April Is Alcohol Awareness Month: 5 Reasons to Quit Drinking Now
This article was written by Ryan Jackson and published by RCA.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to think about how alcohol affects your life and the lives of those around you and to find reasons to quit drinking. Alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic, progressive disease. It’s characterized by a strong urge to drink despite negative consequences, such as health problems, relationship issues, and possible legal troubles. Alcohol addiction does not go away on its own, and it can have severe consequences if left untreated—but there is hope for recovery.
If you’re looking for reasons to quit drinking, we’re here to help. Whether through educational resources like our blog or the full continuum of care offered in our addiction treatment centers, Recovery Centers of America helps people take the first step toward sobriety every day.
5 Reasons to Quit Drinking
1. There Is Never a Better Time Than Now
No matter how long you’ve been struggling with alcohol addiction, there is no better time to quit drinking than now. Waiting for the “perfect” moment or thinking that you can handle your drinking on your own will only delay getting the help and support you need. Alcohol addiction is a progressive disease, and the longer it goes untreated, the more severe the consequences can become.
2. Summer Is Coming
Make this summer different from those in the past. Enjoy evenings with friends and family that you’ll remember the next day, take advantage of the great weather and get outside, or maybe start a new exercise routine. It’s a great time to see the world with a new and amazing perspective. By quitting drinking now, you can start working on your physical and mental health so that you’re in a better place to fully enjoy the warmer months ahead.
3. Being Present
Spending time in the now helps ground yourself and find more time to do the things you love and may have forgotten about. Miss spending time with your friends and family? A life without alcohol means you now have the ability to do so. Always wanted to try a new hobby? You have the wherewithal to now be able to sign up for that class. Notice what opportunities present themselves when you have eliminated alcohol from your life.
4. Get Healthier
Alcohol addiction can take a toll on your body, mind, and overall well-being. Quitting drinking can improve the quality of your sleep, reduce the risk of developing health issues such as liver disease and certain types of cancer, improve hydration and help you maintain a healthy weight. Not to mention, being sober can lead to improved mental clarity and emotional stability.
5. Rebuild Relationships
Get your relationships back on track. Heavy drinking can have a negative impact on relationships and can make conflict resolution difficult. So, with a summer of barbecues, picnics, pool parties, and family vacations ahead, getting sober will give you the opportunity to approach these relationships with a fresh start and a clear head.