7 Health Benefits Of Sobriety

There are so many benefits to staying sober beyond repairing relationships and your finances. Substance abuse can have serious short and long-term health consequences for your organs, immune system, and mental health. Sobriety can either mend or prevent further damage to your body over time too.

Our experts with Drew Horowitz & Associates have highlighted seven health benefits you will begin to notice as you stay sober.

1. Improved liver function:
   a. The liver is a vital organ that processes the nutrients that pass through our gastrointestinal tract. In other words, the nutrients in what you eat and drink are processed through the liver. This is what helps give us energy, stay healthy, metabolize what we consume, and filter out toxins.
   b. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage and disease. Drug use that leads to unhealthy lifestyle habits means you won’t be getting the nutritious foods your body needs to survive and thrive. Staying sober will not only improve your liver function but it will also greatly reduce your risk of developing liver disease.
2. Better cardiovascular health:
   a. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with someone passing away every 34 seconds due to this condition. Substance abuse puts a significant strain on your heart’s ability to function and can significantly increase your risk of developing this condition. Sobriety reduces that risk, especially if it is paired with good sleep, a balanced diet, and daily exercise.
3. Reduced risk of cancer:
   a. Drug and alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. This includes but is not limited to cancer of the breast, liver, lung, and colon. Not only will staying sober reduce your risk of developing any of these types of cancer, but it can also encourage you to seek annual examinations that could detect early signs of cancer forming.
4. Better sleep quality:
   a. Most substances disrupt sleep patterns and could lead to poor sleep quality over time. In sobriety, not only will you be able to fall and stay asleep more consistently, but you’ll also find your energy levels improving the longer you stay sober.
5. Improved mental health:
   a. Drug and alcohol abuse can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. There are plenty of mental health benefits to sobriety. Not only can it reduce debilitating symptoms but it can also give a person a greater sense of clarity that was previously inhibited by drugs or alcohol.
6. Improved Nutrition & Weight Stabilization:
   a. Alcohol is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain. Other harmful substances might lead to someone eating significantly more or less. Regardless of what you’ve consumed, getting sober could lead to you maintaining a healthier weight through improved nutrition and exercise.
7. A stronger immune system:
   a. Alcohol abuse can weaken the immune system and make individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Staying sober can help improve immune function over time and reduce the risk of contracting a serious illness.

If you’re looking to help a loved one seek substance abuse treatment, look no further than Drew Horowitz & Associates. Our professionals will tailor an addiction treatment plan that can help you get to recovery. For more information, please contact us now.