17 Things That Happen When Someone Stops Drinking

Have you ever wondered what changes you might see in yourself once you put down the glass for good? Deciding to quit drinking, even if you don’t drink “that much,” can be life-changing. 

Studies show that alcohol consumption has been linked to over 200 diseases and around 178000 deaths in the US each year. You’re taking a decisive step towards improving your health and overall well-being by quitting drinking.

So, If you’re considering cutting out alcohol or are already on your journey to sobriety, you might want to know what to expect. Here are 17 incredible things that can happen when you stop drinking.

1. Weight Loss

Alcohol is high in empty calories, and its regular consumption can lead to weight gain. A 175 ml glass of 12.5% wine contains around 133 kcal, and 5%  beer can have 240 calories. Giving up alcohol means cutting out these excess calories from your diet, potentially resulting in significant weight loss over time.

Moreover, alcohol consumption often causes late-night snacking and unhealthy diet choices. When you stop drinking, you may find it easier to make healthier dietary decisions and stick to a balanced diet. Combining a nutritious diet with regular exercise can further support your weight loss goals.

2. Better Sleep

While alcohol can make you drowsy initially, when its effects start to wear off, it disrupts the natural sleep cycle, leading to interrupted and poor-quality sleep. According to a survey, US adults who quit drinking have reported better and more restorative sleep. 

Improved sleep has a positive effect on other areas of your life. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed, have more energy throughout the day, and experience enhanced cognitive function. Better sleep also supports a more robust immune system and faster recovery from exercise.

3. Improved Skin Condition

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it dehydrates the body. Dehydration can take a toll on your skin, leading to dryness, dullness, and premature aging. Alcohol abstinence will allow your skin to rehydrate and regain its natural glow.

Alcohol also dilates blood vessels, causing redness and inflammation in the skin. By eliminating alcohol, you may notice a reduction in facial redness, puffiness, and the appearance of broken capillaries. Your skin will look healthier, more radiant, and youthful.

4. Boosted Immune System

Excessive or heavy drinking can cause an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. This imbalance weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses. 

By eliminating alcohol, you allow your gut to heal and reestablish a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria. A more robust immune system means you’ll be better equipped to fight off colds, flu, and other diseases.

5. Improved Mental Clarity

Alcohol dependence has adverse effects on your brain, causing foggy thinking, impaired judgment, and difficulty focusing. Quitting alcohol means experiencing a newfound mental clarity. As your brain chemistry rebalances, you’ll find it easier to focus, make decisions, and engage in critical thinking.

A few weeks after abstaining from alcohol, the brain starts to heal and repair from damage and shrinkage caused by drinking. A study suggests that after six weeks of quitting alcohol, brain volume increases by 2%. Imagine the long-term benefits of sobriety on your cognitive function!

6. Increased Energy Levels

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means it makes you feel tired and sluggish all day long. You may experience a significant boost in energy levels when you ditch booze. 

Without the sedative effects of alcohol, you’ll feel more alert, energized, and ready to tackle your day. You will also find that exercising regularly, being more productive at work, and engaging in hobbies and social activities are easier. 

7. Enhanced Digestive Health

Alcohol consumption can cause a lot of issues for your digestive system. It irritates the lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to acid reflux, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. 

Moreover, drinking can harm the stomach tissues, making it hard for your body to absorb nutrients and water, causing malnutrition and dehydration. Alcohol also increases acid production in your stomach, which can cause acid reflux or gastritis. 

Cutting down on alcohol can help your digestive system heal and work better. You will experience reduced heartburn, bloating, abdominal pain, and better nutrient absorption. 

8. Your Relationships Get Stronger

Because alcohol often leads to other bad habits, it can put a strain on your relationships with loved ones. Drinking too much leads to impaired judgment and makes emotions run high, causing misunderstandings, fights, and sometimes even driving people apart. But when you make sobriety a priority, things start to get better.  

You are now emotionally available for deeper, more meaningful connections with friends, family, and partners. You’ll communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and strengthen your bonds with those around you. 

9. Improved Mood

While alcohol may provide temporary relief from stress or negative emotions, it can exacerbate mental health issues in the long run. Alcohol is a depressant and can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to mood instability, anxiety, and depression.

Quitting drinking rebalances your brain chemistry, improving mood and emotional well-being. You may find that you’re better able to cope with stress, regulate your emotions, and maintain a positive outlook. 

10. It Saves You Money

Alcohol expenses can add up quickly, especially if you frequently drink at bars or restaurants. When you ditch this habit, you’ll likely notice a significant increase in your income. Those extra dollars can be put towards savings goals, paying off debt, or investing in experiences that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Consider tracking your expenses and setting financial goals to maximize your savings. You may be surprised at how much you can do when you’re not spending money on alcohol.

11. Better Liver Function

The liver is a vital organ and works hard to process and eliminate toxins, including alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver inflammation, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Quitting alcohol benefits the liver incredibly. The liver starts to repair itself and regain normal function. This recovery can reduce the risk of developing chronic liver diseases and enhance the liver’s ability to filter toxins from the body. 

Improved liver function also supports overall health, as it plays a crucial role in metabolism, energy storage, and the regulation of blood components. 

12. Improved Heart Health

Abstaining from alcohol has a significant impact on your cardiovascular health. Alcohol consumption is linked to a range of adverse effects on the heart, including high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and an increased risk of heart disease. 

When you choose sobriety, your heart benefits from the reduced workload and stress. Blood pressure begins to normalize, reducing the strain on your cardiovascular system and decreasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

13. Better Physical Appearance

Alcohol can take a toll on your physical appearance, contributing to weight gain, bloating, and skin issues.

Without the empty calories from alcohol, you may find it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Your skin may appear clearer, more hydrated, and youthful. You may also notice improvements in your hair and nail health, as alcohol can disrupt the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients.

14. Enhanced Love Life

Alcohol is known to affect sexual performance and desire negatively, often leading to decreased libido in heavy drinkers. When you eliminate alcohol from your system, you may experience an improvement in both sexual desire and performance.

This improvement occurs because alcohol can impair hormone levels and blood circulation, which are critical for sexual health. Without the interference of alcohol, your body’s natural functions can improve, leading to enhanced intimacy and connection with your partner.

15. It Gets Your Creative Juices Flowing

While some people believe that alcohol fuels creativity, it’s usually the other way around. Alcohol can dull the senses and reduce creative thinking. When you stop drinking, you may find that your creativity flourishes.

With a clear mind and restored energy, you can better explore new ideas, engage in artistic goals, and think outside the box.

16. Increased Longevity

Alcohol abstinence has a significant impact on longevity. Research has shown that heavy alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of death from various causes, including chronic diseases and accidents. 

By quitting alcohol, you lessen your risk of developing life-threatening health conditions and reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by impaired judgment.

Moreover, sobriety contributes to a longer and better quality of life by improving overall health, enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight diseases, and reducing the stress on bodily organs such as the liver, heart, and brain.

17. Withdrawal Symptoms

When you stop drinking, especially after doing so heavily or for a long time, you might face withdrawal symptoms. These can be mild to severe, depending on factors like the duration and extent of alcohol use. 

Common symptoms include anxiety, tremors, sweating, nausea, and insomnia. In more severe cases, some people might face hallucinations and seizures. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within a few hours to a day after the last drink and can last for several days to weeks. 

It is a crucial period where the body adjusts to working without alcohol. Seek support from healthcare providers, counseling, and sometimes medication to manage these symptoms effectively and safely.

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