In August 2023, I made the decision to stop drinking alcohol entirely. This choice was driven by worsening health concerns that I realised were linked to my alcohol consumption.
A few weeks after quitting, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine and rectum. My symptoms—severe abdominal cramps, exhaustion, weight loss, and bloody diarrhoea—tended to worsen after drinking alcohol, especially the stomach pain. Recognising that alcohol was triggering flare-ups in my condition, I took a firm stance on abstinence until my body could heal.
Nearly 16 months later, I can honestly say I rarely miss alcohol. Occasionally, I crave a glass of fizz around Christmas or a red wine by a cozy fire, but for the most part, I don’t feel deprived.
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I hold no judgment against those who drink responsibly. Alcohol can be a source of pleasure and social ease. Yet, since giving it up, three transformative changes have made their mark on my body.
First, my anxiety has improved dramatically. I’ve always been anxious, sometimes rehearsing conversations to avoid awkward moments. After drinking, I’d often wake up filled with worry that I’d embarrassed myself. Now, without alcohol, those anxious “hangovers” are gone. Although alcohol initially eased my social nerves, it ultimately made anxiety worse. Experts explain this as a vicious cycle: alcohol suppresses brain activity temporarily, but as its effects wear off, anxiety can intensify, driving more drinking. Over time, heavy drinking can sensitize your nervous system, triggering anxiety as alcohol leaves your body.
Second, my skin has never looked better. Though I still get occasional breakouts and seasonal dryness, my complexion is noticeably healthier and more radiant. Alcohol’s diuretic effects cause your skin to lose fluid and nutrients, leading to dullness, puffiness, and increased inflammation. According to skincare experts, dehydration from alcohol worsens skin tiredness, wrinkles, and oiliness, which can exacerbate acne. Since quitting, my skin feels more stable and hydrated, complementing my skincare routine of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and moisturizers.
Finally, my sleep has improved immensely. While alcohol once helped me fall asleep fast, I would wake up unrested and miserable. Alcohol disrupts REM sleep—the phase essential for memory and emotional processing—causing fatigue and poor focus the next day. Now that I avoid alcohol, my sleep is deeper and truly restorative, an essential benefit since my health conditions often leave me exhausted.
One unexpected discovery is that abstaining from alcohol becomes surprisingly rewarding and even addictive in a positive sense. Each day sober strengthens my resolve and pride in myself. While my health was the main motivator initially, my growing confidence and wellbeing now fuel my commitment to stay teetotal. With every milestone, I feel less inclined to return to drinking.
Choosing sobriety has been more than just a health decision—it has reshaped my relationship with myself, my body, and my life.