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Jun 24, 2024 · 36 Hours. A day and a half after quitting alcohol, withdrawal symptoms will intensify. New symptoms will develop, including clammy skin, nausea, jumpiness, insomnia, depression and loss of appetite. As new symptoms develop, they will become more and more intense as withdrawal progresses.
- Overview
- Timeline: What Happens When You Quit Drinking?
- Mental Health Effects When You Stop Drinking
- Physical Effects When You Stop Drinking
- Other Benefits When You Stop Drinking
- How to Get Help
When you stop drinking, various things happen to your mind and body. However, the nature and intensity of these effects can vary depending on how much and how frequently you drink. While occasional social drinking may not result in significant changes when you decide to quit, you may experience more significant effects if you have been drinking heavily for an extended time.
If you have decided that it is time to stop or reduce your alcohol consumption, knowing what happens to your body when you stop drinking can give you a better idea of what to expect.
After One Day
The first day is always the hardest, but it's also an important milestone. After 24 hours without alcohol, your body will start to detoxify and you may experience withdrawal symptoms. It's important to remember that they are only temporary and will usually subside within a few days. For individuals with severe alcohol dependence, however, withdrawal symptoms can be more severe and may require medical attention.
After Three Days
After three days, you will likely start to feel more like yourself. However, individuals who have been drinking heavily for long periods of time may still experience some symptoms of withdrawal and may even have hallucinations or delirium tremens (DTs) and seizures. Delirium tremens is a a serous and life-threatening condition, and If you're concerned about your symptoms, it's important to talk to your doctor.
After One Week
After one week without alcohol, your risk of seizures is much less. Also, your risk of developing cardiovascular disease will start to decrease. Alcohol can increase your blood pressure and make your heart work harder. In the coming weeks, your liver will also begin to repair itself.
The mental health changes you experience when you stop drinking can include symptoms of withdrawal, difficulty sleeping, irritability, mood swings, and clearer thinking. While some of these changes can be uncomfortable for some time, they will eventually begin to improve the longer you abstain from alcohol use.
Your Liver Will Start to Repair Itself
Alcohol is a toxin that can damage your liver. However, when you stop drinking, your liver will begin to repair itself and the damage will start to reverse.
Your Appetite May Change
When you drink alcohol, even in moderate amounts, it can result in obesity. So, when you stop drinking, you may find that you have fewer cravings for food.
Your Risk of Certain Diseases Will Decrease
If you're a heavy drinker, you're at an increased risk of developing certain diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke. However, when you stop drinking, your risk of developing these diseases decreases.
You May Have More Money
One of the financial benefits of giving up alcohol is that you'll likely have more money to spend. This is because alcohol is a costly habit, so giving it up can free up some extra cash.
You May Live Longer
One of the most significant benefits of giving up alcohol is that you may increase your lifespan. Alcohol misuse can lead to serious health problems like liver disease and cancer. So, giving up alcohol can help you to avoid these potentially deadly diseases. While it has been suggested that one or two drinks per day may have health benefits, one meta-analysis found that even moderate intake has serious health risks. Women who had two or more drinks per day and men who had four or more drinks per day had significantly increased mortality. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction have determined that there is not safe amount of alcohol.
You May Feel More Productive
One of the unexpected benefits of giving up alcohol is that you may find yourself more productive than before. This is because alcohol can cause fatigue and decreased motivation, so when you stop drinking, you may find it easier to get things done.
There are many benefits to giving up alcohol, both short-term and long-term. If you're considering quitting drinking, these benefits may be just what you need to help you decide. Of course, giving up alcohol is not always easy, and there may be some challenges along the way. But if you're committed to sobriety, it's possible to achieve your goal.
If you want to quit drinking, start by talking to your doctor. They can recommend treatment options that can help, including therapy and medications. Psychotherapy options such as cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and motivation enhancement therapy (MET) can help change unhelpful thinking patterns, teach valuable coping skills, and improve the motivation to quit.
Your doctor may also prescribe medications that can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Vivitrol (naltrexone), Campral (acamprosate), and Antabuse (disulfiram) have been FDA-approved to treat alcohol use disorder. If you have been drinking heavily and chronically, it is also a good idea to have your detox medically supervised to minimize your risk of potentially dangerous withdrawal complications.
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol use disorder, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
4 Stages of Alcohol and Drug Rehab Recovery
Sep 14, 2023 · However, you should only do this If you believe your alcohol intake is mild to moderate. Here are a few things you can do to taper off alcohol at home: Choosing a “weaker” drink with lower alcohol content. Dilute your drinks. Space out or pace your drinks. Drinking a glass of water after each alcoholic beverage.
Sep 29, 2022 · The first 24 hours alcohol-free, also known as ‘day one,’ can be challenging, scary, and motivating all at once. Physically, you may experience acute withdrawal symptoms, which can occur within one week of quitting alcohol. These uncomfortable symptoms can include: Headaches. Nausea.
Oct 25, 2023 · Alcohol withdrawal causes physical and emotional symptoms like shaking, sweating, headache, nausea, agitation, irritability, and anxiety. The timeline for alcohol withdrawal varies. Symptoms can begin a few hours or a few days after you stop drinking. Heavy drinkers—defined as 15 or more drinks a week for males and eight or more drinks a week ...
- Sarah Bence
Jul 21, 2024 · It’s why you feel extra jumpy and anxious after a night of heavy drinking (i.e., hangxiety). Alcohol withdrawal causes alcohol cravings, sweating, shaking, nausea, headache, irritability, and insomnia. Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening. It’s important to know the difference between mild alcohol withdrawal and severe alcohol ...
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Jun 15, 2024 · Day 1-2: Onset of Acute Withdrawal Symptoms. The first 48 hours after your last drink mark the beginning of acute alcohol withdrawal. During this time, you may experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including anxiety, tremors, headaches, and nausea. Insomnia, sweating, and an increased heart rate are also common.
