Here’s What Happens When You Stop Drinking

What happens when you stop drinking alcohol? Pretty much everything you’d expect—and also plenty that you might not.

First, there’s the obvious: better sleep, less anxiety, and a clearer head. Then, there are the benefits you probably haven’t considered. Like: glowier skin, hotter sex, and deeper relationships—just to name a few.

“Nearly every area of my life has improved,” JW Wiseman, founder of the non-alcoholic craft cocktail brand, Curious Elixirs, says of his decision to quit drinking a decade ago. “It has improved my sleep, my sex life, my relationships, my memory, my weight, my skin, and my pocketbook.”

The benefits of not drinking alcohol

Wiseman isn’t being superlative. Recent studies show that the list of social, psychological, and physical benefits of teetotaling is ever-growing. There’s evidence that quitting drinking supports everything from more balanced hormones to a stronger immune system to reduced risks of heart disease, liver disease, and cancer.

Cutting out booze has the potential of increasing self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-esteem, too. “My emotional range is wider than it was when I was using alcohol to numb and unwind,” says Wiseman, noting that the impact of this has been profound: “When your emotions are bubbling up more often, you have to do more work on yourself,” he explains. “ Life isn’t necessarily easier without alcohol, but it’s far more fulfilling.”

As one doctor I interviewed put it, when you quit alcohol, “your entire body and soul improves.”

Changing attitudes about drinking

Though alcohol consumption among young people has been on a decline in recent decades, swapping that evening glass of red wine for non-alcoholic spritzes and mocktails isn’t always easy to do—even if you don’t officially struggle with an alcohol use disorder. After all, alcohol is literally everywhere, and its consumption is ingrained into our culture and societal norms.

“Alcohol is the only socially-accepted mind-altering beverage in the world,” says Dr. Rafaat Girgis, a triple-board certified psychologist and the medical director at Moment of Clarity, a mental health treatment center in Orange County, California. “It’s served at parties, during meals, and on holidays. For most people, it’s just a part of daily life.” Which is why taking even just a short break for Dry January or Sober October—not to mention, completely quitting long-term—can feel like it requires heroic levels of discipline.

Giving up alcohol

One way to make it a little easier: having a firm understanding of when you can expect to experience all the benefits. Anticipating everything that can occur after one day, one week, one month, and beyond can help you stay connected with the positive changes as they unfold—and remind you to treat yourself kindly when temptations emerge. “Getting your body back to normal functioning depends on many factors, including your gender, current health, and your willingness,” explains Girgis. “Accept it, learn, and gain insight as you go.” The body and the soul don’t improve overnight, in other words.

To that end, it’s important to stay patient—and persistent. Good advice for any challenging situation, really. Tanya Mezher, a certified dietary nutritionist and the founding practitioner at functional medicine platform Malla agrees. “Recovery takes time, and setbacks may occur,” she warns. “Stay committed to your goals. The timeline varies from person to person, but noticeable improvements in physical and mental health can often be seen within a few weeks to months.”

With that in mind, here are tips to help you succeed at every part of the journey, as well as an overview of what to expect when you stop drinking in the short and long term. Just remember: if you’re feeling hopeless or out-of-control because of drinking, it’s important to seek professional medical support. You don’t have to go it alone and quitting cold turkey is not advisable. Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline, which operates 24/7, 365 days a year, at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for more information.

How long does alcohol stay in your system?

Though we may feel “sober” within a few hours of drinking, alcohol actually remains in the system for much longer than many of us assume. Though it takes six to twelve hours for alcohol to metabolize, booze can still be detected in the breath and saliva for 12 to 24 hours; in the urine for up to 14 days; and in the hair for a whopping 90 days.

What happens you stop drinking after one day

For many, experiencing the intense flu-like symptoms of a hangover—nausea, headache, chills, sweating, restlessness, anxiety, bowel upset, and inflammation—can be a powerful impetus for deciding to quit or, at the very least, cut back. Therefore, depending on how much alcohol you typically consume, the first day off can be a little, ahem, rough. But the good news is, the first 12 to 24 hours of sobriety is also when the healing also begins. Notably, you’ll experience increased hydration as your reduced blood alcohol levels reduce. “This could be the most critical part of stopping without a medical intervention,” Girgis says.

After three days

It’s not uncommon to experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms and cravings within the first few days of quitting; fitful sleep and low-level depression are also common. “This is the time where you are most vulnerable physically,” Girgis says, noting that this is often the point when many hopeful quitters succumb to the temptation to quell discomfort with a little “hair of the dog.”

If you’re able to resist, the results will be worthwhile: you should start to experience better sleep, increased energy, and improved digestion by the 72-hour mark—and also noticeable skin clarity and increased levels of energy thanks to improved hydration. The liver, which is responsible for metabolizing alcohol, will also begin to reset and repair.

After one to two weeks

By now, you should be feeling a marked difference. Plus, any improvements you’ve recently noticed in your skin, energy, and sleep quality will only increase. Your immune system should be firing more effectively now, too, which can mean less chance of sickness, inflammation, and infection. Withdrawal symptoms should also have noticeably subsided at this point, freeing you to relish in your improved mental clarity and sharpness.

After one month

Like a downhill skier picking up speed, the momentum—and benefits—really start to build after a month of quitting drinking. Liver enzyme levels and blood pressure have normalized, reducing the risk of cirrhosis and heart disease. Cardiovascular levels are also improved, which may also contribute to weight loss and visible changes in your physique.

After three months

You may suddenly notice you’re seeing the world through a rosier lens. At three months, emotions and mental health have stabilized leading to a more positive outlook and much cheerier moods. You may be feeling more creative and motivated, too, as any alcohol-induced brain damage or shrinking should begin to repair. Sleep patterns should be completely regulated by now, which means you could be jumping out of bed faster than you ever have before.

After six months to a year—and beyond

This is when most people really start to feel like a whole new version of themselves in all ways. Everything from anxiety to depression to sexual function should be majorly improved by now—and will only continue to benefit as the body repairs. The risk of developing certain cancers, as well as liver and heart disease are also more markedly reduced. And, many people also report more fulfillment in their relationships and work as their self-esteem and confidence increase. “My feelings is that it truly takes one year for your body to return to normal,” Girgis says. This is also when you may decide to never look back again; when you realize that quitting alcohol might just be, as he puts it, “the best choice you will ever make.”

Tips for quitting alcohol and staying sober long-term

When it comes to staying on the wagon, both Grigis and Mezer say that it’s helpful to continue to set clear goals and seek support—whether that’s through a professional therapist, a medical advisor, family and friends, or organized groups. “Share your intentions with friends and family who can provide encouragement,” Mezer advises.

Express your intentions

Wiseman agrees that communicating your choices is essential when it comes to keeping yourself alcohol-free. “Talking through your changing relationship with friends isn’t always easy, but it’s an essential first step toward building support for your quest to live to your fullest potential,” he says. “You might be surprised by how supportive people are—and if not, you might be talking to the wrong people.”

Replace the habit

To that end, it’s also important to build support in other ways. Wiseman recommends creating new, healthy habits to replace your old routine. “Find an at-home hobby,” he says. “Pick up a book or do something that you’ve been putting off. Don’t overthink it; just start with five minutes and you’ll be amazed what can happen.”

Create a plan

When outside the home, it’s also a good idea to have a plan. “When going out to bars and restaurants with friends, look for spots with non-alcoholic options on their cocktail menus,” Wiseman advises. And, don’t be embarrassed to BYO back-up: “Pack one in your bag for the restaurants and bars that haven’t caught on to the sober-curious movement,” he recommends.

Nurture yourself

In the meantime, don’t neglect the self-care basics. “Nutrition and hydration are your friends,” says Grigis. “Choose healthy foods and beverages, and remember to be physically active—even if it’s just walking around the neighborhood.”

Mindfulness practices like meditation, therapy, breathwork, yoga, and body-scanning may also help. Several studies have found that practicing mindfulness is “a promising approach to reducing alcohol consumption and related harm.” One study even found that practicing just 11 minutes of mindfulness helped heavy drinkers reduce their consumption more than those who only practiced relaxation techniques.

Keeping the above in mind—and remaining compassionate towards yourself—will not only help you stay focused and avoid potential triggers, it will ultimately set you up for long-term success. “Know this,” Grigis says. “The decision to stop drinking is yours, and though it’s a daily commitment, it is possible—and wonderful.”

Source: by Christina Perez, Vogue Magazine https://www.vogue.com/article/what-happens-when-you-stop-drinking