How Quitting Alcohol Improved My Health and Happiness

For years, alcohol was my go-to for celebrations, stress relief, and unwinding after a long day.

Jennifer McDougall
4 min readDec 15, 2024

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How Quitting Alcohol Improved My Health and Happiness
Photo by Omid Mozaffari on Unsplash

It was a constant in social gatherings and a way to take the edge off tough moments. But somewhere along the way, I began to question its place in my life. Was it really helping me cope, or was it quietly holding me back?

Deciding to quit alcohol wasn’t easy, but it turned out to be one of the most transformative decisions I’ve ever made. Here’s how giving up alcohol improved my health, boosted my happiness, and changed my life in ways I never imagined.

Why I Decided to Quit

The decision to quit alcohol often starts with small realizations. For me, it was waking up with brain fog, the constant sluggishness, and the anxiety that crept in after a night of drinking. Studies in Alcohol and Alcoholism show that even moderate drinking can have long-term effects on mental clarity and emotional stability. I wanted more energy, better focus, and a sense of control over my life.

The Health Benefits I Experienced

The physical changes were among the first and most noticeable improvements. Here’s what happened when I stopped drinking:

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Jennifer McDougall
Jennifer McDougall

Written by Jennifer McDougall

Host of Life Refined 🎙️ Personal Growth | Self-Improvement | Wellness 💡 Helping you level up your mindset & life. https://linktr.ee/jenmcdougall

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