Worldwide, about three million people die due to the harmful use of alcohol each year (5.3% of all deaths). Long-term drinking can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Instead of risking your health and well-being, consider scheduling an alcohol detox in Chatsworth, CA.
On the fence? Read on to discover the health benefits of sobriety.
After reading this guide, you can make an informed choice with your health and future in mind.
Sleep Better
Your body needs about seven to nine hours of quality shut-eye every night. Otherwise, you could experience long-term effects of sleep deprivation like:
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Low sex drive
- Weakened immunity
- Mood swings
- Memory issues
- Difficulty concentrating
- Weight gain
- Increased risk of accidents and injuries
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Poor balance
Sleep deprivation can affect your mental and physical health. Psychological risks include paranoia, depression, anxiety, impulsive behavior, and suicidal thoughts. As your immune system struggles to function, your risk of chronic conditions like heart disease can increase.
Unfortunately, prolonged drinking can affect your ability to sleep.
Drinking large amounts of alcohol before bed can decrease sleep onset latency. You’ll become more prone to sleep disturbances as your liver enzymes metabolize the alcohol in your system. Your blood alcohol levels will drop, too.
Alcohol can reduce REM sleep, leading to insomnia symptoms and excessive sleepiness during the day. You could also develop sleep apnea (abnormal breathing and temporary loss of breath while you sleep). Sleep apnea can cause sleep disruptions while decreasing your sleep quality.
You could start experiencing the side effects of sleep deprivation as a result.
Maintaining long-term sobriety can help improve your body’s sleep pattern and circadian rhythm. Instead of drinking alcohol before bed, have a glass of water. If you continue having trouble sleeping, consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause.
Better Skin
Drinking can affect your skin by causing:
- Dark circles under the eyes (due to restlessness at night)
- Puffiness and bloating
- Dehydration
- Rosacea
- Rosy cheeks
- Hives
- Cellulitis
- Sun sensitivity
- Psoriasis
- Dandruff
- Skin cancer
- Red palms
- Runny, red nose
You might notice enlarged pores, flushing, inflammation, and wrinkles as well. If you experience these skin issues, consider alcohol addiction recovery in California. Maintaining your skin can help improve the skin issues you’re facing.
It can keep new skin issues from developing in the future as well.
In the meantime, make sure to replenish your body with plenty of water. Drinking water can hydrate your skin, potentially minimizing the formation of new wrinkles.
Increased Energy
Long-term sobriety can boost your energy levels during the day.
Alcohol can raise your epinephrine levels (the stress hormone that stimulates the body and increases your heart rate). You could experience nighttime awakenings as a result.
Drinking during the day can also make you feel lethargic or drowsy. If you failed to get enough sleep the night before, you could experience fatigue throughout the day.
Without alcohol in your system, you’re more likely to sleep better and exercise. Exercising can boost serotonin levels, benefiting your energy levels and mood. An energy boost can also help you remain mindful and productive, increasing the quality of work you produce.
If your prolonged drinking has affected your energy levels, consider alcohol rehab in Chatsworth, CA. Detoxing and maintaining long-term sobriety can help minimize daytime fatigue and help you feel excited about the day ahead.
Healthier Eating Habits
When you live a healthier lifestyle without alcohol, it’s easier to make smarter decisions about your eating habits. When you’re partying, on the other hand, you’re less likely to make good choices.
You can become more informed and self-aware about what you’re putting into your body if you maintain your sobriety. Your body will also become less dehydrated, which can help you fight unhealthy cravings.
Better Heart and Liver Function
Drinking alcohol can cause heart and liver damage.
Prolonged alcohol abuse can cause cardiomyopathy as the heart stretches and changes shape. When your heart changes shape, your blood won’t pump as effectively as needed, which can affect the entire body.
Both heart and liver damage can become life-threatening if you continue drinking and abusing alcohol. Sobriety can help give your body the chance to heal itself, improving the function of such vital organs.
Looking for alcohol abuse programs in California could save your life.
Improved Mental Health
The benefits of sobriety extend to your mental health.
For example, alcoholism can increase your risk of depression and anxiety. It could make existing symptoms worse, too.
While sobriety isn’t a cure-all for either condition, it can minimize symptoms.
Alcohol changes how your brain cells signal each other. Drinking could cause:
- Worsened mental health
- Post-alcohol anxiety and/or depression
- Hangovers
You could become dependent on or misuse alcohol with prolonged drinking, further affecting your mental health.
Drinking can also get in the way of your self-esteem, activities you enjoy, and your relationships. Your mental health could further decline, causing an endless cycle.
Maintaining your sobriety can give you the chance to return to the people and activities you love. You can make strong connections with other people by prioritizing honesty and integrity. Through alcohol rehab in Chatsworth, CA, you can even meet people who have gone through what you’re going through now.
Their unique perspectives can help you gain perspective about your sobriety.
In time, you can discover who you are without alcohol. You could experience personal growth as you try new things and meet new people.
Experience the Benefits of Sobriety Firsthand
The benefits of sobriety extend to your mental and physical health. Don’t let drinking cause your body and mind to deteriorate. Instead, consider alcohol addiction recovery in California this year.
You’ll have an easier time achieving optimal health if you stay sober.
Want to begin on your road to recovery? We’re here to help.
Start the Oasis detox admission and treatment program enrollment process today.
