12 Things That Happen to Your Body When You Stop Drinking Alcohol

Many who attempt to overcome alcohol use disorder or substance abuse on their own often relapse. Attending a professional treatment program offers the best chance for long-term recovery. It is important to understand the effects of alcohol on both physical and mental health. Whether you struggle to control your drinking, drink more often than you should or consider yourself a social drinker, alcohol can take a toll on your physical and mental wellbeing.

Your mood might take a hit.

All these benefits collectively contribute to a longer and healthier life. Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can add years to your life, improving both the quality and quantity of your years. Many health organizations advocate for moderation or abstinence from alcohol as part of a healthy lifestyle. Alcohol can strain relationships with friends, family, and colleagues.

In some cases, Quit Alcohol charges our verified partner a modest cost per call, which helps us cover the costs of building and maintaining our website. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a visitor ultimately selects. Living life fully in sobriety means embracing new experiences, seeking adventure, and finding gratitude in the simple pleasures. From enjoying a sunrise to traveling to new destinations, every experience becomes more vibrant and meaningful. Sobriety provides the clarity and energy to seize opportunities and make the most out of life. By engaging in new hobbies and interests, you not only discover hidden talents but also develop a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

“It’s quite clear that alcohol has a physiological effect on the body, so I’d be surprised if all those effects just wore off,” he said. The team saw these results after adjusting for changes in diet, exercise and smoking, so the changes could be linked to people’s alcohol use. Perhaps even better than a restful night’s sleep is waking up without a hangover. Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Have you ever been out to dinner and the first person to order gets an espresso martini and then suddenly everyone else at the table orders an espresso martini? That’s because drinking can also be about sharing an experience, says Sheinbaum. Alcohol withdrawal in long-term drinkers can be serious, as it can result in seizures and delirious tendencies. If you are not comfortable or able to quit alone, then seek the assistance of a physician or quit in a controlled setting, such as a treatment facility. “Abstinence from alcohol over several months will improve memory and thinking.

For example, when it comes to the ever-popular suggestion of first-date drinks, mention that you probably won’t be drinking—but that they should free to—before making set plans. It’s kind of like exposure therapy for not drinking for longer periods of time. You’ll get better at navigating spaces without an alcoholic beverage in hand and build up the muscle to deal with the anxiety you have about not drinking. If you know you’re heading to an event where you’ll be offered alcohol, prepare what you’re going to say before you get there, says Young.

Quitting alcohol timeline: What happens when you quit drinking for good

No participants had a history of known liver disease or alcohol dependence. Drinking changes your perceptions of many things, and that’s true of people as well. When you’re drinking, some of your friends aren’t really friends so much as drinking buddies. This becomes obvious when you quit and find you suddenly have very little to talk about.

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• Medications like Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram can assist in managing cravings and deterring alcohol use.
• If cravings become overwhelming, reach out for professional help or contact support services like SAMHSA’s National Helpline for additional resources.
• Although most people lose weight after they quit drinking, some people gain weight.
• By the end of your first month of sobriety, the benefits of better sleep, improved hydration, spending less and decreased calorie intake will be growing.
• Not only will you reduce your overall calorie intake, but you will also likely replace some of these calories from healthier sources.
• Your brighter complexion will probably surprise you and those around you within the first week of not drinking.

In the event of a medical emergency, call a doctor or 911 immediately. This website does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. In 2018, the World Health Organization deemed alcohol a significant contributing factor to over 200 diseases and health conditions. The amount of harm alcohol causes depends on how much and how frequently you drink. Your age, genetics, metabolism and general health may also play a role in the harmful impact alcohol has on your wellbeing.

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• Most people find they lose weight pretty easily once they stop drinking.
• Steering clear of alcohol, however, gives the liver a chance to regenerate.
• Some people even have seizures or see things that aren’t there (hallucinations).
• However, other research suggests that brain regions damaged by long-term alcohol abuse can start to repair themselves after people stop drinking.
• Alcohol is metabolized by the liver and an enzyme called dehydrogenase.

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Whether it’s for health reasons, personal growth, or a desire for a more fulfilling life, the decision to quit drinking opens up a world of things that happen when you stop drinking possibilities and positive transformations. Alcohol withdrawal happens when someone who is physically dependent on alcohol suddenly stops or reduces their alcohol intake 3. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin as soon as 6 hours after the last drink. Alcohol detox symptoms like delirium tremens (the shakes) can last for days or even weeks, depending on how much and how long the person has been drinking.

Treatment Programs

In other cases, long-term alcohol exposure can increase a person’s risk of developing a psychiatric illness. When you first stop drinking, your body will begin to detoxify itself. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, tremors, sweating, and nausea. Quitting alcohol is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and the willingness to change.

You Can Lose Weight and Get in Better Shape

Alcohol messes with your hippocampus — that part of your brain which creates memories — thereby essentially rendering yourself incapable of or much less capable of learning and storing new information. Dr. Volpicelli says dehydration can contribute to poor mental clarity too. If you do opt to cut alcohol out of your life — whether it be a week, a month, or for good — you won’t just notice a surplus in your bank account. By focusing on rebuilding trust, strengthening connections, and becoming a positive influence, you can nurture and improve your relationships as you continue on your path to sobriety.