Top 10 Benefits of Living Substance-Free


Top 10 Benefits of Living Substance-Free

Addiction and substance abuse can completely mess up a person's body and life.  Long-term health impacts from drug use include kidney, liver, and heart problems. It can lead to cancer and dental issues. Drugs can mess with the mind and lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Beyond that, addiction can destroy relationships. 

Going through detox and recovering from substance abuse can be challenging, but it's worth it. There are many benefits of living a substance-free life. 

Improved physical appearance

Drugs can affect a person's looks and change them completely. Acne breakouts are common when it comes to drugs. Severe drug use can lead to scabbing and sores on the body from excessive scratching. Some drugs cause baldness and destroy the cartilage in the nose. They can cause unhealthy weight loss or gain too. 

After quitting drugs, the skin will get brighter and clear up over time. Hair will begin to look healthier and shine. Bloating will decrease as well and life returns to the body. Consuming nutritionally dense food and treating the body better helps. 

Increase in physical health

Using substances, especially for long periods of time, can harm health long-term. They can cause minor irritations like hangovers, low energy, or more severe issues. Alcohol can cause heart disease, stroke, or liver disease. Meth can lead to poor dental health and unhealthy weight loss. Cocaine can cause nasal damage and trouble swallowing.

When people stop taking drugs, their bodies are able to heal. The body and mind finally have a chance to rest properly, which increases energy levels. It takes some time to see these results, but they will come. The chance of developing diseases and infections will also decrease. 

Improved mental health

While specific drugs are prescribed to alleviate depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, other drugs or misuse of prescriptions can have the opposite effect. Cutting out substances can improve mental health. Sober living clears the mind and can drastically improve a person's mood. 

Strong relationships

Substance abuse can be draining on relationships. Bonds with friends, lovers, and family tend to be weakened after addiction. Misusing drugs can take away any trust that was once there and lead to fights. Living a drug-free life can ease this stress and begin the path to rekindling relationships. It will take time to get back to normal, but going substance-free shows a commitment to fixing things. 

Do better at work

Work performance can suffer greatly when using drugs. It's easier to slack off when high, even without meaning to. Drugs affect concentration and other essential parts of a hard day's work. They can also lead to people skipping shifts or going in late. If someone is sleeping off a high or struggling to power through a hangover, it will lead to issues with showing up and doing a good job. Going substance-free clears up the mind and can increase a person's drive.  

Better finances

The cost of substance use adds up, not just physically and mentally but financially as well. People in the United States spend billions and billions of dollars on drugs and alcohol each year. Cutting out substances frees up a lot of hard-earned money. Imagine if someone put the same amount of money they spent on ordering drinks and buying marijuana into their savings account instead of blowing it on substances. It adds up!

Improved quality of life

A substance-free life reignites a spark instead of wasting time or healing from a high. Substance-free living will encourage getting into once-loved hobbies. Spending time drawing, reading, or doing whatever hobby interests you is time better spent. Cutting out drugs clears up the mind and truly holds the power to enjoy things again.  

Live longer

Substance-free living is excellent for the body and can increase life expectancy. Those who use drugs and drink often have a lower life expectancy. Pairing a sober lifestyle with a good diet and exercise routine is a great way to ensure a longer and happier life. 

Better memory

Drug users tend to struggle with memory. They may forget important life events like holidays and birthdays. Addiction harms the parts of the brain used for learning and memory. Cutting out substances can be healing for the brain and improve memory. It will take time for this change to occur, but ditching substances like alcohol improves cognitive function and brain structure. 

Increased confidence and self-love

No longer relying on substances is a big win, and it can really elevate a person's sense of self. Cutting out substances allows more room for self-discovery and getting in touch with oneself. Substance-free living can help ditch feelings of doubt and worthlessness and replace them with confidence. 

Pride Detox is here to help you navigate your recovery and reach your goals. Start your journey toward a healthier life and call 1-562-545-3289 today.

Call us today for LGBTQ+ affirming substance use detox?

Our team of compassionate professionals understands the unique challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community in seeking treatment, and we are here to provide the support and care you need to begin your journey towards recovery.