Man Shares Life-Changing Results Of Quitting Alcohol After 20 Years of Drinking

Should non-alcoholics quit drinking? Maybe. Alcohol seems to have permeated through modern culture. There’s drink for every occasion, including celebrating good news or recovering from bad news. But that doesn’t necessarily make people alcoholics. So is there a reason for casual and social drinkers to go sober? Youtuber Evan discovered many after quitting alcohol for a whole month. 

Quitting alcohol after 20 years 

Evan and his wife quit alcohol for the month of November 2022. In a video on his YouTube channel, The SAHD Life, Evan explained that alcohol has been part of his life for the last two decades although “I’m not what I pictured when I thought of what an alcoholic was.” He added that his father was an alcoholic who tended to get blackout drunk during the day. 

For stress and socializing

Meanwhile, Evan became accustomed to a couple drinks on most weekdays then five or six over the weekend. He admitted that he tended to consume pre-poured vodka sodas, which meant he probably had 5 to 8 oz of vodka a night. “I would drink to cope with a stressful day or use needy kids as an excuse to drink to help me calm down to refresh my patience,” explains the stay-at-home dad. He’d also social drink with family and friends.

The idea of not drinking…

“When I sat and thought about it, I realized pretty much my whole adult life has revolved around alcohol,” he continued. The idea of not drinking in certain scenarios stressed him out, and that realization scared him, especially since he believed alcohol was negatively impacting his sleep quality and physical and mental health.

The first weekend

Evan and his wife read books about quitting drinking in preparation for their 30-day fast. The first weekend without alcohol was the hardest as Evan felt bored, irritable, and had intense cravings. However, it “did feel good waking up Saturday and Sunday morning without a headache or any ill feelings.” The cravings continued but Evan noticed he began enjoying social interactions more and had more energy to play with his kids over the weekend. By the fourth week, he felt so much better. 

Read More: Drinking Alcohol After This Age Linked to Early Death

The amazing results

“My body feels great; my GERD is virtually gone.” He also had a more stable mood, more patience, and improved abilities to cope with stress. The SAHD had struggled with depression and anxiety in the past. He also had difficulties falling asleep. After the 30 days, he began reading before bed, fell asleep more easily, and woke up feeling rested. Additionally, he had lost five pounds.

Trying alcohol again

When the month was over, Evan was afraid to drink again but he and his wife wanted to know what would happen. “So we celebrated by having two drinks. They tasted like crap and made my brain foggy. I couldn’t wait to sober up…” Meanwhile, his wife enjoyed it better than he did.

The couple didn’t drink all week but when the weekend came, they were spending time with drinking buddies. But they chose to stay sober and still had a fun time. Evan and his wife may drink on occation; they just choose not to buy alcohol and have it around their home. Doing so helps them save about $400 a month. 

Happier and healthier

Avoiding alcohol gave Evan more energy, allowing him to read, practice mindfulness, be more social, and do “all the kinds of things I always wanted to do but would usually make excuses for.” Despite once thinking he needed alcohol to have fun, he has found the opposite to be true. Taking care of his health created more overall happiness and satisfaction. 

Is it responsible to drink responsibly?

Many people commented on the video, encouraging Evan and sharing their own experiences with sobriety. This included alcoholics going sober, and people trying the same 30-day fast.

Overall, many people may not have “a problem with alcohol” but alcohol may have a problem with them. After all, “drinking responsibly” can still negatively affect their physical, mental, or social wellbeing. And saying, “I can quit whenever I want” doesn’t prevent these outcomes, especially if it’s not really true. 

Read More: Former Alcoholic Who ‘Would Be Dead’ If She Didn’t Stop Gives Warning About Main Sign You Could Have an Alcohol Problem

The negative effects of alcohol

The overall effects of alcohol depend on the amount and frequency of consumption. However, the CDC has linked excessive consumption (more than one or two drinks a day) with a list of health detriments, namely an increased risk to chronic diseases. This includes heart disease, liver disease, stroke, cancer, digestive issues, high blood pressure, weakened immune system, dementia, depression, anxiety, social difficulties, cognitive problems, as well as alcohol use disorder. 

The positive effects of quitting alcohol

Evan already mentioned many positives associated with sobriety. Fortunately, his success is not an anomaly. Many people experience lifestyle improvements after quitting alcohol. These benefits can include: 

1. Reduced risk of serious trauma injuries and deaths that are related to alcohol, according to WedMD
2. Improved heart heart
3. Healed liver
4. Weight loss
5. Better intimate experiences
6. Better sleep quality. (Although alcohol makes people sleepy, it can also distrupt them throughout the night.)
7. Enhanced immune system
8. Lowered blood pressure
9. Better-looking skin
10. Improved cognitive abilities such as memory and motor skills

Withdrawals 

Despite the promise of health benefits, sobriety can feel brutal, especially for heavy drinkers. Withdrawals can include symptoms like intense cravings, cold sweats, racing heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, trembling, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and hallucinations. Although it is far from easy, sobriety is possible with proper preparation, according to Harvard Health.

How to go quit alcohol

First, consider why you want to quit. Examine how alcohol affects your life, and what makes you crave a drink. Find support in family and friends who can provide encouragement and motivation. Therapy and support groups can also be invaluable. Then fill your routine with things to replace alcohol, such as replacement beverages, activites that don’t involve drinking, and new and old hobbies. Many people found journaling especially helpful since it tracks their emotions and even gives them insights about themselves.

Need help with substance use disorder or mental health issues? In the U.S., call 800-662-HELP (4357) for the SAMHSA National Helpline.

Read More: No Amount of Alcohol is Good For You. Here’s Everything That Happens To Your Body When You Drink It.