From a meal with friends to socializing at work events, alcohol is never far away for many people. Thus, with such close proximity to alcohol, it is all too easy to drink on a regular basis. However, this is deeply concerning for individuals who begin to crave alcohol more and more, as they can access it so easily.

In a study by the British Medical Journal, it was found that working longer hours could often lead to what the journal terms ‘risky drinking’. More specifically, though, the study of more than 400,000 people determined that working over 48 hours a week makes them more likely to drink alcohol.

Those who worked longer than 48 hours a week were 11% more likely to consume a high alcohol intake than those who did not. When defining ‘risky drinking’, the study stated 14 weekly units for women and 21 for men. The research was not limited to the UK, also covering the US, Canada, France, Germany, and various other countries.

Because we now live in a time where mobile communication technology means that we can technically be contacted 24 hours a day across a variety of mediums, it can be tough to control the volume of our work schedule. Therefore, the risk of consuming alcohol is now greater.

Why Your Body is Better Without Alcohol

Since the age of 15, Lucy Rocca was an intensive party girl who did not stop until the age of 35. After spending more than 20 years partying, she decided that alcohol was only limiting her existence. When Speaking to Mind Body Green, she identified a number of mental and physical benefits from giving up alcohol.

In the long-term, she realized that she had reduced her chances of falling victim to serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. More immediately, though, she found that her physical appearance improved. Her skin began to look much better while she found it easier to control her weight.

From a mental standpoint, Lucy was able to finish reading books and found it easier to focus on basic tasks. As a result, she was able to get a lot more done in her life. Her greatest achievement, though, was to fulfill her lifelong ambition of writing a book. Lucy’s physical and mental benefits are shared among many others who left alcohol behind.

Taking the First Steps of Sobriety

Around the world, various countries now have initiatives where people come together and stop consuming alcohol for a month. For many, this is their first experience of an alcohol free program. And becoming alcohol free is something that entirely agrees with them.

One such month-long event is called FebFast, and it is held in Australia. Statistically, it is a logical event because 40% of Australians drink on a weekly basis. In considering drink consumption, acceptable drinking is described in Australia as two beers, two 25ml spirits, or 1.5 glasses of wine a day.

Medical professionals in the country have agreed that daily consumption of alcohol that exceeds that daily limit is enough to be considered a long-term danger for the body. Therefore, it is worth people considering whether or not they want to be addiction free later in their lives. As such, medical professionals advocate FebFast because it provides a support system in which heavy drinkers can explore sobriety. Another benefit is that a month off alcohol can give bodily organs an extended period of time in which to recover.

Maintaining a Sober Lifestyle

After being struck down by a debilitating flu for 10 days, journalist Polly Vernon was astonished when she looked in the mirror. Having not consumed alcohol for the entirety of her sickness, she was amazed by how good she looked. In trying to determine the cause, she quickly realized that not consuming alcohol had helped to rejuvenate her face. Beyond the visual improvements, Polly was also delighted by the increase and quality in her work output, as well as her all-round good mood.

Eager to continue to experience the benefits of living without alcohol, Polly realized that she would have to make changes to her life. During her work as a journalist, she had regularly attended bars with colleagues who could be classified as heavy drinkers. Polly understood that the single most important thing she could do to maintain her sobriety was to stop seeing her old drinking friends.

Many use alcohol as a crutch in social situations, so it is crucial to remove yourself from the situations that encourage you to consume alcohol. This will be pivotal in staying sober and maintaining an alcohol free lifestyle.