What happens to your body when you stop drinking

Quitting alcohol has obvious effects— ones that the average person might expect. But, what about those less apparent changes?

The commonly known effects of stopping drinking include better sleep, less anxiety, and a clear head, but there are additional ones like glorious skin, hotter sex, and deeper, more positive relationships, to name a few.

Many individuals who have quit drinking report that nearly every area of their life has improved. Recent studies have indicated that there are social, psychological, and physical benefits of abandoning booze. For example, doing so can balance hormones, promote a stronger immune system, and reduce the risk of heart disease, liver disease, and certain forms of cancer. Ultimately, reducing one’s alcohol intake can also increase self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-esteem. In short, what specifically happens to your body when you stop drinking evolves over time.

What happens you stop drinking after one day

No person who drinks wants to experience the intense flu-like symptoms of a hangover that may include nausea, headache, chills, sweating, restlessness, anxiety, stomach upset, and inflammation. For many, this indicates the need to stop or at least cut down on alcohol consumption. The amount of alcohol that one consumes will dictate how his or her body is affected when the drinking stops. Typically, the first day is the hardest, but healing begins as soon as 12 to 24 hours of sobriety. Hydration will increase as blood alcohol levels reduce, and this has powerful positive effects on the body.

After three days

It is common to experience alcohol withdrawal and cravings in the first few days after quitting. Symptoms of withdrawal include fitful sleep, low level depression, and increased anxiety. For heavy drinkers, the symptoms of withdrawal tend to be more intense. They include hallucination and seizures in more severe cases. The first couple of days of quitting drinking for heavy drinkers are usually the most dangerous time. The body undergoes rapid changes. Many times, this is the very thing that compels drinkers to go back to the bottle. They may feel overwhelmed with the physical effects of withdrawal, as they can become serious and even lead to death in some cases. Yet, if one sustains the first days, the benefits of alcohol abstinence in the long run far outweigh the risks of chronic drinking.

After one to two weeks

At this stage, you should feel a noticeable difference that includes improvements in skin, energy, and sleep quality. As your immune system begins to fire more effectively, this leads to less chance of getting sick, inflammation, and infection. Additionally, symptoms of withdrawal should have a marked decrease, as greater mental clarity and sharpness are more apparent.

After one month

After a month of quitting drinking, the momentum and benefits of doing so began to pick up speed. As your liver enzyme levels and blood pressure began to normalize, the risk of cirrhosis and heart disease began to subside. Cardiovascular levels improve, and this may contribute to weight loss and visible changes in your physique.

After three months

The 90 Day mark typically results in seeing the world through a much rosier lens. Emotions and mental health stabilize, and this leads to a more positive outlook and cheerier moods. You may also feel more creative and motivated. As your brain begins to repair and recover from damage and even shrinking, your sleep pattern should be completely regulated at this point. You could find yourself jumping out of bed faster than you ever had before.

Six months to a year and beyond

This period is marked by a metamorphosis. Most people start to feel like a whole new version of themselves in several ways. Anxiety, depression, and even sexual function should have majorly improved by now, and they will continue to as the body repairs. Long-term abstinence from alcohol reduces the risk of developing certain cancers, as well as liver and heart disease. Many people have also reported enhanced fulfillment in relationships and work as their self-esteem and confidence build. The long term effects of abandoning alcohol abuse will continue to benefit a person’s life later on down the road. They could even add years to it as the benefits are of stopping drinking are proven to outweigh the risk.

What does it take to stop drinking? Click here for helpful tips.