I quit drinking alcohol eight months ago - I've noticed one major difference

I gave up for good at the end of August last year after almost 10 years of drinking regularly. I wasn't a particularly heavy drinker; I enjoyed the odd glass of wine on a Friday and Saturday or a pint of beer in the sunshine. Last year, I had even been to a wine tasting in Bordeaux, . I loved learning about pairings, the different types of grapes, and how to spot a good bottle. Sitting outside a café on one of Bordeaux's many 'rues' nursing a chilled glass of white wine was blissful, especially during last year's 30C heatwave.

However, despite drinking alcohol for years, I had noticed some unpleasant side effects-and I'm not talking about hangovers. Stomach cramps and bloating would often be followed by sleepless nights and crippling headaches as well as frequent trips to the toilet. The symptoms continued for the rest of the summer before I decided to call it quits at the end of August.

Weeks later, a serious life-altering diagnosis confirmed my worst fears - I could no longer drink alcohol.

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine.

Alcohol, along with certain foods, were one of many triggers that exacerbated the symptoms which include bloody diarrhoea, crippling abdominal pain and cramping, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite and nausea and vomiting.

While I didn't drink alcohol all that often, the idea of not being able to enjoy a glass of red in front of a fire or a cold pint in a pub beer garden on a sunny day was disappointing.

Eight months on, and I can honestly say I don't miss alcohol. I do not miss the hangovers, headaches or the feeling of regret the next morning. However, the biggest difference for me has been my -or, lack thereof.

Alcohol is often used as a way to "relax" and "unwind" and while it does have that effect to some degree, the next day it can induce feelings of anxiety.

According to , alcohol slows down the processes in your brain and central nervous system, which can make you feel less inhibited and therefore more relaxed.

However, these effects can wear off, which can cause anxiety levels to spike because alcohol disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters and chemical messengers in the brain.

I'd often spend days after a family gathering or social event anxiously recounting every conversation for evidence that I had embarrassed myself. I hadn't, of course; I was just anxious.

Removing alcohol from the equation has largely subdued the pit in my stomach, especially after hanging out with friends or seeing family.

As well as feeling less anxious, I have found I sleep much better with no alcohol in my system.

It is a well-known fact that a few glasses of wine or a few beers can make you feel sleepy and may even help you fall asleep more easily. However, drinking alcohol reduces the amount of deep sleep you have, which is essential for rest and recovery, leaving you feeling tired and groggy the next day.

You're also more likely to get up to use the toilet at night, which can interrupt your sleep.

Since quitting alcohol, my ability to fall asleep has greatly improved. I used to lie awake for hours waiting to drift off, but this is no longer an issue. However, I can't attribute this solely to the lack of alcohol in my system, as I've also cut down on the amount of caffeine I drink, and ensuring I only drink decaffeinated tea and coffee.

Perhaps the biggest motivator behind quitting alcohol for good is cost. Going out for a few beers once a week or buying a bottle of wine from the supermarket soon adds up.

According to , the average cost of a pint in the UK is £4.79. This means that going out for a couple of pints each week could add up to around £38 a month, which is just under £460 a year.

I never spent a huge amount on alcohol, but when I buy alcoholic drinks for my friends and family, I now can't help but notice the price.

I don't begrudge anyone for choosing to drink alcohol or for drinking around me. When enjoyed responsibly, alcohol is a great way to socialise and get to know people.

While quitting alcohol was less of a choice for me, I still wouldn't go back to regularly drinking - even if I could.