Surgeon General Issues Warning About Alcohol and Cancer Risk 

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently released a stark warning – alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States. Despite this alarming fact, only 45% of Americans know the link. 

While the dangers of binge and high-intensity drinking are relatively well-publicized, even “moderate” alcohol consumption increases your risk of developing various forms of cancer, including breast, mouth, and throat cancer. It does so by damaging your DNA, altering hormone levels, increasing the absorption of carcinogens, and causing oxidative stress – an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. To raise awareness, Murthy suggested updating the current warning labels on alcoholic beverages to include information about the relationship between alcohol and cancer, like the warning included on cigarettes.

How Can Alcohol Abstinence Benefit You?

With the start of the new year, many people participate in Dry January, where they pledge to abstain from drinking for one month. However, the benefits of quitting alcohol extend far beyond 31 days. Here are some of the positive changes you might notice.

• Better sleep quality: It is a widespread misconception that having a nightcap before bed can help you sleep better. Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns and can also cause snoring. Enjoy more restful and restorative sleep when you cut out drinking.
• Clearer skin: Alcohol can dehydrate your skin and make you look older. A month or more of sobriety will lead to a clearer, more radiant complexion.
• Weight loss: Alcohol’s empty calories can contribute to weight gain and malnutrition, especially when paired with sugary mixers like soda or fruit juice. Abstaining from alcohol can help you shed those extra pounds.
• Improved liver health: Heavy, long-term drinking can cause severe liver damage. However, this organ has a remarkable ability to repair itself and improve its function.
• Better mental health: Alcohol can exacerbate symptoms of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Quitting drinking may stabilize your mood while giving you higher self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.
• Cost savings: Maintaining a drinking habit can be expensive. By cutting out alcohol, you can enjoy additional financial freedom and have more disposable income to invest in healthier priorities like retirement or education. 
• Mental clarity: Experience sharper focus and clearer thinking without the fog of alcohol clouding your judgment or frequent hangovers weighing you down. You can be more present and productive with your professional and personal responsibilities.
• Improved relationships: Alcohol can impair judgment and lead to conflicts, misunderstandings, and strained relationships. Being sober will make you more reliable, strengthening your bonds with family and friends.

Tips for Quitting Drinking

If you’re considering taking a break from alcohol, here are some tips to help you succeed.

• Set goals: Decide how long you want to abstain and stick to it.
• Seek support: Talk to friends and family about your decision. If you need additional help, consider joining a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery or working with a sobriety coach.
• Stay busy: Boredom is a significant relapse trigger for many people. Redirect the time and energy you used to spend drinking on new hobbies like art, fitness, or travel.
• Reward yourself: Celebrate every sobriety milestone with non-alcoholic treats or experiences.
• Volunteer: Giving back to your community can connect you with like-minded people while enriching your self-worth.

Expert Counseling and Coaching Services for Your Sobriety

Taking a break from alcohol can have profound benefits for your health and well-being. Whether you participate in Dry January or plan a more extended hiatus, you’ll reap rewards like improved relationships, cost savings, and better health. Considering the surgeon general’s advice, making a temporary or permanent change to your habits can lead to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. 
R&A Therapeutic Partners offers tailored recovery coaching and aftercare planning for people who need additional help maintaining lifelong sobriety. Our experienced therapists, Raymond Estefania, and Ana Moreno, understand the physical and psychological complications that accompany substance abuse and the need for accountability and structure. Contact us to learn how we can support your goals and enable you to cope with adversity without falling into unhealthy habits. 

At R&A Therapeutic Partners Raymond Estefania and Ana Moreno specialize in substance use and mental health disorder evaluations, treatment, intervention and therapeutic/educational consulting for clients throughout the greater South Florida area, as well as nationally and internationally. For more resources and information please visit Therapeutic-Partners.com or on Facebook.