Alcohol has long lubricated society as a socially acceptable and, for those of drinking age, wholly legal drug. Pregnant women, designated drivers and anyone on prescription medications that are dangerous when mixed with alcohol should never drink, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They may risk their lives, or those of their unborn babies, if they do. Others too can reap similar and additional benefits if they cut out the booze.
Behavior
Your behavior is often better when you are not fueled by alcohol. This is especially true for those inclined to be impulsive, aggressive or violent, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Alcohol lowers inhibitions and freely opens the door to risky sexual and other behaviors that could leave you abused or riddled with sexually transmitted diseases. Alcohol is a factor in two-thirds of intimate partner violence incidents. It is also often a factor in other domestic violence, such as child abuse. Put down the drink, and you will likely think more clearly before you act and be more inclined to think of your behavior's consequences.
Medical Conditions
Putting down the drink also puts you at less risk for a number of medical conditions and diseases associated with alcohol consumption, CDC and NIAAA state. These include strokes, dementia and a host of other neurological problems. You are less at risk for alcohol-related cardiovascular problems, liver disease, cirrhosis and other ailments, and a variety of cancers. Your chances of high blood pressure due to drinking, another common ailment, also go down.
Immediate Injury or Death
Although a number of alcohol-related medical conditions can take years to develop, alcohol does not always take its sweet old time when it comes to inducing injury or death. You can be out of the risk pool for a number of accidents caused by alcohol, including traffic crashes you cause by driving under the influence. Other examples of inadvertent or accidental injuries and death range from falling down stairs to drowning in the bathtub, cutting yourself with an electric carving knife to shooting yourself in the foot. You will also be completely removed from the risk of death through alcohol poisoning.
Other
No more hangovers is another benefit of life without alcohol, as are a few others pointed out by NIAAA. Mental disorders are more common in people who abuse or become dependent on alcohol, especially anxiety and other affective disorders. Your decision not to drink can also better society as a whole. Your work may improve, and you'll no longer have to call in sick due to drinking-related reasons. Your relationships can also improve, including those with your co-workers, friends and, most importantly, your family.
