Reasons to Stop Drinking

While moderate drinking usually carries no major consequences, there are times when giving up alcohol may be the smartest choice you can make. Some reasons are health-related while others just make sense because of the overall effects of alcohol.

Impaired Judgment

• Excessive drinking lowers inhibitions and can lead to bad decisions with a lasting impact. Drinking just a couple of glasses of wine can make you less aware of your surroundings, exposing you to dangers that you would otherwise avoid. A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services showed that women who drank frequently were three times more prone to sexually transmitted diseases because they were less likely to use a condom, even with a stranger or during a one-night stand. Women who drink are also more prone to be sexually assaulted, as they may be less aware of what is going on and put themselves at a higher risk.

Health Risks

• Perhaps the most common reason to stop drinking is the effect that alcohol has on the body. Dehydration, nausea, vomiting and migraines are common side effects of consuming alcohol, but heavy drinkers can also suffer irreversible damage to their livers and kidneys, varying from fibrosis to alcoholic hepatitis to cirrhosis. Alcohol can also deplete the body of nutrients, raise blood pressure and glucose, increase the risk of cancer of the pancreas and alter hormone function.

It's An Expensive Habit

• Alcohol influences finances in two important ways. Alcohol can become a considerable expense, especially for those who prefer to drink outside of the home and end up paying a high sticker price for a glass of whiskey or a cocktail at a local bar. Even at home, a taste for expensive liquors or fine wine can end up costing hundreds of dollars a month. Alcohol also makes you less aware of your surroundings, so you are more likely to spend more money once you start drinking. This could mean gambling too much at the local casino, spending money on cigarettes or going out on a shopping spree.

Effect on Relashionships

• Frequent or heavy drinking can have a big impact on your family and social life. At home, it can lead to violence, sexual problems and escalating arguments. At work or in social situations, it can lead to speaking out of place, getting into dangerous confrontations or even losing your job. Cases of domestic violence and child abuse are often connected to alcohol consumption.

Pregnancy

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a serious consequence of drinking while pregnant. From developmental delay to physical abnormalities, the effects of alcohol on the fetus are serious and can happen with the ingestion of small quantities of alcohol. Binge drinking is particularly harmful, but even drinking a few glasses a week can be damaging in certain cases. Because experts haven't been able to determine a safe level for drinking during pregnancy, doctors recommend abstaining from alcohol completely.