What Happens When You Stop Drinking?

Ceasing alcohol consumption can significantly enhance your overall health, particularly if you consume alcohol heavily. The benefits span various aspects of daily life, including mental well-being and physical health. However, while the advantages of quitting alcohol are substantial, it can also lead to uncomfortable or even severe withdrawal symptoms. Being informed about these potential challenges is crucial when deciding to stop drinking.

The Health Risks of Alcohol

Misusing alcohol is linked to over 60 different medical conditions and can result in:

• Addiction
• Cancer
• Injuries
• Pregnancy complications
• Mental health disorders
• Various physical ailments

Excessive alcohol consumption adversely affects the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, pancreas, intestines, and numerous other organs. For men, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming more than four drinks in a single day or over 14 drinks weekly. For women, it means more than three drinks in one day or over seven drinks each week.

Reasons To Stop Drinking

Individuals choose to stop drinking for a multitude of reasons, each personal and unique. Common motivations include:

• Health Improvements: Alcohol impacts health in numerous ways, and many decide to quit upon recognizing the health issues alcohol may cause them personally.
• Professional Advancement: Alcohol can lead to addiction, hangovers, and concentration difficulties, resulting in poor performance at work or school. Quitting can enhance professional capabilities.
• Social Relationships: Alcohol use and dependency can strain relationships. Those experiencing conflicts with family or friends due to their drinking often opt to stop.
• Overcoming Addiction: Heavy alcohol use can lead to addiction. Realizing an addiction may prompt individuals to cease drinking to regain control over their lives.

What Happens When an Alcoholic Stops Drinking?

When someone dependent on alcohol decides to stop, they will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings for alcohol. These withdrawal symptoms can be quite unpleasant, and first-time quitters may be surprised by their severity.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary in intensity and can sometimes be dangerous. Generally, symptoms include:

Mild Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Nightmares
• Clammy skin
• Dilated pupils
• Decreased appetite

Moderate Symptoms:

• Headaches
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Excessive sweating
• Insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting

Severe Symptoms:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Aggressiveness
• Tremors
• Hallucinations
• Delirium tremens
• Seizures

Delirium tremens is a particularly dangerous withdrawal symptom that can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

The timeline for alcohol withdrawal varies among individuals but generally follows these stages:

• Six to 12 Hours: Initial withdrawal symptoms begin as the body starts to recognize the absence of alcohol.
• 12 to 48 Hours: Symptoms intensify, and new ones may emerge. Medical detox may administer medications to alleviate symptoms.
• 48 to 72 Hours: Withdrawal symptoms typically peak within two to three days. This period is the most critical and may require close medical supervision.
• Four to Seven Days: Symptoms gradually decrease over the next few days, largely subsiding within seven to ten days after stopping alcohol.
• Eight to Ten Days and Beyond: While physical withdrawal usually ends within ten days, cravings and psychological urges for alcohol can persist for weeks or months. Continued rehabilitation is often necessary to maintain sobriety.

What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Drinking?

Stopping alcohol intake leads to numerous positive changes in the body, including:

• Improved Sleep and Energy: Alcohol disrupts REM sleep, the deepest sleep phase. Quitting enhances sleep quality and boosts energy levels.
• Enhanced Mental Health: Alcohol can exacerbate depression and other mental health issues. Abstaining from alcohol can improve mood and overall mental well-being.
• Healthier Skin: Alcohol dehydrates the skin, leading to a less vibrant appearance. Stopping alcohol consumption can result in healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
• Weight Loss: Alcohol contributes to weight gain through empty calories, altered fat metabolism, and increased likelihood of unhealthy eating. Quitting can aid in weight reduction.
• No More Hangovers: Eliminating alcohol means avoiding the painful and groggy hangovers that used to affect your mornings.

Quitting Drinking Timeline

Individual experiences vary when quitting alcohol, but a general timeline includes:

• One Week: Withdrawal symptoms begin to lessen. The absence of daily hangovers becomes noticeable.
• Two Weeks: Weight loss becomes evident, partly from detox-related weight loss. Liver issues like fatty liver may start to improve.
• One Month: Skin appears fuller and healthier. Blood pressure normalizes due to the absence of alcohol and better sleep quality.
• Three Months: Cravings may still occur, but increased energy and improved health typically outweigh the desire to drink.
• One Year: Mild cravings or insomnia might persist, but the benefits of sustained sobriety are fully realized.

As individuals achieve long-term sobriety, there is a risk that the memory of alcohol’s negative effects may fade, potentially increasing the risk of relapse.

Can You Reverse the Negative Effects of Alcohol?

While some alcohol-related damage is irreversible, many negative effects can be mitigated or reversed upon cessation of alcohol use. Conditions such as fatty liver, high blood pressure, and depression can improve significantly after quitting. However, severe liver damage like cirrhosis and alcohol-induced cancers are not reversible, though stopping alcohol can prevent further deterioration and promote overall health improvement.

Support at The Recovery Village Salem

The Recovery Village Salem offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art rehabilitation services tailored to your unique needs throughout your recovery journey. Our facility provides a peaceful, supportive, and therapeutic environment that nurtures both mind and body during the crucial initial stages of recovery. Conveniently located and nationally accredited, our center is staffed with experts in alcohol addiction and withdrawal.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol dependence, The Recovery Village Salem is here to assist. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs designed to support your path to sobriety.