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Alcohol is responsible for 88,000 deaths in the United States each year.
That may seem like a stark or harsh fact, but the truth is that alcohol kills. Getting sober can save your life.
Still not convinced? Here are 10 great reasons to live your life without alcohol.
1. You'll Feel Less Stressed
Alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism for stressful situations. However, drinking does more damage than good.
By learning how to be sober, you'll uncover all sorts of new, exciting ways to de-stress after a long day like exercise or meditation.
2. Life Without Alcohol Means More Money
The average person spends $521 per year on alcohol. There's even a chance that you spend more if you're seriously addicted.
Suffice to say, that's a ton of wasted money.
But when you give up drinking, you're gaining a ton -- of cash, that is.
3. Sobriety Provides a Chance to Reconcile
Alcoholism can strain relationships. But think of sobriety as your second lease on life.
This is a perfect opportunity to reconcile with those loved ones you lost due to addiction.
4. You May Live Longer
There are dozens of negative ways in which alcohol impacts your well-being.
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to cancer, brain damage, alcohol poisoning, and liver failure. With each drink, you shave off a little bit more of your life.
And though some damage may already have occurred, sobriety can prevent any further damage. In the end, you may lead a healthier, longer life by putting down the bottle.
5. You'll Shed Weight
Need a reason to quit drinking? How about your waistline?
We often forget how calorie-dense alcoholic beverages are. 12 ounces of beer, for example, contains 148 calories.
What's more, some drinks, such as wine, may contain a ton of sugar. Since the body has a hard time processing excess sugars, drinking can easily lead to weight gain.
6. No Alcohol Means Better Sleep
Our bodies require rest and recovery. And we get the most benefit from sleep during periods of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
However, alcohol disrupts the body's natural sleep cycle, making it harder to achieve REM sleep. As a result, you may feel tired in the morning even after getting a full night's rest.
7. Sobriety Can Improve Your Appearance
Severe alcoholism can affect one's appearance in several ways.
Over time, the skin may become jaundiced or yellowed. Or acne-prone individuals may notice more breakouts.
When you stop flooding your body with toxins, your looks may start to change for the better.
8. Your Mental Health May Improve
If you live with a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, alcohol can exacerbate preexisting symptoms.
That's because alcohol is a depressant. If you're already feeling nervous or down, the signals that alcohol sends to your brain will only make things worse.
If you're serious about your mental health, consider sobriety.
9. You'll See How Strong You Really Are
Surviving family events and holidays without alcohol can seem almost impossible. But you're stronger than you think. And when you stop drinking, you'll start to see that.
Resisting temptation can be tough at first, but the sense of strength that comes from sobriety is unmatched.
10. You'll Feel a Sense of Accomplishment
Overcoming alcoholism can seem like an impossible journey. But once you see how strong you are, you're well on your way to sobriety.
Soon, you'll get to experience a sense of accomplishment that you could've only ever imagined.
Life Without Alcohol is Better
A life without alcohol is still a life worth living. In fact, sober living means seeing just how wonderful life really is.
As you start your journey, don't forget to celebrate yourself along the way. Create an account today to check out our selection of AA jewelry and gifts that will inspire you to resist temptation and live your best life.