Every October, thousands of people take part in ‘Stoptober,’ a 31-day challenge that encourages individuals to go sober for a month. The idea behind this initiative is to give your body a much-needed break from alcohol, reset your health, and take control of your well-being.
However, it is also common to experience negative side effects as the body withdraws from alcohol. Recent research has suggested that NAD+, an important coenzyme involved in producing cellular energy, can enhance the detoxification process and reduce withdrawal symptoms, which we’ll discuss throughout this article.
What is Stoptober & Why Do People Take Part in It?
Stoptober is a month-long challenge encouraging participants to give up alcohol during October. Many people take part to improve their health, both physically and mentally. Regular alcohol consumption can harm the liver and kidneys, increasing the risk of heart disease, cancer, kidney damage and other serious health issues. By going sober, participants often notice improved sleep, clearer thinking, a brighter mood, and higher energy levels. The body begins to heal, restoring itself after weeks or years of strain from alcohol.
Going sober also has psychological and social advantages. Financial savings from not purchasing alcohol are an added bonus, while relationships with family and friends often strengthen as individuals become more present and engaged. Additionally, Stoptober raises awareness about the dangers of alcohol misuse and encourages people to adopt healthier drinking habits for the long term.
The Effects of Alcohol Withdrawal
When our body adapts to a substance like alcohol, it can react badly if intake suddenly stops. Unwelcome side effects of an alcohol detox can include sweating, nausea, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety and depression. Of course, the intensity of withdrawal symptoms is linked to your level of alcohol dependency. These symptoms are usually temporary, but they can be unpleasant and impact a person’s willpower to stay sober.
How NAD+ Can Help
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a vital coenzyme found in every cell of the body, playing a central role in energy production and metabolic processes. It helps convert nutrients into cellular energy and supports DNA repair, which is essential for maintaining healthy cells. As we age, NAD+ levels decline, impacting our overall health and vitality.
A recent study by the National Library of Medicine has also shown that chronic alcohol consumption drains NAD+ levels. Therefore, it is vital to replenish this core coenzyme. With a sufficient amount of NAD+, the body can be renourished and equipped for a detox with minimal withdrawal symptoms. Some of the key ways that NAD+ can enhance your sobriety include:
Boosting Detoxification
NAD+ plays a crucial role in your body’s natural detoxification pathways. Not only does it power the energy required for a detox, but it also activates sirtuins. Sirtuins help repair damaged cells and tissues, particularly those affected by alcohol consumption, which causes oxidative stress. These stressors lead to the production of free radicals that damage cells. NAD+ assists the body’s enzymes in repairing this damage, minimising the harmful effects of toxins and aiding in their removal from the body.
Improving Energy Levels and Cognitive Function
During Stoptober, you may notice increased energy and mental clarity as your body adjusts to life without alcohol. NAD+ boosts cellular energy further by assisting with mitochondrial function, giving you even more of a mental and physical edge. Those who supplement their NAD+ levels throughout an alcohol detox report improved concentration, memory and mood as their brain cells rejuvenate.
Enhancing Liver and Kidney Health
Since alcohol is processed primarily by the liver, this organ often bears the brunt of its harmful effects. NAD+ can support liver health by helping to repair any damaged cells and improve its detoxifying capacity. It also aids in kidney function, ensuring that these important organs can efficiently remove waste from the body.
Supporting Mental Health
NAD+ has been shown to influence brain function and mood by regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. During Stoptober, many people experience a “mental reset” as their brain chemistry balances out, but this can take time. At first, common symptoms like confusion and dysregulated emotions can occur. NAD+ can speed up the healing process, optimising cognitive performance and promoting a sense of well-being by influencing the regulation of neurotransmitters.
Relieving Medicinal Side Effects
NADclinic is passionate about providing comprehensive therapies to repair the body from the damage of alcohol by harnessing the power of NAD+.
Our Alcohol Detox IV Programme offers support during the challenging process of alcohol detoxification. Through a blend of antioxidants like glutathione, essential vitamins, and nutrients like NAD+, it cleanses the body of toxins. Additionally, it provides neurological support, bolsters the immune system, and replenishes nutrients depleted by alcohol use.
For a less intensive course of therapy, we recommend our Enhanced Optima Max supplements. Simply take one tablet daily leading up to and during your period of sobriety to amplify the detoxification process.
Conclusion
Going sober during Stoptober—or any time of year—can lead to transformative changes in your physical and mental health. While alcohol withdrawal can be challenging, supplementing with NAD+ can ease these effects, enhancing the overall benefits of detoxification and boosting your well-being.
Are you thinking about going sober? Why not book a consultation with NADclinic and learn how our services can optimise your health during the process.
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