There are so many reasons that people give up alcohol revamping their diet, or something more serious like being proactive about a potential problem.
No matter why the benefits come with a lot of effort, and in the end, it will pay off. There will be good days, there will be bad days, and there will be days that fall somewhere in between.
11 Things to Expect When You Stop Drinking Alcohol
This is what you can look forward to when you stop drinking alcohol.
1. Get Ready For a Sweet Tooth
Alcohol and sugar both boost levels of dopamine, the “reward” chemical that drives feelings of pleasure. Because of this, it is likely that when you give up one substance you will start to crave the other.
While this is okay, it should be entertained in moderation. Don’t be surprised when you find that you get the same feeling from sweets that alcohol has given you, just ensure that you are not replacing alcohol with crazy amounts of sweets.
2. You Will Sleep Better
While alcohol may help some people to fall asleep, it leads to disrupted sleep. When sleeping alcohol-free, individuals can not only fall asleep faster, but they can enjoy a deeper sleep allowing them to wake up feeling refreshed the next day.
Better concentration, a better mood, and a boost in mental performance are all byproducts of getting a night of quality sleep.
Alcohol causes the type of brain activity normally seen when awake when you are sleeping, and this is the reason that while you might pass out hard, the quality of sleep won’t be good at all.
3. Lose Some Pounds
Consuming alcohol has a way of sneaking extra calories into the body sort of under the radar. Mixed drinks and frozen drinks are the biggest culprits for this.
One study found that women who drink moderately add about 300 calories to their diet. When alcohol is gone from the diet and not replaced with sugary sweets, the weight can start to come off with very little effort on your part.
Upping your intake of water in place of alcohol will also help with this.
4. You May Experience Withdrawal
If you were a regular drinker of alcohol, your body may go through withdrawal within the first 48 hours of detox.
This all depends on how much you consume daily it can feel as slight as a hangover or as bad as a real medical condition.
The bad symptoms will be things like raised blood pressure, insomnia, and sweating.
Related Article: How Does This Magical Herb “Kratom” Help With Getting Off Alcohol?
5. Clearer Skin
Your skin will start to look and feel a bit more hydrated. Alcohol is a diuretic, causing the body to urinate more constantly and it also leads to the reduction in a hormone that acts as an antidiuretic (this helps the body to absorb water).
When the body is lacking sufficient water, the skin will tend to appear as parched as it is. When you stop drinking alcohol, the body will absorb water better, and conditions like eczema, dandruff, and rosacea may also improve.
6. It Could Get Worse Before It Gets Better
The first few days are vital to a successful recovery from alcohol consumption. If your habits are classified as extreme, you may likely need medical treatment to help in dealing with the withdrawal.
7. Some Health Risks are Lowered
Alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the liver, breasts, colon, mouth, and even rectum. The more alcohol that is consumed, the more the risk increases.
The chance of developing liver cirrhosis will also be reduced when alcohol is removed from the diet.
Overall, quitting alcohol can do wonders for one’s overall health and the liver may even return to regular levels of functioning if it is not too severely damaged because of drinking or other factors.
8. You Will Save Money
Drinking can become an expensive habit, especially if you are one to indulge in fine wine or liquor. Add up what you spend weekly or monthly on alcohol that is consumed at home and when out and about.
Chances are that the number is much more than what was anticipated and can become a great motivator for staying away from alcohol for as long as you would like.
9. Your Immune System Will Thank You
Excessive amounts of alcohol lead to a diminished immune system, making the body more susceptible to things like pneumonia and even some forms of cancer.
Even just one episode of binge drinking will lead to an immune system that is overworked, but the good news is that the immune system can be strengthened over time.
10. You May Feel Some Envy
It is almost guaranteed that you will feel like you are missing out on the good time when you have decided to stop drinking alcohol, and it might leave you envious.
Many times alcohol is used as a social icebreaker, and those who give it up might end up feeling agitated when in a situation that they would normally be drinking.
The best solution for this might be to stay away from unnecessary interactions that revolve around alcohol while you are unsure about how you may feel.
11. You Will Eat Less
Alcohol is one of the biggest factors in consuming excess amounts of food. It heightens the senses and increases brain activity within the hypothalamus allowing the person to become more sensitive to the aroma of food, leading to an excessive intake.
When your senses are not altered by the effects of alcohol, you will be able to enjoy a normal-sized meal without overdoing it.
And because alcohol lowers inhibitions, you will make a smart decision to maybe skip the dessert with dinner.
30 Days to Freedom: A Step-by-Step Guide to Stop Drinking Alcohol
This step-by-step guide provides readers with achievable daily goals to support them through the first month. Each day’s focus is designed to build healthier habits, self-awareness, and confidence for a sustainable alcohol-free lifestyle.
Day 1-3: Commit to the Decision
- Day 1: Set a Clear Intention – Write down why you want to quit and the benefits you hope to gain.
- Day 2: Identify Triggers – Reflect on moments when you feel the urge to drink (stress, social gatherings, etc.) and plan alternatives.
- Day 3: Remove Temptations – Dispose of all alcohol in your home, and avoid bars or parties for now.
Day 4-7: Create New Routines
- Day 4: Plan Your Week – Schedule your days with healthy, enjoyable activities that don’t involve alcohol.
- Day 5: Establish Morning and Evening Rituals – Begin each day with a positive habit like journaling or stretching.
- Day 6: Drink Water – Aim for 8 glasses daily to keep hydrated and help with cravings.
- Day 7: Celebrate One Week – Treat yourself to a reward for making it through your first seven days alcohol-free.
Day 8-10: Seek Support
- Day 8: Reach Out – Connect with friends or family members who support your decision.
- Day 9: Join a Group – Consider joining an online or in-person support group for encouragement and accountability.
- Day 10: Buddy System – Find a friend or family member to check in with daily or weekly about your progress.
Day 11-15: Strengthen Healthy Habits
- Day 11: Exercise – Start with light exercises like walking or yoga to boost mood and reduce stress.
- Day 12: Eat Well – Focus on nutritious meals and snack on fresh fruits or vegetables to help stabilize your mood.
- Day 13: Self-Reflection – Journal about any emotional changes you notice and how you’re managing them.
- Day 14: Practice Deep Breathing – Use breathing techniques to help reduce stress or any cravings.
- Day 15: Meditate – Set aside a few minutes for mindfulness or meditation to increase awareness and calmness.
Day 16-20: Face Challenges
- Day 16: Set Boundaries – Politely decline invitations to events where drinking is central.
- Day 17: Handle Cravings – Have a go-to strategy, like drinking tea or taking a quick walk, for moments when cravings hit.
- Day 18: Try New Hobbies – Replace drinking with activities you’ve always wanted to try, such as art, hiking, or music.
- Day 19: Track Progress – Record the benefits you’ve noticed so far, like better sleep, improved mood, or saving money.
- Day 20: Positive Self-Talk – Encourage yourself daily by focusing on how much better you’re feeling without alcohol.
Day 21-25: Build a New Lifestyle
- Day 21: Plan Alcohol-Free Activities – Arrange a gathering with friends that doesn’t involve alcohol, like a picnic or game night.
- Day 22: Visualize Success – Spend time visualizing yourself thriving in an alcohol-free lifestyle.
- Day 23: Develop Coping Strategies – Plan ways to deal with stress or bad days without alcohol, like a workout or a relaxing bath.
- Day 24: Engage in Community – Join alcohol-free groups, wellness workshops, or volunteer activities.
- Day 25: Check Your Progress – Reflect on what has worked well and areas where you need to stay cautious.
Day 26-30: Celebrate and Reinforce
- Day 26: Practice Gratitude – Write down three things you’re grateful for each day to boost positivity.
- Day 27: Share Your Success – Tell supportive friends or family about your journey so far and how it has helped you.
- Day 28: Reflect on New Goals – Think about goals for the next month, like staying alcohol-free or trying more new activities.
- Day 29: Set Up a Future Plan – Outline ways to stay alcohol-free long-term, such as regular check-ins with a mentor or group.
- Day 30: Celebrate Your Success – Reward yourself with a meaningful treat, like a special outing, to honor your accomplishment.
Conclusion On Effects When You Stop Drinking Alcohol
When done right, you will see that the effort put in to stop drinking will be worth it. To be done successfully, you will need to want to do it, otherwise, it will be nothing more than a constant battle.
Just think of how much better you will feel after just a week.
About The Author:
Jimmy is a widely experienced content writer with a zeal for living naturally. As a Certified Herbalist and father of two children, he can offer you simple solutions on how to achieve a healthier lifestyle. He also writes for http://howtonight.com/