This article is part of a brand partnership.
After a long day, many people turn to alcohol to unwind and relax, but excessive alcohol use can have a number of detrimental implications for both individuals and society as a whole.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the top reasons to drink less alcohol — or even ditch it completely.
1. Health
One of the most obvious reasons to consume less alcohol is for your health. Of course, it depends on how much you drink, but generally, some of the long-term health issues include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke liver disease, various types of cancer, weakened immune system, memory issues, weight gain, and digestive issues.
On top of that, excessive alcohol consumption can worsen pre-existing conditions, particularly if you suffer from mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and/or bipolar disorder.
But alcohol can also affect you in the short term. Drinking can lead to slowed/slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and impulsive behavior.
2. Productivity
Drinking alcohol might impair your capacity to think clearly and make sound decisions. It can cause memory and focus problems, making it difficult to succeed at work or school. Too much alcohol can also cause lethargy, making it difficult to wake up and begin the day.
Reducing your drinking, or cutting out alcohol entirely, will make you more present and focused, allowing you to focus on your goals and what you really want to accomplish in life.
3. Road Safety
Alcohol weakens your judgment and reaction time, making driving or operating heavy machinery unsafe. It can lead to risky behavior, placing yourself and others in danger.
While most (if not all) drivers are aware of the dangers of driving while intoxicated, there are still too many people who do it anyways. They think, oh, I’ve only had one or two beers. I’m fine! But in reality, you aren’t in the right mindset to make that decision.
You only have to look at alcohol and drug prevalence in motor vehicle deaths to realize how much of a role alcohol plays in the issue of road accidents. In 2020, 11,654 people were killed by drunk drivers, accounting for 30% of all traffic-related deaths.
Long story short: stop drinking and you’ll stop putting other people at risk.
4. Finances
Let’s be real: alcohol isn’t cheap. Going out for drinks on a regular basis can add up, fast. Ditch the alcohol and your wallet will seriously thank you in the long run.
5. Relationship
Excessive drinking can strain relationships and cause problems with family members. It can cause communication and trust issues, making it difficult to sustain healthy relationships. Too much alcohol consumption can also lead to jealousy, anger, and other forms of aggressiveness. Drinking less alcohol can aid in the maintenance of healthy relationships and the improvement of communication with those around you.
It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with alcohol consumption and to set limits for yourself to ensure that you’re drinking in moderation. Seek help if you feel that you’re unable to control your alcohol consumption or you feel that it might be developing into an addiction.
READ THIS NEXT
5 TV Shows That Tackle the Nuances of Addiction and Recovery