alcohol consumption
Healthy Lifestyle

I Quit Alcohol for Eight Months—This is What Happened

Don’t believe you can quit? I’ll show you how.

I drank alcohol most of my adult life. I grew up in an environment where most adults drink alcohol, an environment that dictates that drinking alcohol means that you are “enjoying life. “

Most of my friends drink alcohol; you can imagine the peer pressure of wanting to belong.

However, as I journeyed through my adulthood, I started to notice the adverse effects of this liquid called alcohol, which was supposed to mean you are “enjoying life,” was having on both my physical and mental health.

And this is what happened after I quit alcohol:

My Relationships……. I used to say and do things I wouldn’t ordinarily do or say when I was sober.  Believe me. I had hurt quite a few of my close friends and my loved ones because of some of the things I said or did to them when I had alcohol in my system. My relationships with my friends and loved ones have improved since I quit alcohol, because alcohol was the primary cause of my mood swings.

My Mental Clarity……As most people who drink alcohol do, every time I get upset, disappointed, or get into an argument, I’ll reach for the bottle and say to myself—— “I need a drink.” I have now realized that alcohol is the last thing I or anyone should be reaching for in these situations because alcohol impedes your ability to think clearly or make the right decisions. Since quitting alcohol, I have noticed a significant improvement in my mental clarity.

My Skin……OMG! The improvement in my skin due to my quitting alcohol is unbelievable. About a month into quitting alcohol, I noticed my complexion becoming more radiant, and there was a noticeable reduction in the fine lines and wrinkles. My skin now appears more youthful, smoother, and healthier. Alcohol dehydrates, and quitting will help restore the moisture your skin needs for that youthful look.

My Sex Life……When I was younger, I used to believe that taking a couple of shots of tequila or whiskey would make me a stud in bed, but it has had quite the opposite effect. I used to believe alcohol was an aphrodisiac. I was dead wrong. Shortly after I quit alcohol, I noticed a tremendous change in my sex life. My sex drive went off the roof! Sex feels more intense now.

My Sleep…… I used to believe the myth that alcohol makes you sleep well. It doesn’t.  Alcohol might get you drowsy at first. But once I fall into a slumber, it wakes me up repeatedly all night. It also disrupts my sleep’s important REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage, known as “deep sleep,” and sometimes interferes with my breathing.  For the past eight months since quitting alcohol, I have noticed significant changes in my sleep pattern. My sleep is more restful and deeper, so I wake up energized. I didn’t need to get up so often to pee, and I fall asleep more easily and quickly every night.

Final Thoughts 

Recent studies published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) concluded that no amount of alcohol is safe for our health. Studies have also linked alcohol consumption to various types of cancers, such as breast and colorectal cancer. Alcohol has also been known to cause significant damage to the liver. Earlier this month, the U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy urged for cancer warnings on all alcoholic beverages, similar to those on cigarette packs, because of the well-established link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk.

 Up until now, the longest I’ve gone without alcohol is 30 days. You know, I’ll do a dry month here and there, then go back to drinking again. Now, I am in the eighth month of not having a drop of alcohol. So, if you are thinking about quitting or reducing your consumption of alcohol, start by taking baby steps, just like I did.

I picked one day of the week to be alcohol-free. Then it turned into one week a month, and one week became one month. Now, I’m in the eighth month and happier and healthier than I’ve ever been, with no intention of putting that poison called alcohol back into my body. Especially for someone like me who encourages and promotes a healthy lifestyle, and alcohol consumption isn’t healthy at all.

What are your feelings about alcohol consumption?

Comment below👇

2 Comments

  • Ade Ade

    well well well, am always learning from reading Alafia Fitness your name says it all talking about exercise since i have started i realize i dont get tired any more, i am able to perform many shores, now am gonna start to take steps on how to stop alcohol, importantly for my age as i am laerning about advantages of stoping alcohol

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