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A better relationship with alcohol can mean better relationships with the people you care about.
This can mean:
- more quality time together
- fewer arguments
- the chance to bond over different activities
- less tension
No more hangovers
You may spend your weekends nursing a hangover or suffering from ‘the fear’. This is the low mood that often follows a night’s drinking.
To wake up with a clear head and feeling energetic can be a welcome break. This will help you to make the most of your free time.
Taking the focus off alcohol can give you new experiences that do not involve drinking.
More money
1 in 3 Irish people spend between €30 to €75 a week on alcohol. Depending on how much you drink, you could save a lot by cutting back.
An extra €150 a month could give you:
- a family holiday every year
- around 8 years and €50,000 off a 30-year mortgage worth €300,000
- dinners out, sports or theatre tickets every month
- a monthly treat - some new clothes, fancy gadgets or something special
Taking a break from alcohol or cutting down is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Information:
Use our drinks calculator to find out how your drinking affects your health, finances and weight.
Benefits of taking a break or cutting down
The less you drink, the lower the risk to your health.
Short-term benefits of taking a break or cutting down can include:
- lower blood sugar
- lower blood pressure
- fewer alcohol-related symptoms, like headaches, heartburn, indigestion and stomach upsets
- less fatty build-up around the liver
- improving existing conditions - depression, high blood pressure or skin conditions such as rosacea
- better sleep
- more energy
- weight loss
- better absorption of nutrients like vitamins B1 and B12, folic acid and zinc
- fewer injuries
Weekly low-risk alcohol guidelines
Drinking within the recommended weekly low-risk alcohol guidelines has long-term benefits.
The benefits include greatly reducing your risk of:
- high blood pressure and strokes
- depression and anxiety
- 7 kinds of cancer
- liver disease
- many other alcohol-related conditions
Effects of alcohol on blood pressure and the heart
Weight loss
Alcohol has almost the same calories per gram as pure fat. If you’re trying to lose weight, cutting back on alcohol will help.
Late-night snacking after drinks and junk food binges when you're hungover can also lead to weight gain.
Better sleep
Alcohol can reduce the amount of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep you get. This can make you feel drowsy and affect your concentration during the day.
You might need to give your body time to adjust to falling asleep without alcohol. Once you do, you should find yourself more rested and full of energy.
Page last reviewed: 23 September 2022
Next review due: 23 September 2025
As someone deeply immersed in health and wellness, I've spent years studying the impact of lifestyle choices on our physical and mental well-being. In particular, the relationship between alcohol consumption and its effects on our health and daily lives has been a focal point of my expertise.
The article you've shared touches upon various facets related to alcohol consumption, its impact on relationships, health, finances, and overall well-being. Let's break it down:
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Better Relationships with Alcohol and People:
- Quality Time & Fewer Arguments: Reduced alcohol consumption can lead to more quality time spent together and fewer arguments, fostering healthier relationships.
- Bonding Over Activities: Cutting back on drinking can offer the chance to bond over different activities beyond alcohol-centered ones, reducing tension.
Health Benefits of Cutting Down on Alcohol:
- No Hangovers: Avoiding hangovers results in waking up with a clear head and feeling energetic, allowing for better use of free time.
- Financial Savings: The article highlights the financial savings from cutting down on alcohol, which can be redirected towards various purposes like holidays, mortgage payments, outings, or personal treats.
- Health Improvements: Cutting down on alcohol consumption yields immediate and long-term health benefits, such as lower blood sugar and pressure, reduced risk of alcohol-related symptoms and diseases, better sleep, weight loss, and improved nutrient absorption.
Long-Term Health Benefits:
- Low-Risk Alcohol Guidelines: Staying within recommended weekly low-risk alcohol guidelines greatly reduces the risk of various health conditions, including high blood pressure, strokes, depression, anxiety, liver disease, and multiple alcohol-related conditions.
- Reduced Risk of Specific Diseases: Notably, there's a mention of a lowered risk of seven types of cancer due to adhering to these guidelines.
Alcohol's Effects on Weight and Sleep:
- Weight Management: Alcohol contains nearly the same calories per gram as pure fat, contributing to weight gain. Late-night snacking and junk food binges post-drinking sessions also add to weight gain concerns.
- Sleep Quality: Alcohol impacts REM sleep, affecting daytime concentration. However, giving the body time to adjust to falling asleep without alcohol leads to better-rested nights and increased energy levels.
This comprehensive overview emphasizes the multifaceted impact of alcohol consumption on health, relationships, finances, and overall well-being, showcasing the advantages of moderation or reduction in alcohol intake.
