Health > What a month off drinking does for your body
What a month off drinking does for your body
Whatever the purpose for your month off alcohol, the health benefits of abstaining remain the same.
Australians and their alcohol: the figures
80%
the percentage of Australians over 18 who drank alcohol in the last year
1.9M
the number of Australians drinking more than 6 standard drinks per day
$34.20
the amount the average Australian household spends on alcohol per week
17%
the percentage of Australians drinking at levels that put them at risk of alcohol-related disease
What are the risks of drinking too much?
Alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation, but drinking too much has negative impacts on your wellbeing.
Short-term risks
Reduced concentration
Poor sleep quality
Blackouts
Intense moods (aggression, elation, depression)
Slower reflexes
Long-term risks
Irreversible liver, brain or nervous system damage
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Increased chance of a number of cancers
Alcohol-related disease, illness or injuries
How much is too much?
Men and women:
no more than two standard drinks per day
What can happen if you give up drinking for five weeks?
Improve quality of sleep
Increase in wakefulness
Enhance work performance
Improve concentration
Lose weight
Decrease in cholesterol
Lower blood glucose
Decrease in liver fat
Other benefits of giving up alcohol
Savings
The average Australian Household will save $1,778 a year (or roughly 85 avocado toasts)
Mental health
Your mental health could improve, as alcohol can trigger or worsen existing symptoms of anxiety
Cut calories
You can cut out an average of 433 calories (men) or 300 calories (women) per day
Healthier skin
Alcohol causes dehydration, so abstaining will leave you with hydrated healthier-looking skin
What to expect when you stop drinking
Make #onechange to your drinking habits
Drink a glass of water before, between, and after drinks
Aim for at least four alcohol-free days per week
Track your alcohol with an app like BAC alcohol Calculator
Arrange early morning weekend catch-ups - and stick to them
Republished with permission from OneLife - AIA Vitality