Alcohol consumption is one of the significant sources of preventable death in the United States. Each year, approximately 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes. It is a major contributing factor to several chronic diseases too.
Our body metabolizes alcohol differently than other nutrients. When alcohol enters the bloodstream, it is absorbed into the water in our blood cells and quickly distributed to other tissues in our body.
There are many benefits of not drinking alcohol for a year. Some of the most notable ones are,
1) Lowered risk of heart disease
Abstinence from alcohol lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke. It allows the body to process fats and sugars better and thus reduces the likelihood of developing obesity and diabetes. Arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, are also less common in those who do not drink alcohol.
2) Better mental health
Research links heavy drinking to the risk of developing depression and anxiety. It may worsen the symptoms of existing mental health conditions too. Alcohol may also interfere with mental health medications and lower their effect.
3) Improved liver function
The liver breaks down alcohol and removes the toxins from the system. Alcohol abuse can lead to fatty build-ups in the liver, known as steatosis, which can eventually develop into more severe conditions such as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is when the liver is permanently damaged and can no longer function properly.
4) Reduced cancer risk
One of the most significant advantages of not drinking alcohol is the lowered risk of certain cancers (cancer of the mouth, esophagus, pharynx, and larynx). While the exact mechanism by which alcohol increases the risk of these cancers is not fully understood, it is thought to involve the direct damage of DNA by the alcohol itself. Alcohol can also act as a solvent, allowing other carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke, to penetrate cells more efficiently. In addition, alcohol consumption can lead to chronic inflammation, which increases cancer risk.
5) Better brain function
Alcohol consumption causes impaired judgment and motor skills, as well as memory problems in the short term. In the long run, chronic alcohol abuse can cause shrinkage of the brain, as well as damage to the hippocampus (which is responsible for memory formation). The damage can lead to several cognitive impairments, including planning, decision-making, and multitasking problems. A significant benefit of not drinking alcohol for a timeline is the ability to reverse some damage that has been done.
6) Better sleep quality
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) is sleep’s deepest and most restful stage. Alcohol lowers the amount of time spent in REM sleep. As a result, heavy drinkers experience daytime fatigue. Alcohol can also worsen conditions such as insomnia and sleep apnea.
Overcome your alcohol addiction with Vertical Treatment Centers!
At Vertical Treatment Centers, we understand how difficult it can be to overcome alcohol addiction. We provide a broad range of special support services to assist our clients in enjoying the long-term benefits of not drinking alcohol. Contact us to know more about alcohol addiction treatment in Greenville, SC.