How Eliminating Alcohol Improves Mental Health Effects
Around the world on October 10 it is officially World Mental Health Day. What is World Mental Health Day? World Mental Health Day is an international day to bring global mental health education, awareness and advocacy and eliminate social stigma. First celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation - an organization in more than 150 countries, the day is now recognized worldwide. Alcohol use and mental health go hand in hand as while alcohol is often touted as a social lubricant, a way to relax and unwind, and a way to have fun, it’s actually counterproductive to mental health. So if you’re not already participating in Sober October, then on this World Alcohol Day, try going alcohol free for yourself or others in your life for World Mental Health Day. It may not be as hard as it sounds, and we provide plenty of motivation and alternatives.
Why is Alcohol Harmful to Mental Health?
Alcohol is a depressant, which means that it slows down the central nervous system. In even the healthiest of people, alcohol can lead to a number of negative mental health consequences, including:
Anxiety: Alcohol can worsen anxiety symptoms, such as racing thoughts, restlessness, and irritability.
Depression: Alcohol can also worsen depression symptoms, such as sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue.
Mood swings: Alcohol can lead to mood swings, making you feel happy and carefree one minute and sad and hopeless the next.
Trouble sleeping: Alcohol can interfere with sleep, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Poor cognitive function: Alcohol can impair cognitive function, making it difficult to focus, think clearly, and make decisions.
Addiction: In addition to these negative mental health consequences, alcohol can also lead to addiction. Alcohol addiction is a serious mental health condition that can have a devastating impact on your life.
Ready to alter your relationship with alcohol, or just give up the drinking for at least a day?
Why Elevate Your Mental Well-being With Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
You'll have more energy. Alcohol can dehydrate you and make you feel tired. When you quit alcohol, you'll have more energy to do the things you love.
You'll sleep better. Alcohol can interfere with sleep. When you quit alcohol, you'll sleep more soundly and wake up feeling refreshed.
You'll save money. Alcohol can be expensive. When you quit alcohol, you'll save money that you can spend on things you enjoy.
You'll be more productive. Alcohol can impair cognitive function. When you quit alcohol, you'll be able to focus better and get more done.
You'll be healthier - not just mentally - but physically too. Alcohol can damage your liver, heart, and brain. When you quit alcohol, you'll improve your overall health and well-being.
Now, if you're already struggling with your mental health, as so many people are, it's even more important to review your relationship with alcohol and ideally eliminate alcohol from your life.
Mental Health Struggles: Why Alcohol Is Not the Answer
Alcohol can worsen your symptoms. As mentioned above, alcohol is a depressant that can worsen anxiety, depression, mood swings, and sleep problems.
Alcohol can make it difficult to recover. If you're trying to recover from a mental health condition, alcohol can make it more difficult to do so. Alcohol can interfere with therapy, medication, and other recovery tools. So all that positive work you’re doing on yourself can quickly be undone with alcohol.
Alcohol can lead to relapse. If you're addicted to alcohol, drinking can trigger a relapse. This means that you'll start drinking again, even though you know it's not good for you. This could lead to a host of other behaviors you may be working to avoid.
So if you're looking for a way to improve your mental and physical health, eliminate alcohol from your life. It's the best decision you'll ever make! Eliminating alcohol from your life can be a challenge for some people, but it's worth it for your mental health. And ‘quitting drinking’ doesn’t have to mean you sit around thirsty all night either. Try these alcohol free drink alternatives and before you know it you may never turn back to alcohol again.
NOTE: If you're struggling to quit alcohol on your own, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are many people who want to see you succeed.
Whether you’re a beer drinker, a wine enthusiast, or you can’t get by without your nightly cocktail - have no fear, there are now alcohol free alternatives to all of these. Plus, they are so tasty that you may get through the day and decide you prefer the alcohol free version.
Raise a Non-Alcoholic Drink Glass This World Mental Health Day
FREE AF non-alcoholic cocktails
These non-alcoholic, all natural flavored drinks taste like the real thing. With no artificial colors or sweeteners, these low calorie and low sugar drinks are ready to go. No mixing required - simply chill and serve in your favorite glass. The 100% natural botanical extract Afterglow mimics the pleasant warmth of alcohol - without the alcohol.
Suntory ALL-FREE
This non-alcoholic beer-alternative from Japan has an ultra-light, ultra-crisp, and ultra-refreshing taste, without any alcohol (0.00% alcohol). It contains no sugar nor any artificial sweeteners or flavors, instead containing only two-row barley malt. Two-row barley contributes to the crisp beer flavor of ALL-FREE and select aroma hops give ALL-FREE its bitterness and sophisticated bouquet. Brewed with quality natural mineral water (“Tennensui”) from renowned water resources in Japan, the ALL-FREE production method removes the fermentation process entirely to deliver a beer-alternative that will quickly replace your current favorite.
TÖST Rose
This zero-proof alcohol free champagne alternative is great for those avoiding alcoholic beverages who still want to have a celebratory drink. Made with agave for a balanced sweetness and just the right amount of bubbly, TÖST Rose can be enjoyed in mocktails or by itself. It’s naturally refreshing and there’s no need to hold back to just one glass as it’s non alcoholic and therefore you can drink it all night and not have to worry about the effects tomorrow.
Sutter Home Fre Premium Red Blend
This non-alcoholic wine is dealcoholized and therefore safe for any wine drinkers who are ready to skip the alcohol but want to retain the red wine taste. The bold black cherry aromas lead to abundant grape and cherry fruit flavors. If you’re ready to give up alcohol but want to keep that wine flavor, dealcoholized wine is an option for you.
