Embarking on a journey of sobriety can have profound effects on your body, leading to positive changes over days, weeks, months, and years.
Let's explore this transformative process and its impact on your health in the immediate and longer term.
What happens in your body after you stop drinking alcohol
The first days
Within the first few days of giving up alcohol, your body should begin to respond positively. Alcohol's dehydrating effect starts to reverse, leading to improved hydration levels. This can result in clearer skin and enhanced energy levels.
Moreover, your liver, which bears the brunt of alcohol metabolism, gets a respite, allowing it to focus on detoxification and repair.
As alcohol exits your system, your sleep quality may improve, leading to more restful nights. If you've been a regular drinker, you might also experience temporary acute withdrawal symptoms in the early days – if these are more severe or you struggle to cope, it is important to seek help.
The first weeks
As you progress into the weeks of sobriety, the benefits become more evident. The immune system, which alcohol can suppress, starts to regain strength so your body is better at fighting infections.
Mentally, you'll likely experience enhanced clarity and concentration as the fog of alcohol's impact on the brain lifts. Whilst withdrawal symptoms such as cravings and lethargy can last a couple of weeks, they begin to fade considerably by this point.
Read more:
- Is alcohol as dangerous as smoking?
- Hangover anxiety and depression: The neuroscience behind your alcohol morning blues
The first months
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.
With the absence of alcohol's empty calories, it’s possible that weight loss becomes more achievable. Additionally, your cardiovascular system benefits, as blood pressure stabilises, and the risk of heart-related issues decreases.
Getting sober can also help individuals to regulate their emotions more effectively a few months down the line.
The first years
Years of sobriety bring about remarkable changes to your overall health and well-being. The reduced risk of chronic conditions such as liver diseases, pancreatitis, and certain cancers becomes more pronounced.
Cognitive function continues to improve, with memory and mental agility showing signs of recovery. Long-term emotional well-being often receives a boost as well, as anxiety and depression symptoms diminish, and sexual function may also improve.
Many sober people say they experience a boost in self-esteem, and improved mental clarity. Sleep patterns stabilise resulting in more consistent and restorative sleep, which alone can have a significant impact on our long-term health.
The positive effects of sobriety extend beyond the physical realm: relationships often improve as communication and trust are restored. It’s important to emphasise that going sober is not likely to be a smooth trajectory.
Almost everyone will have moments of feeling worse before they feel better, experiencing a sense of being stuck or of relapsing either emotionally or physically. It is so important to get the right support around you – if you can do it, the benefits to your physical and emotional wellbeing can be huge.
Read more: