Actor Ji JinHee "I Quit Drinking for 6 years"…Benefits of Abstaining from Alcohol

Actor Ji JinHee recently shared his self-management practices that he has been following for six years. In a recent interview after the conclusion of the drama "Romance in the House" he mentioned, "There are aspects I always manage," adding that he quit drinking alcohol six years ago. He expressed his desire to continue acting in melodramas even in his 60s and revealed his consistent efforts in self-care.

He explained, "In the past, it was common for me to drink until five bars, but I thought quitting drinking would allow me to take on more roles." He continued, "I would be completely drunk the night before and then quit drinking the next day, not consuming any alcohol for a whole year. I would attend drinking gatherings but only drink three liters of water." He stated, "Since I quit drinking, my mind has been clearer and I feel better.“

What Changes Occur When You Quit Drinking?

Like Ji JinHee, quitting alcohol can lead to several beneficial changes in the body. First and foremost, liver health improves. Alcohol is processed in the liver, and regular consumption can deteriorate liver health. The risk of liver disease increases due to the buildup of fat and inflammation. However, if one stops drinking, the liver can often return to normal, especially if the damage isn't severe. Research indicates that liver fat levels can drop by about 15% after just 30 days of abstaining from alcohol.

Reducing alcohol intake can also lead to weight loss. Alcohol is high in calories but lacks essential vitamins and minerals. According to the Korean Dietitians Association, one shot of soju (50ml) contains 71 Kcal, a pint of draft beer (475ml) has 176 Kcal, a shot of vodka (50ml) has 120 Kcal, and a glass of makgeolli (200ml) has 92 Kcal. Drinking an entire bottle of soju (360ml) adds approximately 500 Kcal to your caloric intake. Including snacks while drinking further accelerates fat accumulation, leading to weight gain.

Cognitive Function and Mental Health Improvements

As Ji JinHee mentioned, quitting alcohol can also lead to clearer thinking. Alcohol affects brain functions, including memory and cognition. Prolonged heavy drinking can accelerate the destruction of brain cells, shrinking the brain and impairing its functions. This can negatively impact learning, memory, emotions, sleep, temperature regulation, and motor skills.

Abstaining from alcohol can also alleviate depression. Long-term heavy drinking disrupts the production of serotonin, the "happiness hormone," which can trigger or worsen depression. Additionally, sleep quality can improve. While alcohol may induce drowsiness and help you fall asleep faster, it suppresses various bodily functions and can disturb deep sleep, leaving you feeling unrested.

Helpful Tips for Stopping Drinking

For those who habitually drink, quitting can be challenging. Abruptly deciding to stop drinking can lead to increased stress and lower success rates. It is more effective to set a period for gradual reduction in drinking frequency. Start by aiming not to drink for just one day, then gradually extend this to a week, a month, and beyond. Finding hobbies like exercise or cultural activities can also help.

If someone experiences dizziness, lethargy, fatigue, anxiety, or loss of appetite after quitting, it may indicate a high level of dependence on alcohol. Individuals who frequently drink heavily may experience withdrawal symptoms. In such cases, seeking help from local addiction support centers or specialized hospitals is advisable.