Stopping alcohol is a big step for better health and happiness. But, it can also be tough. Have you thought about what happens to your body and mind when you stop drinking? Learning about alcohol withdrawal and sobriety might help you on your path to a healthier life1.
Key Takeaways
- Alcohol is linked to half of all serious injuries and deaths from burns, drownings, and homicides1.
- Drinking too much can cause liver problems like fatty liver and cirrhosis1.
- Stopping heavy drinking can lead to symptoms like cold sweats, shaky hands, and anxiety12.
- Only 5% of people with alcohol withdrawal get very sick with delirium tremens2.
- Quitting alcohol can also lower high blood pressure1.
Benefits of Stopping Alcohol Consumption
Reduced Risk of Injuries and Improved Safety
Stopping alcohol can make you safer and healthier. Even a little less drinking can cut down on injuries and sick days3. Alcohol is linked to half of all serious injuries and deaths, like burns and car crashes3.
Not drinking can greatly improve your safety and health.
Stopping alcohol does more than just keep you safe. It also helps your personal life. Alcohol can hurt your relationships and mental health3. Quitting drinking lets you take back control of your life and improve your relationships.
| Benefit of Quitting Alcohol | Projected Savings |
|---|---|
| Saving $300-$400 in two weeks by not purchasing alcohol | 3 |
| Saving $450-$600 in three weeks from abstaining from alcohol | 3 |
| Potential to save around $800 per month, or close to $10,000 annually, by quitting alcohol | 3 |
Stopping alcohol also helps your health. Alcohol can make you dehydrated, affecting your skin and hair3. Not drinking can make you look and feel better.
“Alcohol is involved in at least half of all serious trauma injuries and deaths from burns, drownings, and homicides, as well as four out of 10 fatal falls and traffic crashes, and suicides.”
Improved Heart Health
Want to make your heart healthier? Quitting or cutting down on alcohol can really help. A small amount of red wine might be good for you4. But too much alcohol can harm your heart a lot.
Studies show that drinking a bit can help avoid heart disease4. But drinking too much can lead to heart problems, high blood pressure, and brain damage4. Drinking a little is safer for your heart and brain4.
Heart diseases are a big problem in the US, causing many deaths4. Drinking too much can weaken your heart muscle over time4.
Drinking too much can also raise your blood pressure4. But drinking a little might not affect your blood pressure much4.
In short, drinking a bit might be good for your heart5. But drinking too much can cause serious heart problems4. Cutting down on alcohol can make your heart healthier and lower your risk of serious diseases5.
Healthier Liver
Stopping alcohol lets your liver start to heal. The liver filters toxins, and too much alcohol harms it6. Heavy drinking damages the liver and other body parts6.
Alcohol use disorder is when you drink too much. Liver disease from alcohol is a big problem in the US and worldwide6. But, the liver can heal and work well again if you stop drinking6.
Drinking too much can cause fatty liver, which can get worse. This can lead to serious liver problems67. Stopping alcohol is the best way to fix liver damage. Your liver can get better in 2 to 3 weeks without drinking68.
Changing your diet or exercising more isn’t always needed to fix liver damage. Just stopping alcohol is key6. But, drinking too much can still cause liver problems6.
By not drinking, you help your liver heal. This lowers the chance of serious liver problems678.
Weight Management
When you stop drinking alcohol, you might see your weight go down. Alcohol has lots of calories. A 12-ounce can of beer has almost 155 calories9. A 5-ounce glass of red wine has about 125 calories9.
Snacks in the afternoon should have 150 to 200 calories. But, a few drinks can add hundreds of calories to your day9.
Stopping alcohol can also help with weight. It can prevent insulin resistance, a problem for 1 in 3 Americans10. This can cause weight gain.
Alcohol can mess with sleep, making it hard to burn fat. Quitting can improve sleep and help you lose weight10.
Alcohol can make you want to eat more high-calorie foods. Not drinking can reduce these cravings. This helps with weight loss10.
By stopping alcohol, you might eat fewer calories. This can lead to a healthier weight and a better lifestyle.
“Reduced calories intake is a significant way in which abstaining from alcohol can lead to weight loss. Daily calorie intake for most people should be around 2,000 calories to maintain a healthy weight.”10
Better Mental Health
Stopping alcohol can greatly improve your mental health. Studies show that lifetime abstainers had the highest level of mental well-being according to the research11. Also, women who were moderate drinkers and quit drinking experienced a significant improvement in mental well-being, approaching the level of mental well-being of lifetime abstainers within 4 years of quitting11. On the other hand, continued moderate drinking over four years did not show improvement in mental or physical well-being11.
Improved Mood and Self-Esteem
Quitting drinking can make you feel better and more confident. One study found that around 70% of participants had sleep problems when they were admitted for alcohol treatment, which dropped to 50% after they went home, with many reporting improved sleep quality after treatment12. This shows that fighting alcohol addiction can lead to better sleep and mental health. Studies have shown that quitting alcohol can improve stress levels, relationships, work performance, and self-confidence, leading to better mental health outcomes12.
The benefits of sobriety go beyond just mental health. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2018, 9.2 million U.S. adults had both mental health disorders and a substance use disorder, of which nearly 60% did not receive treatment12. This shows we need care that tackles both mental health and alcohol addiction. By stopping alcohol, you can greatly improve your health and well-being.
“Quitting alcohol can enhance sleep quality for many individuals, although some may continue to face sleep issues even after continuous abstinence.” – Joseph Volpicelli, MD, PhD
The study results align with the ‘sober curious’ movement, where people are choosing not to drink alcohol, leading to the emergence of sober bars and social clubs as alternatives11. This trend shows more people see the benefits of sobriety and want alcohol-free social experiences.
By quitting drinking, you can control your mental health and enjoy many benefits. These include better mood, higher self-esteem, and overall well-being. Remember, your recovery journey is unique. Seeking alcohol counseling or joining support groups can offer valuable help and support111213.
Reduced Cancer Risk
Quitting alcohol can lower your risk of getting certain cancers. Drinking alcohol is linked to more cancers, like esophagus, mouth, throat, and breast14. In 2009, about 19,500 deaths in the U.S. were linked to alcohol14.
When you stop drinking alcohol, your cancer risk starts to go down. But, how long it takes to see these benefits isn’t clear. Some studies say quitting for a month can help, but the biggest benefits might take longer15.
- Drinking alcohol raises your risk of head and neck cancers by 1.8 to 5 times. Heavy drinkers face higher risks than moderate drinkers14.
- Drinking alcohol increases your risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Risks are 1.3 to 5 times higher for heavy drinkers14.
- Moderate to heavy drinking raises your risk of liver cancer by 2 times. This includes hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma14.
- Drinking more alcohol increases your risk of breast cancer. Risks are 1.04 to 1.6 times higher for heavy drinkers14.
The more you drink, the higher your cancer risk14. But, quitting alcohol can lower your risk15. The benefits of a sober life are worth the effort, even if it takes time1415.
“Even low amounts of alcohol consumption increase the risk of developing breast cancer and other types of cancer including oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal cancer.”15
In summary, cutting down or stopping alcohol can lower your cancer risk. The benefits may take time, but they are worth it1415.
Enhanced Intimacy
Stopping or cutting down on alcohol can greatly improve your relationships. Alcohol might seem to bring people closer, but it can actually harm relationships, especially if you have an alcohol problem16. Men might struggle to get an erection, and women might feel less interested in sex and dry16.
The body can bounce back quickly16. Hormones and sex drive usually get back to normal in about 4 weeks after stopping alcohol16. By drinking less, you can make your relationship stronger and feel closer to your partner.
Alcohol addiction can block intimacy17. People with AUD often have mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These can make sex less appealing16. Also, too much alcohol can hurt nerves in the clitoris and penis, making sex harder16.
Drinking can also hurt how you feel about yourself, which can affect your sex drive16. Alcohol addiction can ruin relationships, causing fights, lost friends, and broken marriages17. Getting sober can improve your mental health, self-esteem, and relationships, making your connection with your partner better.
| Alcohol Addiction Impact | Improvement with Sobriety |
|---|---|
| Erectile dysfunction in men, vaginal dryness in women | Improved sexual function and intimacy |
| Decreased libido and sexual dysfunction | Increased sexual desire and satisfaction |
| Strained relationships, conflicts, and lost connections | Strengthened relationships, restored trust, and deeper intimacy |
Choosing sobriety can change your life and your relationship for the better. By tackling the reasons behind alcohol addiction, you can regain your emotional and sexual health. This opens the door to a deeper, more meaningful connection with your partner.
“Alcohol addiction can be a major hurdle in maintaining healthy, intimate relationships. By prioritizing sobriety, individuals can rediscover the joys of physical and emotional intimacy, strengthening their bond with their partner.”
Better Sleep Quality
Quitting or cutting down on alcohol can help you sleep better. Alcohol might make you feel sleepy at first. But it can mess up your sleep later on18.
Nearly two-thirds of Americans drink alcohol, which can hurt their sleep18. Experts say to stop drinking at least three hours before bed. This can help you sleep deeper but also less restfully18.
Improved REM Sleep and Reduced Disruptions
Drinking before bed can really mess with your sleep18. Up to three-quarters of people with alcohol problems have trouble sleeping19. Heavy drinking can make insomnia worse, and insomnia can lead to drinking problems19.
To sleep better, it’s best to avoid alcohol, especially in the evening18. A little alcohol might not bother everyone, but it’s good to watch how it affects you18. In fact, 61% of people who stop drinking for January say they sleep better20.
Getting better sleep can make you feel healthier and happier. Cutting down on alcohol means you’ll sleep more soundly and wake up feeling better20.
“Alcohol may initially make you feel drowsy, but it can actually disrupt your sleep throughout the night.”
| Benefit | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Sleep better without alcohol | 61% |
| Somewhat better sleep when abstaining | 37% |
| Sleep much better when abstaining | 21% |
Stronger Immune System
Drinking less can really help your immune system. Too much drinking can weaken your body’s germ-fighting power for up to 24 hours21. Long-term, heavy drinking can make your immune system much weaker, slowing down healing21.
Alcohol’s impact on the immune system is serious. Drinking 5-6 drinks at once can weaken your immune system for up to 24 hours21. Heavy drinkers are 3-7 times more likely to get serious infections like pneumonia21. Experts say to drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and 4 at a time to protect your immune system21.
Alcohol harms the immune cells that protect the lungs, slowly damaging lung function21. It also messes with the gut microbiome and gut barrier, causing more immune problems22. Alcohol’s effects on the immune system are broad, making you more vulnerable to infections and possibly affecting cancer22.
Lowering your alcohol consumption and choosing sobriety can boost your immune system. By drinking less, you can fight off illnesses better, support your body’s healing, and enjoy a strong immune system.
“The alcohol industry frequently downplays the health risks associated with drinking.”21
stop alcohol
If you’ve been drinking a lot, cutting back or stopping can help your blood pressure23. Even a little less drinking can make a big difference. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans say not to drink at all. But they also say men should not have more than two drinks a day, and women should not have more than one24.
High blood pressure is a big worry for those who drink too much. Drinking too much can raise your blood pressure. This can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other heart problems23. Quitting drinking or drinking less can help control your blood pressure and improve your health.
Getting sober and staying sober is hard, but it’s worth it. Detox symptoms usually go away in 5 to 7 days24. With hard work and support, you can beat the challenges and live a life free from alcohol addiction.
Strategies for Improved Blood Pressure
If you want to control your blood pressure and stop drinking, here are some tips:
- Avoid triggers and places where you might drink24.
- Find new activities and hobbies to do instead of drinking24.
- Get support from friends, family, or alcohol support groups23.
- Talk to a doctor about treatment or rehab options23.
- Use counseling or sober living to help you stay sober25.
Changing habits takes time and effort, but it’s possible. With determination and support, you can improve your blood pressure and live a healthier life without alcohol24.
People going through withdrawal need medical help for safe recovery23. There are many resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and Alcoholics Anonymous to help23.
“Quitting alcohol completely can have a big impact on various aspects of life, including relationships and sleep quality.”
By working on your drinking habits and focusing on your health, you can take control of your blood pressure. This can lead to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life232425.
Conclusion
Stopping alcohol consumption brings many health benefits. It lowers injury risks and improves heart health. It also helps with weight and boosts mental clarity26.
The first steps without alcohol can be tough. But, the long-term gains of sobriety are huge26.
Getting help from doctors and trying therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy helps a lot26. Doing fun activities and staying connected with friends also helps a lot27.
Starting to stop or cut back on alcohol is a big step. It can lead to a happier, healthier life. So, take the first step and see the benefits for yourself.