Giving up drinking may be an extremely daunting task for many, given as though so many social events here in the UK seem to revolve around it.
Alcohol has long been known to be detrimental to our health and well-being in the long-term, with it causing more of an effect as we get older.
After a doctor recently revealed the age that you should aim to give up drink for good, it's also worth noting how long your body takes to recover from alcohol after quitting.
Health issues caused by alcohol consumption
Excessive consumption of the substance is known to bring on a number of health issues that could eventually lead to death.
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The Alzheimer's Society previously stated that research reveals that excessive alcohol consumption can increase the chances of dementia, as drinking reduces the volume of your brain's white matter, which can stop it from functioning properly.
The author of How to Prevent Dementia: An Expert’s Guide to Long-Term Brain Health, Dr. Richard Restak, said that it is a 'direct neurotoxin' and that it can damage or destroy the function of the nervous system.
So, at what age should you go teetotal?
Dr. Restak revealed that there is an age that you should aim to cut it out completely.
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“Ask yourself, ‘why do I drink?’ If the answer is ‘because alcohol helps me to elevate my mood and lower my anxiety,’ you may be at some peril, and it’s probably best to stop altogether,” the doctor wrote.
“I strongly suggest that if you are 65-years-old or older, that you completely and permanently eliminate alcohol from your diet."
You may even choose to quit earlier to avoid all the health problems that comes with excessive drinking in your younger years.
But what exactly happens after you quit?
There are a number of withdrawal symptoms that your body will go through after taking that last sip that begin in the hours following, the Priory Group explains.
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Early symptoms are mild, with the regular hangover occurrences of headaches, hand tremors being coupled with alcohol cravings and feelings of depression.
In severe situations, some may experience delirium tremens (DTs), which is the most severe form of withdrawal as it can lead to cardiovascular collapse after an altered mental status and sympathetic overdrive, after 12 to 24 hours.
Within 48 hours, symptoms will begin to die down as your body adjusts to being without alcohol , but the process isn't done there.
Depending on the person, and their alcohol intake/misuse/addiction, the entire withdrawal process usually takes anywhere between three to seven days of your final drink, or more depending on severity.
If you don't stop though, you increase the chances of developing a certain type of dementia, associated with the excessive use of alcohol.
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Dementia UK explains: "Alcohol related brain damage (also known as alcohol related brain impairment) is caused by drinking alcohol excessively over a prolonged period of time.
"It can be caused by a combination of reasons including vitamin B1 deficiency (thiamine), the toxic effects of alcohol on nerve cells, head injury and blood vessel damage."
It is recommended that you lower your alcohol intake to no more than 14 units a week, over no more than three days - this can prevent alcohol-related brain damage.
Other things that help include eating healthy, avoiding smoking, increasing physical and mental activity, managing stress level and keeping tabs on your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock PhotosTopics: Health, Alcohol, Lifestyle, Science, Food And Drink