Ben Stokes Says Goodbye to Alcohol
England cricket team’s Test captain Ben Stokes has taken a big decision to support his health—he has quit drinking alcohol. While recovering from a hamstring injury, he decided to leave alcohol completely. In an interview with "The Telegraph", Stokes said, “I didn’t make a big deal about it—I just stopped.”
He shared that he has been alcohol-free for the past five months and feels proud of this step. This is not just about injury recovery but about long-term physical & mental health and discipline.
Why This Step Matters in Today’s Time
In today’s fast-moving world, alcohol has become common in social gatherings, celebrations, and even stress relief. But Stokes’ decision reminds us that even the smallest lifestyle change can bring major health benefits. If a world-class athlete can take this step for better health, so can we. His story tells us that health should always come first, no matter what.
How Alcohol Harms Your Body
Alcohol affects nearly every part of the body. One of the first and most important organs it harms is the liver. The liver filters toxins, but alcohol forces it to work overtime. Regular drinking can cause fatty liver, liver inflammation, and even cirrhosis. Sadly, most people realise liver damage only when it's too late.
Alcohol also weakens the heart. It increases blood pressure, creates irregular heartbeat, and reduces the strength of the heart muscles. It’s a major reason behind heart attacks and strokes in young Indians today.
It doesn’t end there—alcohol is also dangerous for people with or at risk of diabetes. It affects how insulin works and adds extra calories, leading to weight gain and poor sugar control. Over time, this can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Mental Health Also Gets Affected
While some people drink alcohol thinking it will help them relax, it actually disturbs sleep, causes anxiety, and sometimes even leads to depression. Poor sleep and mood swings become common with regular drinking. Ben Stokes said he noticed improvement in both his mental clarity and physical recovery after quitting alcohol.
Benefits of Quitting Alcohol
Leaving alcohol behind brings visible and long-term health benefits. Your liver starts healing, helping prevent serious issues like fatty liver and inflammation. Quitting also protects your heart by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, and strokes. For people with or at risk of diabetes, stopping alcohol helps improve insulin function and blood sugar control, reducing the chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Along with better digestion and more energy, many people notice healthier skin and feel more active and alert throughout the day. Quitting alcohol also leads to better, deeper sleep, which helps your body and mind recover fully. Additionally, it reduces anxiety and stress levels, improving mental health. Your immunity gets stronger, and overall, your quality of life improves significantly.
What Happens in Just 30 Days After Quitting Alcohol?
Within just 30 days of quitting alcohol, your sleep improves, becoming deeper and more restful, while your mood stabilizes and becomes more positive. At the same time, your liver starts its natural healing process, helping your body function better, making you feel lighter and more energetic. In India, lifestyle diseases are rising due to habits like drinking, smoking, and lack of exercise, so quitting alcohol is a simple but powerful step toward a healthier future.
Final Thought: You Can Do It Too
Whether you are an athlete, a student, or someone working 9 to 5—quitting alcohol can bring you closer to the best version of yourself. Do it for your family, your future, and your well-being. Ben Stokes made this choice for his health, and he is now setting an example for millions. Your body will thank you for making the same choice.
Disclaimer
This blog is for information and awareness only. It is not meant to replace medical advice. Always talk to a healthcare professional before making lifestyle changes.
References
1. Ben Stokes Interview – The Telegraph
2. Amar Ujala
3. WHO – Alcohol and Health Facts
4. CDC – Alcohol Use and Effects
5. Harvard Health – Alcohol & Heart
6. Picture Credit - NDTV & OrissaPOST
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