Importance of Getting Over an Alcohol Addiction

Quitting alcohol is a healthy and desirable choice, and has profound effects on every aspect of our existence. If one chooses to give up use of alcohol entirely, it does not indicate that he has any alcohol related issues. Quitting is a conscious choice, wherein a person recognizes that negative effects of the substance are far more than any benefits that it might offer. However, if a person is addicted to alcohol, ceasing its use is all the more advantageous.

Alcohol affects our lives in many ways, more so if consumption is excessive. It can hamper the normal functioning of our bodies by destabilizing the blood glucose levels, and can also reduce energy levels. It can have telling consequences on our health, relationships, career and emotional well being. Giving up the substance allows us to put our life together. Quitting is tough, and becomes more difficult as a result of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. But the initial detox period generally lasts only for 2-4 days, after which the withdrawal symptoms are not severe, if they do occur at all. Thereafter, one regains fitness and starts feeling better as the body works towards getting over from the damage caused by alcohol.

Quitting brings about profound effects on our overall health, which are both, immediate and long drawn. Even though alcohol makes it easier for a person to fall asleep, it hampers our ability to remain asleep by disrupting restorative and deep sleep. On quitting, the quality of sleep improves significantly and one is able to sleep more soundly. Alcohol leads to weight gain by adding empty calories to our bodies and quitting alcohol helps our bodies lose weight. This correspondingly brings about the many benefits that come about with weight loss, like a healthier heart, enhanced self esteem and increased confidence. Consumption deprives our bodies of essential fluids and nutrients, and on quitting, appearance of our skin improves. Alternately, giving up can be extremely beneficial for our liver, and is one of the best ways to avoid cirrhosis and all types of liver damage. By leaving alcohol, one can prevent injury to pancreas, cardiovascular ailments and risk of certain types of cancer, including throat, esophagus and liver.

One of the biggest challenges that one has to overcome if he plans to quit is alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These are caused because the brain activity that is inhibited by alcohol is reversed instantaneously, which leads to overproduction of stress hormones. Some of the most common symptoms arising from alcohol withdrawal include anxiety, irritability, fatigue, insomnia and change in blood pressure. Getting over alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be tough, and it takes some resoluteness and commitment on one's part to subdue the same. On quitting, one must try and consume a diet that is wholesome and balanced, so that that the body is nourished and in a better position to fight the withdrawal symptoms. Similarly, having plenty of water allows our bodies to detox. Interacting with family and friends allows us to keep our morale high and tackle in a better way.

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Harshad Jethra has published 2 articles. Article submitted on July 15, 2013. Word count: 505

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