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It wasn’t until a few weeks afterward that I understood the motivation came from a desire to strip life back to its necessities. To put the external things that made up my life on the back burner for a bit and learn to be with the parts of myself I didn’t like. All of this was about making space to experience the full range of human emotions, without a damper or distraction. As I mark a year into my renewed therapy journey, I’m finally making big leaps forward rather than unwinding the past. Even if you aren’t on the moderate to severe end of the alcohol use spectrum, milder symptoms still deserve your attention.
Week Four Benefits
Moving into months of sobriety, your body’s healing journey gains momentum. The liver, a remarkable organ with regenerative abilities, shows significant improvement in function. Liver enzymes normalise, reducing the risk of conditions like fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. “If you have cancer and you’re worried about it growing then you should stop,” he explained. For the wider population, he emphasized that when you stop drinking, you not only feel better but you also sleep better and your physical health improves.
A LIFE THAT
- Dasgupta said for social and moderate drinkers, participating in a month-long break won’t make much difference to their bodies.
- This is because alcohol consumption may alter brain chemistry, which may result in cognitive issues.
- As your body undergoes restorative processes during sleep, you’ll start to feel more energized throughout the day.
As a result, you may notice that you are not getting sick as often because your body is healthier and better equipped to fight off pathogens. Alcohol can cause fluctuations in blood sugar, which can lead to sudden energy crashes and cravings. Within the first week of quitting, blood sugar levels begin to stabilize, reducing cravings for sugary foods and improving overall energy levels. Now, having that many drinks over the course of seven days doesn’t mean you’re an alcoholic (though it can put you at risk of developing a dependency).
You May Reduce Your Cancer Risk
So, giving up alcohol can help you to avoid these potentially deadly diseases. Once the initial symptoms of withdrawal have subsided, you may find that you have more energy than you did before you stopped drinking. This is because alcohol is a depressant, so when it’s no longer in your system, your body has more energy to work with. marijuana addiction Drinking alcohol can contribute to a variety of cognitive issues, including poor memory, slow reaction time, impaired impulse control, and poor concentration. Over time, drinking can also damage nerve cells and contribute to a loss of brain volume.
- This better sleep is caused by more REM sleep, the deepest stage of sleep where dreaming and memory occur.
- Alcohol might help you get to sleep faster, but it keeps you from reaching the deepest, most restorative stages of sleep.
- The timeline of quitting drinking generally starts when you stop drinking altogether.
- After treatment, you’ll be invited to continue care by choosing a rehab program.
- Alcohol can cause fluctuations in blood sugar, which can lead to sudden energy crashes and cravings.
72 Hours: Deeper Detox
After a year of not drinking, the body’s inflammation markers significantly reduce, bolstering your overall health. As you take control of your alcohol intake and refrain from drinking, mood improvements and stress management become more manageable, leading to better overall mental health. If you’re considering a break from alcohol, it might also be helpful to think about why you drink. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal tend to peak 24 to 72 hours after your last drink. Drinking even small amounts of alcohol can have a temporary diuretic effect. Another reason a person who’s been drinking alcohol may fall asleep quickly and then be awake during the wee hours may be the alcohol’s negative effect on the GABA neurotransmitter.
You’ll Sleep Better
In addition, mental health disorders often require specialized treatment. There are many alternative approaches, including medication-assisted treatment like TSM, therapy, harm reduction methods, and self-guided programs. The key is finding a method that resonates with your needs and lifestyle. However, no one should be scared off giving up drinking due to this – the right help for you is out there.
Benefits Beyond 30 Days of No Alcohol
When you’re not drinking, your liver is able to devote more time to its other 500 vital functions. After you stop drinking for a month, your liver fat may be reduced by up to 20%, significantly reducing your risk of cirrhosis of the liver or fatty liver disease. For dependent drinkers, in some cases, you may experience nightmares, anxiety, and insomnia due to long-term withdrawal symptoms. One of the biggest advantages of quitting alcohol is that you might live a longer life.
- Quitting alcohol is a major lifestyle change, and your body begins adjusting almost immediately.
- Once you have completed your treatment program, Neuro Wellness Spa is here for any ongoing needs you may have during your recovery journey.
- Even if you aren’t on the moderate to severe end of the alcohol use spectrum, milder symptoms still deserve your attention.
- Quitting alcohol can lower your blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve heart health over time.
- It can seem dull, lacking the highs and lows that come with drinking.
Mental Health Benefits of Quitting Alcohol
My name is Katie Lain, and I’ve been alcohol-free since the middle of 2018. I started a unique, neuroscience-based treatment approach in 2017 that transformed my relationship with alcohol without the need for traditional programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). However, outpatient programs come with important limitations, such as less supervision, easier access to substances, prolonged crisis response time, and reduced intensity of treatment. If you struggle with severe AUD and have a history of relapse, outpatient programs may be discouraged in favor of inpatient treatment. There is also the option to enter an outpatient treatment program, which provides the same therapy options while allowing you to stay at your home instead of at the facility.