Having solid motivation behind performing a difficult task in your life will often make it easier to complete, and a great example is those who struggle with alcohol abuse. Knowing why you want to quit or decrease your drinking is very important if you’re entering a detox or related program, and one of the key motivations many in this position use is simple: All the health benefits that come with alcohol detox.
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, drug and alcohol detox services are some of our specialties. We offer the very best medical detox programs available, providing a safe place for you or a loved one to start your recovery off on the right foot. What are some of the major health benefits we often point to for those looking for quality motivation for their alcohol detoxification? Here are several.
Decreasing Related Health Risks
Perhaps the largest overall health benefit of decreasing or eliminating your alcohol usage is that you’re immediately decreasing your risk for developing a whole host of other health risks. Alcohol has been linked to everything from cancer to stroke, and by simply abstaining from alcohol or drinking in moderation, you can decrease your risks for these and many other serious health conditions.
Several of our subsequent sections will dig into specifics or related themes here.
Increased Immune Function
Another major health benefit of detoxing from alcohol is that your immune system will be better able to function. Alcohol abuse often suppresses the immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fight off infection or disease. This is one reason why those who abuse alcohol are often more susceptible to getting sick.
Detoxing and abstaining from alcohol will give your immune system the opportunity to recover and become stronger, better able to protect your health in the long run.
Liver Healing & Protection
Of course, one of the most well-known risks associated with alcohol abuse is liver damage. Alcohol is a toxin, and as such, it takes a toll on this important organ when consumed in excess.
One of the first major health benefits you’ll likely notice when detoxing from alcohol is improved liver function. Your liver will be better able to filter out toxins, and over time, any damage caused by alcohol abuse may even be reversed.
Improved Sleep
While some mistakenly associate alcohol’s “sleepy” effects on some people with it improving sleep, the opposite is actually true. Alcohol may help you fall asleep initially, but it actually decreases the quality of your sleep overall, leading to poorer sleep and more fatigue during the day.
If you detox from alcohol, it will improve the quality of your sleep, leading to more energy and better focus during the day. It will decrease the number of REM cycles you experience each night, making it easier to get deep, restful sleep.
Mental Health Positives
There’s a major connection between alcohol abuse and mental health, and it’s a two-way street. Those who suffer from mental health conditions are more likely to abuse alcohol as a way of self-medicating, while those who abuse alcohol are more likely to develop mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Detoxing from alcohol will help to improve your mental health overall, and may even help to decrease your risk for developing certain mental health conditions. For instance, one study showed that those who detoxed from alcohol were less likely to develop depression than those who didn’t.
Quality of Relationships
While this single area alone may not be specifically health-related, it ties back directly to mental health and can have a major impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Alcohol abuse often leads to strained or broken relationships, whether it’s with family, friends, or significant others.
Detoxing from alcohol may help to improve the quality of your relationships, leading to a healthier emotional state and decreased stress levels. This, in turn, will have positive impacts on your physical health as well.
Weight Management and Nutrition
Many forms of alcohol fill the body up with sugar, empty calories and other unhealthy ingredients, leading to weight gain. This is one of the reasons why those who abuse alcohol are often at an increased risk for obesity.
If you’re able to detox from alcohol, this will help to get rid of these empty calories and unhealthy ingredients, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight or even lose weight. In addition, abstaining from alcohol will make it easier to make healthy choices when it comes to food and nutrition.
Heart Health
The list goes on — yet another health benefit associated with alcohol detox is improved heart health. Alcohol abuse is a major risk factor for heart disease, and specifically, cardiovascular disease.
Detoxing from alcohol will help to reduce your risk for developing heart disease, and may even improve the health of your existing cardiovascular system.
Avoiding Injury and Safety Risks
Another significant health risk posed by alcohol abuse is the increased risk for injury. This is due to both the decreased coordination and motor skills that come with intoxication, as well as the fact that alcohol use often leads to risky behaviors.
Did you know, for instance, that alcohol plays a role in four out of 10 suicides, six out of 10 homicides, and three out of 10 fatal car accidents?
Detoxing from alcohol will help to avoid these risks and keep you safe.
Improved Hydration
Finally, one of the most immediate benefits you’ll notice when you detox from alcohol is improved hydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it causes your body to lose water.
This can lead to dehydration, which can cause a whole host of health problems including fatigue, headaches, dry skin and more. When you detox, however, you’ll be rehydrating your body and preventing these problems.
As you can see, there are numerous health benefits that come with alcohol detox. If you’re struggling with alcohol abuse, this may be the best decision for your health — both short-term and long-term. For more on this, or to learn about any of our medical detox or other addiction recovery programs, speak to the caring staff at Moonlight Mountain Recovery today.
