I Quit Alcohol For 30 Days
Alcohol is a substance that has become so ubiquitous that we sometimes forget why we use it and the effects it has on our bodies. Ever since I was in college, I can’t remember a time when I took an extended break from using alcohol. It’s hard to realize its impact on the body without taking time off from it.
Once I listened to Andrew Huberman’s podcast “What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health,” I decided to rethink my relationship with the drug.
Alcohol quiets down our prefrontal cortex (the area of the brain where high-level executive function takes place) and sedates the nervous system. This is why alcohol is often referred to as “liquid courage” and can lead to bad decision-making. It can also make a shy and anxious introvert into a gregarious extrovert. The social benefits of alcohol though do not come without costs.
First, drinking alcohol can make you fall asleep more quickly, but the sleep that ensues is not restorative. Even just one drink at night can be enough to ruin your sleep. I will say that over the past month, I’ve been able to wake up most mornings feeling refreshed.
Also, the financial costs of alcohol are nontrivial. I've noticed a significant difference in my bank account by only getting water instead of a cocktail or beer with dinner. It’s been a nice perk to save some money and avoid waking up the next day groggy, anxious, and depressed when checking my bank statement.
Am I going to quit drinking for good?
No. But my relationship with alcohol will change moving forward.
Every person is different, but for me, drinking socially with friends and family is worth the tradeoff of the harmful effects that alcohol has on my body. There is something about having a few beers with friends watching sports or catching up that is liberating and recharges me.
Celebrating birthdays, holidays, and accomplishments are the occasions that I will partake in the drinking festivities. But when it comes to an ordinary weeknight at home, I will no longer be reaching into the fridge for a beer to take the edge off. It’s better to take inventory of what happened during the day if you’re feeling stressed or anxious than to numb those feelings.
Taking a break from alcohol has made me aware of the insidious effects that it has had on my body. I encourage you to try taking some time off from alcohol and see how your body and mind feel as a result. It’s not about eliminating alcohol completely from your life, it’s about becoming more intentional with when and how you use it.
