I won’t deny that I used to enjoy a glass of wine — or three. Today, though, you won’t find me sipping on anything much stronger than chamomile.

My sobriety didn’t come after a DUI or another unfortunate event. It was a gradual change, but one that I now recognize was very necessary. Everyone must ultimately make the choice that’s right for them, but here are five reasons I choose not to drink alcohol.

Alcohol consumption damages your liver, boosts your blood pressure, and also increases the risk of pancreatitis and diabetes by damaging the cells that produce insulin.

1. I Like My Liver — and My Pancreas, and My Heart

You probably know that excess alcohol consumption damages your liver. However, that isn’t the only organ at risk. Alcohol also increases the risk of pancreatitis and diabetes by damaging the cells that produce insulin.

My principal physical health reason for avoiding alcohol is my heart. A single alcoholic drink boosts your blood pressure, and your numbers can stay elevated if your consumption becomes chronic. I already have a damaged mitral valve, which increases my cardiovascular risk — why chance further damage?

Of course, alcohol is toxic to your liver, which is another good reason to abstain. Even though this organ can filter out small amounts with no problem, I don’t see any purpose in increasing my cirrhosis risk.

2. The Anxiety Isn’t Worth It

It’s funny — when I turn down a beer or wine at parties, I can sometimes see the host perform mental math as they try to discern why I refuse. I never got a DUI or had my family members stage an intervention or express concern about my intake. I stopped as part of an elimination diet and never looked back because of the benefit to my mental state.

While cutting out alcohol didn’t fix some of my health woes, it worked such wonders on my anxiety that I had no desire to return to it. These days, you may as well ask if I’d like a nice glass of turpentine — the effect was that profound.

Unfortunately, many people become addicted to alcohol by self-medicating with it to treat anxiety. How many of us have said, “Boy, do I need a drink,” after a trying day?

The problem is, alcohol messes with several vital neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, and GABA. While the precise effects vary from person to person, many of us experience mild panic the morning after indulging in one too many. When use becomes chronic, alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety disorders, perhaps even induce one in severe cases.

3. I Watch My Waistline

While I don’t obsess over my weight, I want my clothes to fit. Plus, there’s nothing wrong with liking what you see in the mirror — we could all use the confidence boost.

Alcohol contributes to weight gain in several ways. It’s calorie-dense — your standard pint has as many calories as a bag of chips. While you might stop at a single bag of Ruffles, few stick to one beverage on a Friday night.

Additionally, alcohol also lowers your inhibitions, prompting you to say yes to that extra helping of peanuts at the bar. Plus, who can forget everyone’s favorite hangover breakfast of super-greasy eggs and bacon? If you make Sunday recovery brunch a weekly habit, you could find it challenging to zip up your jeans before you know it.

4. The Risks Terrify Me

By “risks,” here, I mean “both health and legal consequences.” I’ve seen far too many friends struggle with financial hardship after getting a DUI. The average DUI costs $4,100, and that’s not only from court costs and fees. It also includes time lost from work when you can’t drive due to a suspended license or the price of outfitting your vehicle with an interlock device, required in many states.

Plus, there’s a higher reason why I abstain. I don’t think I could live with myself if indulging in alcohol resulted in me hurting another person. A car is transportation, but it can also be a weapon. My adventures with the expensive American health care system leave me horrified at the possible fate someone I hit could suffer — no momentary fun justifies that risk.

5. I Enjoy Tastier Beverages Without It

Think back to the first time you tasted booze — maybe you were a kid stealing a nip of your dad’s brewski. Chances are, you wrinkled your nose in disgust. To be honest, alcohol doesn’t taste all that great.

There is something charming about sipping umbrella drinks, but you don’t need to become intoxicated to do so. You can sip virgin Mai Tais on the beach all day long without worrying about how you’ll drive home.

You can even invent good-for-you versions of classics. One of my favorite end-of-the-day recipes is one non-alcoholic ginger beer with a tablespoon of spicy ginger and turmeric apple cider vinegar and a splash of grenadine. It tastes like an amaretto sour and gives me the pleasure of mixing myself a drink without worrying about what the beverage will do to my body and mind.