The Truth About Alcohol: The Spiritual, Scientific & Energetic Consequences

Welcome, Smiley Blue readers.
This week I take a look at an uncomfortable truth about wellness. I want to get real on the subject of alcohol- its spiritual consequences and the latest science-backed evidence. This information might just change the way you think about pouring your next glass of vino.

This article isn’t about inducing guilt or shame. As someone who continually seeks heightened awareness, I've naturally been drawn to release anything that weighs me down or hinders my path. These life changes certainly didn’t happen overnight. This journey has been ongoing for well over a decade, and it’s deeply personal for every one of us.

The Scientific Reality
Lately, I’ve found myself grappling internally with the latest information about alcohol— and I’ll be completely honest I didn’t want to acknowledge these truths. I do enjoy a crisp glass of fizz or a delicate rosé wine. Alcohol can be delicious, social, and relaxing. But, as I started looking more deeply into my relationship with it and the latest undeniable research, I knew it was time for me to start taking an even closer look.

The evidence many don’t want to hear is that, according to recent studies released, there’s no truly "safe" level of alcohol consumption. Even small amounts have been linked to increased risks of cancer, heart disease, liver damage, and poor brain health. I get it —this is a tough pill to swallow, especially when we've been sold for years that a bit of moderate drinking might even be beneficial to health.

Personal Health Observations
As a health-conscious person in both mind and body, these facts started to shift my perspective. Right now, I’m transitioning through menopause, and I’ve noticed when I don’t drink, my face isn’t puffy, my abdomen isn’t bloated, and I sleep far more soundly. Nowadays if I consume even one glass of wine, I feel different. Sleep becomes restless, I burn up at night and wake feeling like I haven't slept. When my husband and I drink wine more regularly—like when we're travelling—We always complain we feel bloated.

I had to ask myself: is this temporary pleasure really worth the impact on my body and mind?

A Call for Self-Reflection
Even if you do decide to keep drinking, it’s worth examining your relationship with alcohol. I can assure you, initially I made plenty of excuses and came up with reasons to continue —I know how easy it is to say, "But everyone in Europe drinks, and they seem fine!" or "I don't even have that much" I used to say the same about smoking, too, until I kicked that to the kerb twenty-six years ago.

"The first step towards change is awareness." – Nathaniel Branden

Of course, it’s your body, and the choice is yours. This is about being equipped with facts to enable you to make informed decisions.

A Biblical Perspective
Proverbs 20:1 – "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise."

You might be thinking: Well, Jesus drank wine, so that makes it okay, right? While Jesus never condemned drinking, he used wine symbolically for celebration, community, and covenant. However, the broader biblical context warns against excessive drinking and promotes self-control.

It’s also worth noting that biblical wine was quite different from modern wine—less processed, higher in antioxidants, and often diluted with water.

Galatians 5:22-23 – "But the fruit of the Spirit is... self-control."

Spiritual Perspectives
The spiritual traditions recognise that alcohol affects both the mind and the spiritual heart, it creates a block to deeper awareness and your connection to the Source.

Islam teaches that prayers aren’t received for forty days after consuming alcohol.
Buddhism warns that intoxicants interfere with the path to enlightenment.
Hinduism often recommends abstinence to maintain purity of consciousness.
Even in modern Christianity, abstinence is seen as a way to gain greater spiritual clarity.

This ancient wisdom aligns with modern science, showing how alcohol not only affects the body but also the mind and spirit.

Quantum and Energetic Perspectives
From an energetic perspective, our bodies are fields of vibrating energy. Every cell functions at specific frequencies to maintain its optimal health and consciousness.

"If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration." – Nikola Tesla

Alcohol disrupts these natural frequencies, affecting our body's electromagnetic field and cellular communication. It doesn’t just impact your physical health—it lowers your vibration, dims down your intuition, and interferes with your connection to higher states of consciousness.

Positive thoughts, gratitude, and authenticity emit high-frequency energy, attracting similar experiences and people into your life. Alcohol serves to pull that energy downward, it acts as a sobering depressive.

The Health Timeline: What Happens When You Stop Drinking Alcohol

Understanding the potential health benefits and the timeline of recovery can provide you with the powerful motivation to cut back and perhaps quit. The next paragraphs explore the physical and mental health improvements that typically occur after stopping alcohol consumption, from the first 24 hours to long-term benefits many years later.

Important Safety Notice

It’s important to understand that stopping alcohol consumption suddenly can be dangerous for heavy drinkers. Always consult a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your alcohol consumption, as supervised medical detoxification may be necessary.

The Recovery Timeline

Immediate Effects (First 24 Hours)

The body begins its healing process almost immediately after the last drink. During the first 24 hours:

The body initiates alcohol elimination from your bloodstream
Blood sugar levels start normalising
Blood pressure may begin decreasing if previously elevated due to alcohol consumption

Early Recovery (Days 2-7)

The first week marks significant changes as your body adjusts to functioning without alcohol:

Sleep patterns begin shifting toward more natural rhythms
Energy levels typically start improving
Mental clarity often increases
Physical hydration improves, potentially leading to better skin appearance

The First Month

By the 30-day mark, many individuals experience notable improvements:

Liver fat can decrease by up to 15%
Blood pressure often shows marked improvement
Many people notice weight loss due to reduced caloric intake
Mental health improvements may become apparent, with possible reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms

Three to Six Months

The middle stage of recovery brings more substantial health benefits:

Liver function continues to improve significantly
The immune system strengthens, potentially leading to fewer illnesses
Mental health often stabilises further
Risk factors for various health conditions begin decreasing

One Year and Beyond

Long-term sobriety is associated with numerous health improvements:

Significant reduction in heart disease risk
Liver health typically returns to normal (assuming no permanent damage)
Brain chemistry and volume begin normalising
Cancer risks decrease, particularly for liver, breast, and colon cancers

Long-Term Benefits (5+ Years)

Extended sobriety offers substantial protective health benefits:

Markedly lower risk of various cancers, including mouth, throat, and liver
Reduced stroke risk
Enhanced cognitive function compared to continuing drinkers
Improved cardiovascular health

Individual Variations

These recovery timelines can vary between individuals based on several factors:

Previous drinking patterns and duration
Overall health status
Genetic factors
Age and gender
Presence of other health conditions
Lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, stress levels)

Supporting Your Recovery Journey

To maximise the benefits of alcohol cessation:

Maintain regular medical check-ups
Develop a strong support system
Engage in regular physical activity
Practice stress management techniques
Ensure proper nutrition and hydration
Consider counselling or support groups

Conclusion

Stopping alcohol consumption can lead to huge health improvements, with benefits beginning within hours and continuing for years. The above timeline represents typical experiences, but individual results vary.

My Final Thoughts
Whether or not you want to continue drinking, I encourage you to reflect inwards. It’s not about judgment—only awareness. For me, the more I aligned with spiritual clarity, the more alcohol felt out of sync with my personal journey. And the latest science released only confirmed what my intuition had already begun to sense.

I'm now well over six weeks without any alcohol in my system. Although I didn't consume much before, I have noticed that my skin and eyes are brighter, my energy levels have increased further, and I have no facial or stomach inflammation. One supplement I use that significantly helps me is supplementation with the Reishi mushroom otherwise known as Ganoderma Ling zhi. As with all medicinal products, you are encouraged to do your research and seek expert health guidance.

I would love to hear your thoughts—have you or are you questioning your relationship with alcohol?

References:
The Lancet: Why is alcohol so normalised in Europe?
The World Health Organisation: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health
The Benefits of Quitting Alcohol: Timeline and What to Expect
Dr Josh Axe: How Does Alcohol Affect the Brain? (It’s Not Pretty) By Rachel Keck, MS
BMJ: Short-term abstinence from alcohol and changes in cardiovascular risk factors, liver function tests and cancer-related growth factors: a prospective observational study
The National Library of Medicine: Neurometabolic Effect of Altaian Fungus Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi Mushroom) in Rats Under Moderate Alcohol Consumption

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with healthcare professionals for personalised medical guidance and support in your recovery journey.