If I quit, then what?

"If I quit, then what?" is a question I used to ask myself a lot. I lived for drinking, and without alcohol in my life, well, it would be so boring. What would I do? Who would I be? However, this is one of the many lies that addiction tricks you into believing -- that you can’t get along without your buddy.

Can you relate?

Quitting drinking, to me, seemed like a death sentence. But it is this type of thinking that kept me stuck in a cycle for decades. That is why it is important to differentiate between lies and the truth.

I won't lie. Giving up drinking is not easy. And depending on how long and how much you drank also plays a factor. However, the minute you quit drinking, a lot begins to happen behind the scenes.

Your hair, skin, and nails

Alcohol robs your body of essential vitamins and nutrients and can dehydrate your skin, and make a person look older than they are. You will soon notice your skin feels moist, and smooth and your hair is shinier.  Quitting drinking is your fountain of youth!

Your health

Alcohol is linked to several different types of cancer and is toxic to your cells. Heavy drinking also leads to fatty liver, cirrhosis, and other problems. But your body is incredible and giving up drinking means your body can begin to repair itself. AND BEST OF ALL, NO MORE HANGOVERS.

You brain

Alcohol dependence makes it harder to think or remember things and clouds your judgment. Even after years of drinking, your brain chemistry begins to regulate the minute you quit drinking. Like your body, your brain is amazing and has a remarkable ability to heal.

Your sleep

Alcohol disrupts sleep. A lack of sleep affects every aspect of your health and leads to negative moods and emotions, weight gain, and a lack of energy. Without alcohol in your system, you will develop a regular sleep cycle. Imagine waking up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Even pro-athletes agree that a good night’s sleep improves performance.

Your motivation

Alcohol numbs your natural response to life and becomes a crutch.  After you quit drinking, you will naturally begin to have more energy and feel better, and this helps motivate you to exercise and do other things that boost your mood.

Your relationships

Addiction can be challenging within families and intimate relationships. When you no longer obsess about drinking, you can be mentally and emotionally present with your loved ones. If you quit drinking, this gives all your relationships a second chance.

Your energy

Alcohol clouds out your senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, and intuition. Without alcohol, the blinders come off, and there is a vast world out to explore. You begin to notice the changing seasons and feel in tune with the ebb and flow of nature. You are happy to be alive and relieved not to have that monkey on your back!

If you are having difficulty quitting drinking, please seek help. Addiction is a brain-based, progressive disease, and continuing to drink will worsen the symptoms. It never gets any better. Never.

 Please comment below and tell me which part of the article resonates with you.

Take care!

 Janet

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