How Quitting Alcohol Completely Changed My Life!

I was never a heavy drinker. My alcohol consumption was sporadic — maybe once a week or every couple of weeks, with occasional overindulgence during my younger years. But even then, it was never a significant part of my life. I've gone months without drinking, and after 2016, I nearly eliminated alcohol altogether, reserving it only for social occasions. By 2020, I made the conscious decision to stop drinking entirely, and it has been one of the most transformative choices I've ever made.

The Turning Point

In 2019, I entered a relationship with someone recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. So, drinking became a harmful act — not just for him, but for me too. If I drank, I risked triggering his relapse. This realization made me reevaluate my relationship with alcohol. I began to cut it out completely, and over time, I noticed profound changes in my physical health, mental clarity, and specially, social life.

The social pressure to drink was intense. People often questioned my choice, and some even distanced themselves from me. But I stood firm. I surrounded myself with people who respected my decision, and in doing so, I created a healthier, more supportive social circle.

Alcohol is often glamorized, but its effects on the body are far from glamorous and talking about it can be very triggering to some people, but if you want to know some scientifically proven consequences of alcohol consumption — and it doesn't have to be a lot, just once or twice a week, here they are: affects neurotransmitters, impairing cognitive functions, memory, and decision-making; weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections; affects your mental health since it's a depressant that can exacerbate anxiety and depression over time, and the World Health Organization classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, linking it to cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, breast, and more.

It doesn't look great for alcohol, let's be honest!

What About The Benefits of Quitting Alcohol — Are There Any?

Since quitting alcohol, I've experienced remarkable changes:

1. Glowing Skin

Alcohol dehydrates the skin, which leads to dullness and premature aging. Without it, my skin looks healthier and more radiant. Even when I was an sporadic drinker, if I drank, on the next day  — and after my 30s, the next week — I could see a huge difference.

2. Increased Energy

Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, even if it makes you feel drowsy initially. Without it, I sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed.

3. Stronger Immune System

My body is better equipped to fight off illnesses without the immune-suppressing effects of alcohol, even if I was just drinking once a week, the difference is huge.

4. Improved Relationships

By removing alcohol from my life, I've built deeper, more authentic connections with people who respect my choices.

5. Autonomy

I no longer rely on alcohol as a "social lubricant". I feel confident and comfortable in social settings without it. And if I don't, I walk away.

Breaking Free from Social Pressure

One of the hardest parts of quitting alcohol was dealing with the social pressure. In many cultures, drinking is synonymous with celebration, relaxation, and bonding. But I learned to ask myself: Why do I want to drink? Is it because I genuinely want to, or is it because I feel pressured to fit in?

Most of the time, it was the latter. By recognizing this, I began to shift my social circle to include people who shared my values. As social creatures, we mirror those around us, so it's crucial to surround ourselves with individuals who support our goals and well-being.

A Life Without Alcohol

Today, it's been a year and a half since I last consumed alcohol, and I've never felt better, both physically and emotionally. The occasional culinary use of alcohol — like adding wine to a recipe — is the extent of my interaction with it.

Quitting alcohol isn't just about abstaining; it's about reclaiming your health, your time, and your autonomy. It's about choosing a life that aligns with your values and well-being. If you're considering cutting back or quitting altogether, know that the benefits far outweigh the temporary pleasures of drinking.