How Quitting Drinking Can Help Strengthen Your Immune System
According to the Mayo Clinic, people with unhealthy alcohol use including binge drinking or heavy alcohol consumption may be suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Alcohol Use Disorder can have a number of adverse health effects including liver disease, digestive problems, and heart problems. AUD can also lead to a weakened immune system. The Mayo Clinic states that “Excessive alcohol use can make it harder for your body to resist disease, increasing your risk for various illnesses, especially pneumonia.”
Quitting drinking may help you improve your overall immune system by decreasing the negative impact on your health and well-being. Studies show that decreasing or eliminating your alcohol consumption can also help you get better sleep, a key component to boosting your immunity.
Alcohol Use Disorder is a serious disease affecting millions of Americans. During these unprecedented times, it may seem harder than ever to seek the help that you need to stop drinking. Stay-at-Home orders can make it seem very isolating for a person suffering from an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Now it is more important than ever to seek treatment and reach out for support. The shutdowns across the nation have not eliminated options in AUD treatments. AUD is often characterized by one or more of the following symptoms:
- Drinking more or longer than you intended
- Wanting to stop drinking but being unable to
- Experiencing alcohol cravings
- Job or school troubles caused by drinking too much
- Continuing to drink despite it causing problems with friends and family
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism lists the full criteria that an individual must meet to be diagnosed with AUD. If you believe that yourself or a loved one could be at risk, be sure to seek a formal assessment and get the help you need.