Sober Summer: Benefits of 90 Days Alcohol-Free

You’ve probably heard of “Dry January,” when people make a resolution to avoid alcohol for the month as a healthy way to kick off the year. However, you don’t have to wait until January to take a break from alcohol. Why not consider a sober summer—going alcohol-free for 90 days in the middle of the year? It can be a great way to reset your body and mind while learning to have fun substance-free. Drinking regularly can have a negative impact on your health, and summer is a great time to get back into shape.

Health Risks of Alcohol Consumption

You may have heard that alcohol can damage your health, but if you’ve been drinking for a while, you might not notice the damage. Taking a sober summer can help you realize what it’s like to not drink for a period of time, and you can see how much your health improves.

Some of the long-term risks of heavy drinking include:¹

• Heart problems such as cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure.
• Disruptions in mood, coordination, and the ability to think clearly.
• Damage to your liver, including fatty liver, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.
• Pancreatitis.
• Certain cancers.
• Damage to your immune system.

There are also short-term impacts on your health, including a higher risk of injuries, violence, and risky behavior.² You also have a risk of alcohol poisoning if you binge drink and the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or fetal alcohol syndrome if you drink while pregnant.²

If you drink regularly over time, you may also develop alcohol use disorder (AUD), which affects nearly 15 million Americans age 12 and older.³

Signs of Alcohol Addiction

AUD is characterized by a lower ability—or inability—to stop or control alcohol usage despite the fact that it is having a negative impact on your professional, social, or personal life and health.³

Some of the signs of alcohol addiction include:³

• Drinking more or longer than you intended.
• Trying to cut down on, or stop, drinking but being unable to.
• Wanting a drink so badly you can’t think of anything else.
• Continuing to drink even though it’s causing problems with your health.
• Having to drink more to get the same effects.

If you notice these tendencies in yourself, it’s important to get the help you need to live a healthier life.

What Happens When You Stop Drinking Alcohol

What happens when you stop drinking? You’ll notice a lot of improvements to your health within just a few days, including:⁴

• Better sleep.
• Waking up without a hangover.
• Less stomach irritation.
• Less conflict with friends, family, and colleagues.

Taking a break of at least a month is also helpful for your liver and can save you a significant amount of money.⁴ You might discover you love how you feel when you’re alcohol-free and want to continue.

If you’re a heavy drinker or suspect you have AUD, quitting on your own may not be the best option due to withdrawal symptoms. Instead, consider getting help professionally with an inpatient 90-day rehab program.

Rehab for Alcohol Abuse

With a reputation as “Sin City,” the population of Las Vegas, Nevada, is particularly susceptible to alcohol use disorders. Between 2017 and 2019, 17% of Clark County residents reported heavy or binge drinking within a 30-day period.⁷ During that same time in Clark County, there were 295 deaths as the result of alcohol-impaired automobile accidents.⁸

You should know there is help for alcohol addiction. If you’re looking for rehab near Las Vegas, Desert Hope Treatment Center can help you to kickstart your recovery. Consider doing a sober summer or attending a 90-day treatment program. Contact our rehab admissions team to get started to get started today.