Why Taking a Break from Alcohol is Healthy for Your Body and Mind
People often approach me to share how they've taken a break from alcohol and the positive effects they've experienced. Others tell me they took a break to see if alcohol caused their anxiety and other mental health issues. I love that people feel I’m someone who they can discuss this with. It's actually quite normal and beneficial to take a break from alcohol. After all, alcohol is a toxin and a carcinogenic substance. In this blog post, we will explore why taking a break from alcohol is healthy for both your body and mind.
The Addictive Nature of Alcohol
Alcohol is not only chemically addictive (it's a drug!), but it's also emotionally addictive. When we consume alcohol, it releases unnaturally high levels of dopamine, signaling to our reward center that this is a positive experience.
Consequently, our brain starts to associate alcohol with necessity, and the more we drink, the more our brain expects it. Additionally, if we repeatedly pair drinking with stressful events, our brain develops an automatic response to turn to alcohol when stressed. Not only do we believe we need alcohol to relax, but it also becomes a habitual behavior.
Furthermore, alcohol produces cortisol, so when its effects wear off, we may actually feel more anxious. Since alcohol is a depressant, we also experience emotional lows. It's like riding a roller coaster of neurotransmitters, with highs and lows. Alcohol lowers our levels of serotonin and GABA.
Personally, I only became aware of how alcohol was impacting my mental health after I took a break. Many people become so accustomed to feeling a certain way that they don't realize it's not normal.
Detoxing and Sleep
When it comes to detoxing from alcohol, it can take up to a couple of weeks for all the chemicals produced by alcohol to leave your body. If you decide to take a break, it's crucial to be patient.
Alcohol affects REM cycles during sleep, preventing your body from getting the restorative sleep it needs. While people may believe they are sleeping well, studies have shown a significant decrease in REM cycles even after consuming just one glass of wine.
For those who drink daily, even a couple of drinks per day, it can take up to several weeks for sleep patterns to return to normal. This prolonged adjustment period is due to the combination of various chemicals present in the body.
Additional Benefits of Taking a Break
Apart from improved sleep and mental health, there are numerous other benefits to taking a break from alcohol. Studies have shown that abstaining from alcohol is beneficial for your cardiovascular system, contrary to the popular belief that alcohol is good for the heart.
In terms of memory and your brain, alcohol shrinks your brain. Unfortunately, alcohol is often portrayed as a normative and positive part of socializing, so we rarely hear about its negative effects.
Seeking Education and Support
If you're considering taking a break from alcohol, it's important to educate yourself and seek support. A lot of people feel guilty and confused about their drinking habits. However, it's important to remember that many others experience similar emotions and thoughts. As a coach and author, I assist people in exploring their relationship with alcohol and finding a greater sense of purpose.
I love helping people find their deeper purpose. When I decided to go alcohol-free, change my habits, and create new routines, I had to work a lot on my mindset. This process helped me begin the journey to help others to unlock their full potential. I believe seeking support and building connections can provide the encouragement, guidance, and empathy needed to navigate and sustain personal change.
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Conclusion
Taking a break from alcohol can bring about significant improvements in both your body and mind. Alcohol's addictive nature, coupled with its impact on mental health and sleep, makes it beneficial to reassess your drinking habits. The benefits of abstaining from alcohol extend to your cardiovascular health and brain function. By educating yourself and seeking support, you can embark on a journey to explore your relationship with alcohol and discover a more fulfilling purpose in life.