09/05/2022
My mental health improved drastically once I stopped drinking, which is likely a multitude of reasons.
1) Saying goodbye to genuine 'hangxiety'. You'll feel an initial 'boost' the night before when you're drinking, then next day you will be deficient in these same chemicals, which may lead to feeling anxious or low mood. This can last for longer than a day while your body rebalances your brain's natural level of happiness chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.
2) What I want to do and what I actually do match up more than ever. I was forever saying I would 'Start on Monday' then I would go out and get wasted and start the cycle all over again.
3) Less self loathing. The cycle at number 2 would often lead to me feeling guilty about my choices and beating myself up.
4) Alcohol is a depressant, without it, I feel lighter and brighter daily and can focus on the things I love.
Have you noticed a difference in your mental health when you give up alcohol?
