Many people discuss the positive mental health benefits of going through rehab but don’t emphasize the physical health benefits as well. If you’re wondering how your health improves after rehab, you’re in the right place. Your body responds in amazing ways once drugs and alcohol are removed from your system. While it’s important to work on your mental health as you recover here are some of the things that happen in your body after you go through rehab.
Improved Memory
It may come as a surprise, but alcohol and drugs cause you to experience memory problems. While it’s true that alcohol can help you feel more relaxed and sleepy, it also affects your brain’s ability to process information. When substances are taken out of the equation, your cognitive abilities will be sharper and therefore allow for better memory function overall.
In addition to improving your ability to recall events from long ago, abstinence allows for better short-term memory recall as well. It also increases awareness of what is happening around you at any given moment. This means that while sober people might be able to remember things much more easily than when they were drinking on a regular basis, they’re also very aware of their surroundings at all times without being distracted by outside factors such as alcohol or drug use.
You’ll be Able to Sleep Better
One of the first things you’ll notice after going through drug treatment in Salt Lake City, Atlanta, or Chicago, is that you are sleeping much better than you used to. While some drugs can make you sleepy, others are stimulants that keep you up at night. While alcohol is a depressant, constant use over time can cause insomnia, nightmares, and other sleep disorders like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. Alcohol may also cause sleep paralysis, which is when a person wakes up but finds themselves unable to move or speak. These symptoms subside after people have gone through drug or alcohol detox.
You’ll See Improvements in Your Skin, Hair, and Teeth
When you first get sober, your skin may look a little dull. This is due to the dehydration that occurs when you drink alcohol on a regular basis. However, after a few weeks of sobriety, your skin will start to look brighter and healthier. You’ll start to absorb nutrients better which can also reduce signs of aging. People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol or do drugs tend to look much older than they are.
Another positive side effect of quitting drinking is that acne can clear up once your body has adjusted to the absence of drugs and alcohol in your life. Drinking can cause inflammation which leads to acne breakouts. Your teeth will also be healthier. Since you can better absorb vitamins and minerals it can slow or eliminate any new tooth decay from forming.
Your Brain Improves
The brain is a complex organ, and when it’s not functioning at its best, your entire body is affected. When you’re sober and drug-free, the brain can get back to normal. It’s possible that you’ll have more energy than you’ve had in years. You may no longer experience sudden highs or lows. You may have trouble concentrating on anything before rehab, but after treatment, your mind will be sharper than ever before—and it will stay that way if you continue with therapy and support groups after leaving treatment.
Better Immune Health
Sober living can also help you preserve your immune system. A strong immune system is crucial for fighting off infections and illnesses, so it’s important to maintain its health. Sober living allows you to do this by providing the resources necessary for a healthy lifestyle: access to nutritious food, clean water, and adequate sleep. In addition, meditation has been shown to reduce stress levels—which can make it easier for your body to fight off viruses or bacteria that may cause illness. People also exercise because it releases endorphins that give us energy and make us feel better physically.
Better Breathing
Alcohol and drugs can cause problems with your lungs. You’ll breathe better once you make the effort to enter a rehab program and detox from using these substances. Over time your lungs can heal from the different things you put in your system, and you’ll continue to get healthier over time.
