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Tom Holland recently opened up about why he gave up alcohol. He took the step because he saw how interwoven alcohol was in his social life.
Tom Holland decided to take a month-long break from alcohol three years ago and has never looked back since.
As the New Year begins, many people make resolutions to moderate their alcohol intake or embark on a journey of sobriety. In a recent interview, Tom Holland spoke about his sobriety journey and how it changed his life. The Spider-Man star talked about this lifestyle change and also revealed what made him embark on this journey.
Tom Holland started his sobriety journey three years ago when he decided to take a month-long break from alcohol. During this break, he realized how alcohol was a major part of his social life. He told Men’s Health, “Every Friday after work was a write-off: Let’s get drunk and have a good time. I didn’t have bad experiences, but I would drink enough so that I would ruin my next day.”
The actor mentioned how he leaned on his network of friends and family during this journey. He revealed the advice he had received from his lawyer. He said, “He gave me a really poignant piece of advice that helped me get through everything, which was: You’ll never wake up the morning after a night out and wish you had a drink. That piece of advice really rang true to me, because my problem was that I would have one drink and be fine, and then I would just go too far.”
In the same conversation, Holland mentioned how he has found a new sense of clarity that helps him deal with stress and how he spends his weekends more productively because he is no longer nursing a hangover.
Inspired by his journey, here are seven things that happen to your mental health once you quit alcohol.
- 1. Alcohol is a depressant that can disrupt brain chemistry, leading to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Quitting alcohol often results in more stable moods, as the brain regains balance in neurotransmitter production, leading to better emotional regulation.
- 2. Although alcohol may offer temporary relief, it can exacerbate anxiety over time. By quitting alcohol, many people experience a significant reduction in anxiety, as their nervous system recalibrates.
- 3. Alcohol impairs cognitive functions, including concentration, memory, and decision-making. When you quit drinking, your mental clarity improves.
- 4. While alcohol may initially make you feel sleepy, it disrupts sleep patterns and reduces REM sleep quality.
- 5. Alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism for stress, but it can worsen stress in the long run. Quitting allows the mind to adopt healthier ways to handle stress, such as practicing mindfulness, exercising, or engaging in hobbies.
- 6. Chronic alcohol use is linked to an increased risk of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.
- 7. Overcoming alcohol dependency fosters a sense of accomplishment, leading to improved self-esteem and confidence.
