10 Benefits Of Being Drug & Alcohol-Free

In the United States, about 63% of adults drink alcohol, and about 50% have used illicit drugs.

The thought of giving up alcohol or other drugs may scare you, especially if you live with drug addiction (substance use disorder). However, living a substance-free life comes with numerous benefits. Here are the top ten.

1. Better Mental Health

Many people turn to drugs to numb psychological pain. Unfortunately, in the long run, drug abuse only makes your mental health worse.

For example, depressant drugs like alcohol and opioids can make you feel depressed, while stimulant drugs like cocaine and meth can make you feel panicked and disconnected from reality.

Drugs may also intensify preexisting mental health issues, such as PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. By quitting drugs, you can restore your mental well-being.

2. Better Physical Health

Along with harming your mental health, drug use can also lead to physical health problems.

For instance, alcohol abuse can cause digestive problems, liver damage, and multiple types of cancer. Similarly, stimulant drugs increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

In addition, people who smoke drugs face a higher risk of lung problems, while people who inject drugs face a higher risk of infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS.

When you give up drugs, you strengthen your body and lower your risk of disease.

3. Stronger Relationships With Family

If you live with addiction, drug cravings can take over your whole life. That’s why drug users often struggle to have healthy relationships with their family members. They might stop spending time with them so they can put all their energy toward buying and using drugs. In some cases, they may even neglect their children.

Once you go drug-free, you can start to repair your relationships and the health of your family.

4. Stronger Relationships With Friends

When you develop addiction, you may find it difficult to maintain friendships with people who don’t misuse drugs. In particular, you might lose interest in the drug-free activities you once enjoyed together.

Drugs can also damage your friendships by making you moody, irritable, and even aggressive.

Once you get sober, you can strengthen your relationship skills and rebuild lost friendships. You can also make new, healthy connections in addiction recovery support groups.

5. Sharper Memory

Many drugs of abuse can damage your memory, including alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and benzodiazepines (such as Ativan, Klonopin, and Xanax).

Memory problems can seriously hinder your performance at work or school. You may also forget about medical appointments, lunch dates with loved ones, and other important events.

When you give up drugs, your memory will begin to heal, helping you succeed in your personal and professional life.

6. Clearer Conscience

If your addiction gets severe, you may find that you stop at nothing to get high. You might lie to your family, cheat on your partner, steal from your employer, or engage in other immoral acts. The resulting guilt can wreak havoc on your self-esteem.

When you go drug-free, you can apologize to the people you have harmed and start acting with honesty and compassion.

7. More Time For Your Hobbies

Hobbies such as gardening, painting, and hiking help give your life meaning. They can also give you a chance to express your creativity, connect with others, or just relax.

When drugs consume your thoughts, it’s easy to abandon your hobbies. As a result, your sense of well-being may suffer. Quitting drugs allows you to reconnect with your old hobbies and discover new ones.

8. More Time For Your Dreams

When you’re battling addiction, it’s hard to find the time or energy to pursue your dreams. You might put off big plans like starting a business, furthering your education, or buying a new home.

Once you stop using drugs, you can take your dreams off the back burner and start building the life you really want.

9. Fewer Legal Troubles

Often, people with addiction face arrest for drug-related crimes such as driving under the influence and possessing illegal drugs. Possible penalties for these crimes include fines, driver’s license suspension, jail time, and a criminal record that limits your ability to get a job.

Giving up drugs will help you stay out of trouble with the law.

10. Improved Finances

Whether you use illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or both, addiction can easily cost you thousands of dollars per year. That’s why some people with the disease turn to theft.

When you become drug-free, you can regain financial freedom and spend money on things that truly enrich your life.

Find Help For Substance Abuse Today

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse, please reach out to Bedrock Recovery Center. Our addiction treatment programs offer medical detox, behavioral therapy, and mental health services to help you or your loved one stay drug-free.