going through detox and rehab was the most challenging experience of my life. It’s been 10 year now of being sober, and my body has been through a lot changes after rehab. Today, I would like to share three ways how my health improved after I stopped abusing drugs and alcohol.
1. Better Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health, but we often forget to give it the care it needs, especially when you are using drugs and alcohol. Throughout my addiction I suffered from depression and anxiety, however back then I didn’t realize them. I figured it was normal to feel down sometimes, and I would attempt to numb the feelings with substances. I later learned in rehab how to deal with them. Rehab taught me to understand my mental health and after 10 years of being sober, I have not had one trace of feeling depressed or having anxiety.
2. Better Sleep
Sleeping is something I had trouble with when I was an addict. My depression made it difficult for me to fall asleep, so I thought using drugs and alcohol would help me sleep. However, I would always wake up feeling just as tired or feel even worse. According to Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, alcohol increases alpha wave patterns in the brain, which is a brain activity that occurs when you are awake.The increase in alpha wave patterns disrupts your sleep, making it harder for you to sleep. When I gave up drinking alcohol, I felt it was easier to fall asleep.
3. Better Concentration
Clumsiness, difficulty to concentrate, and drowsiness are just a few immediate effects from alcohol and drugs. These short term effects can ultimately affect your brain in the long run as well. Brain damage such as memory loss or cognitive impairment are at higher risk when you abuse drugs.
Your concentration levels will increase when you give up drinking and using drugs. Remember things will become easier and this will be reflected in your work or school work productivity.
There are many benefits of quitting alcohol and drugs, I only mentioned a few. 10 years after having my last drink or hit, I can’t imagine going back to the dark place I was in.
The road to recovery can be hard, so it is a good idea to reduce your alcohol and drug intake before going cold turkey. Set yourself some easy goals and you will begin to see changes in your body and mind.
Do you know any other ways in which quitting alcohol and drugs can benefit your health? If you’d like to ask any questions or add something, please leave a comment below.