Again, it seems counterintuitive – for a lot of us, drinking seems to help us loosen up and have fun. It slows your body down and changes the taking a break from alcohol chemical makeup in your brain, which can have a major impact on mental health. Consuming on average more than two standard drinks a day can increase your risk of developing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, and interfere with antidepressant medication.
How A Break From Alcohol Influences Health
Being aware that you might be feeling off can help you recognize when you are, and can help you deal with those feelings constructively (rather than just having them gang up on you without warning). That may be because alcohol heightens our senses, according to a study published in the journal Obesity. Researchers found that when people received an alcohol “infusion” equal to about two drinks, they ate 30 percent more food than those who received a saline solution. If you’re worried that you may be using alcohol to mask your feelings, it’s important to work through any issues that are troubling you to help you start to feel better.
Alcohol Treatment Programs
What many people don’t realize is that alcohol produces a toxic effect on the body. As marijuana addiction it breaks down, a by-product called acetaldehyde is produced. “The liver gets rid of acetaldehyde pretty fast, but it is toxic and it damages the liver over time,” White says. Over time, it’s a driver of inflammation — and in heavy drinkers — sets the stage for cirrhosis. Mentally, you’ll likely experience enhanced clarity and concentration as the fog of alcohol’s impact on the brain lifts.
Tips to start reducing alcohol in your life
Even if you don’t drink a lot, the end of an alcohol-free month is a good time to reflect on your relationship with alcohol. Tools on the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website can help calculate how many calories you drink each week and how much money you spend on alcohol over the course of a week, month, or year. If you manage to limit alcohol consumption beyond a monthlong break, it could improve your heart health and reduce the risk of stroke and certain cancers. Experts say there are benefits to quitting alcohol for a short period, even if you’re a social or moderate drinker. Upping your water intake during an alcohol break can help refresh your body and mind, too, because too much alcohol can cause dehydration. You might also start making healthier food choices and reducing the urge to order takeout after a night of drinking.
Social Self
While these self-assessments can be a first step in recognizing AUD, they are not diagnostic. It’s important =https://ecosoberhouse.com/ for individuals to consult with a healthcare professional or addiction specialist to understand the results and discuss appropriate treatment options, if necessary. The CEBC’s Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and resources provided by The Prevention Coalition are additional supportive tools for those seeking further insight into their alcohol use. Another tool is the CAGE questionnaire, a simple four-question test that helps identify alcohol problems based on users’ feelings about their drinking and their behaviors.