Celebrating the Benefits of Recovery During National Recovery Month

September is National Recovery Month and celebrates the more than 20 million Americans who have had the courage to seek help for substance use disorder, showing millions of others that recovery is possible. Many people decide to reevaluate their relationship with alcohol after a drunk driving conviction, and in many cases decide to completely stop drinking.

Whether you decide to abstain completely, or simply limit your drinking, there are enormous benefits to having less alcohol in your life. They include:

• Lowers possibility of reoffending: if you limit or stop your alcohol intake completely, the chances of getting a second drunk driving conviction are significantly lowered. You will also avoid failing breath tests if you have an interlock installed. Failing a breath test could result in further penalties or an increased interlock term.
• Improved health: there are many health outcomes that occur as a result of quitting alcohol. They include better skin, improved memory function, better sleep, and better hydration, which on its own can result in many other additional positive health outcomes.
• Better relationships: you will have more time and energy to devote to friends, family, and romantic partnerships. With your improved health and mental clarity, you will very likely see incredible improvements in your personal and professional relationships as a result.
• Positive mental health developments: Alcohol acts as a depressant, which can impact your physical and mental health. When you stop drinking, you may notice an improved mood, lack of hangover symptoms, and other positive developments that make you feel better mentally and physically.
• Increased likelihood of addressing root cause of addiction: many people use alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism because of past bad experiences.
• Quitting can be difficult, as these unresolved feelings rise again without the balm of alcohol. However, it also allows people to tackle these challenges with a clear head and address their past traumas in a healthier way.

Finding the Right Treatment Method for You

When it comes to addiction, there are many schools of thought. Some think it best to go cold turkey, and immediately quit using the substance they struggle with. Others subscribe to a harm reduction method, which involves lessening the intake of the substance gradually. If you’re unsure what to do, consider getting a professional assessment.

New Directions, the premier provider of fast and objective professional assessments for individuals dealing with alcohol and substance use, offers assessments in a variety of areas, including DUI and substance use. New Directions assessments are conducted virtually, customize to each individual and provide honest appraisal of your substance use and applicable treatment recommendations.

If you’re struggling with addiction and unsure where to start, an assessment can help. To get started, visit https://ndassessments.com/user/register to create an account.