How Cutting Back on Alcohol Improves Your Health

When it comes to your health, Dry January is just the beginning.  

In August, Gallup shared the results of its annual Consumption Habits survey, which tracks the way Americans drink. Just 54% of respondents reported that they drank alcohol, the lowest amount in the poll’s nearly 90-year history.  

The drop comes as more people are rethinking their relationship with alcohol and growing research shows that even moderate drinking can negatively impact health.  

There are many reasons for wanting to give up alcohol, and health is typically at the top of the list, says Jennifer Au, MD, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Scripps Clinic.  

“Some people are concerned about potential health implications — their doctor told them that they need to stop, or they’ve had a family member diagnosed with a disease or a cancer related to alcohol,” says Dr. Au.  

“Others are just noticing that they don’t feel well. Especially after the holidays when there are a lot of social events, people start realizing that they’re drinking more and they feel sluggish, lethargic, distended and uncomfortable, so they want to try to reset to feel better for the new year,” she says.  

Going alcohol-free — both in the short-term and long-term — has significant health benefits.  

In the short term, cutting out alcohol can improve sleep, boost energy, relieve heartburn and other GI issues and support better mental clarity.  

Over time, reducing or eliminating alcohol entirely can lower your risk of serious health issues, like heart disease, irreversible liver damage and certain cancers. It can also lead to healthier relationships and better mental health.  

For heavier drinkers, going alcohol-free may be easier said than done. Though it won’t affect every person, withdrawal symptoms can range from uncomfortable to severe — anxiety, headaches, nausea, trouble sleeping, irritability, hallucinations and even seizures.  

But the positives often greatly outweigh the negatives.  

“It’s always a good idea to try to cut back on alcohol and really reflect on how much you’re drinking,” says Dr. Au.  

While most people can wean themselves off alcohol on their own, those who consume multiple drinks a day should consult their doctor due to the increased likelihood of experiencing withdrawal symptoms.  

A break from alcohol may also exacerbate anxiety, depression or other underlying issues. A primary care physician or mental health provider can help guide you through the process.  

For those with liver damage caused by excessive drinking — from abnormal liver tests to liver failure — Scripps offers a support group to help participants build community and develop coping mechanisms, Dr. Au says.  

“The effects of liver disease can be life-altering. We’re here to help people see light at the end of the tunnel,” she says.  

This content appeared in San Diego Health, a publication in partnership between Scripps and San Diego Magazine that celebrates the healthy spirit of San Diego.