Gstroenterologist Dr. Kenneth Brown, told BuzzFeed that alcohol can also lead to a leaky gut due to increased acetaldehyde levels or liver disease because alcohol can cause damage to the liver’s cells, which can develop into scar tissues, known as fibrosis. And finally, Rami Hashish, Ph.D., DPT, a body performance/injury expert who specializes in biomechanics, said in the long term, “Alcohol can damage the heart, leading to irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure, or even stretching and drooping of the heart (which is referred to as cardiomyopathy).” In addition, Hashish explained to BuzzFeed that, “Alcohol also causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to pancreatitis. And unfortunately, as many have either dealt with or witnessed firsthand, drinking can increase the risk of various types of cancer.” “There can be improvements in hydration and the ability to absorb vitamins and minerals; improvements in sleep; a reduction in blood pressure; and improved immune response, leading to better healing from illness or injury,” He added. “Sexual performance and function also commonly improve within the first month of not drinking.” —alext4e3fc38a7 That was the moment I thought ‘maybe alcohol isn’t good for me’. In the last 13 months, I’ve had three drinks (two on holiday and one at a wedding), and I didn’t enjoy any of them. My mental health is much more level, I still get bad days but fewer of the crushing lows. And my friends are generally supportive because it means they never need to look far for a designated driver!" —charleys122 I knew that alcohol would do this to a degree, but I didn’t realize how much better my quality of life would be without alcohol. Since then, my digestive issues have improved and my depression is far more manageable. I’m so glad I quit." —ck2023 Joining an AA group to hear their stories on what it could become for me was the absolute best thing I’ve ever done for myself. Being sober was amazing." —desireedallas —pazna213 The 25th year came and went, and then I just continued not drinking mainly because it felt like this pressure — or when I was going to drink again what that first drink was going to be like. I ultimately went two full years without drinking. Now I drink like I did before: socially on occasion. Overall it gave me a lot of empathy for those battling addiction." — Shannon, 27, Pennsylvania I don’t miss getting shitfaced, and I sure as hell don’t miss hangovers. I have learned to have fun without booze, and yes, it is a learning process." —degobrah I just celebrated 15 months sober and it’s so, so, so worth it. Can’t believe it took me this long, but I’m glad I finally got here. It’s hard work but my life would be a million times harder if I were still drinking!" —Anonymous, 30, Pennsylvania The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org. The Trevor Project, which provides help and suicide-prevention resources for LGBTQ youth, is 1-866-488-7386. You can also text TALK to 741741 for free, anonymous 24/7 crisis support in the US and UK from the Crisis Text Line. The National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline is 1-888-950-6264 (NAMI) and provides information and referral services; GoodTherapy.org is an association of mental health professionals from more than 25 countries who support efforts to reduce harm in therapy.
