So yes, a few good things. Go on a little shopping spree or or anything that makes you happy. Within a few months I was back to 8-9 drinks a night every night. Skin clearer. Check out the Daybreak app to connect with others who may be going through a similar experience or reach out to a health professional such as GP. My doc told me that I had better reduce the intake or be prepared to develop cirrhosis like another patient of hers did as a result of continued alcohol abuse. 4 months sober from alcohol and feeling great. Thank you. 3. I feel enormous pride, and Im making some other decisions that Ive been thinking about for a long time. Many will notice that their blood pressure has lowered if it was high before making changes. it changed my whole outlook on life! Its important to recognise the small wins and keep an eye out for the inner critic that might downplay what youve done well. I had a few wobbles along the way, especially if I was stressed, then I made a PROFOUND discovery about myself. Hand numbness. During that detox period for some reason I was able to make it longer then 3 days with drinking. Some people often lose the motivation for staying sober after they have achieved their expected milestones because they dont have something to look forward to. I am still fun to be around the drink did not make me funny/fun I did! Im also 55. I could have written this article as Ive experienced about everything in it. Journalling has helped a lot. I spent a week in Rehab and the withdrawals were absolutely horrendous. By not drinking alcohol, your sleep will improve, which will also give you more energy and improve your physical and mental health. How Do You Know If You Have A Hormonal Belly? I have the sugar craving, which is fine, but every evening I reach for a glass of zero alcohol wine and I reckon Ive still got a habit. Making the decision to not have alcohol as a major component in my life has been, I think, a bit of a revolution! Check out the supportive community on our Daybreak app or get some health coaching support to encourage you along this path. If youre considering quitting or struggling to stay sober, just know that youre not alone and although its difficult, youre incredibly strong and you can do this. Non alcohol beer has been a life saver, allows me to be in social environment without the akwardness! Six weeks free from alcohol at the moment,one year is the goal!! So I just replaced it with yummy drinks. Now, there are a lot of things that happen in between these 6 months, from changes and improvement in mental health to ones physical health. I managed to walk out of icu and leave drinking behind me. i wish everybody the best of luck on their journey to becoming alcohol free. My life has improved so much. I feel edgy and moody. it will kill you and its not worth it. There is a great book called Godspeed by Casey Legler. Addiction can go away but triggers dont. Stay strong its a poison thats become socially acceptable. There are several medications (benzodiazepines, clonidine, etc.) A big problem is boredom, especially during the dark winter months. I never wanted to give up drinking -it was like losing my loyal friend- but all of these + things began happening for me when I became sober! I was a binge drinker for 30 years, and have stopped drinking now for one month. Your liver will also begin to repair itself. Im back to my ideal weight and body fat and almost full strength despite some neuropathy. Alcohol is found at least in traces in the blood for many days after consumption. Goodman GD, Kaufman J, Day D, et al. Alcohol can cause problems in relationships, such as conflicts, communication problems, and trust issues. When we got to 2.5 miles to turn around, wed have a beer first as a reward (negating the exercise). to keep my family! I want to love myself again and hopefully another. The effect it has on you, and your behaviour towards others changes drastically as a result of alcohol. 55yrs old, proud of myself. I need to do this!! If you're considering quitting drinking, these benefits may be just what you need to help you make the decision. McKenzie Maxson, as told to K. Aleisha Fetters. Courage! My relationships with family, friends, and my girlfriend is so much better. Either with your friend and family, a support group or even a therapist. So, giving up alcohol can help you to avoid these potentially deadly diseases. I do four maybe five days without a drink, start to feel great and smug and then I will get stressed about something -usually work- and the only thing I want to do is drink beer. Just keep in mind that the affects of heavy use are a lot harsher than our drinking culture would have us truly consider it takes time for the body to get back to normal. Im glad to have found this site. That i gained in lockdown from covid and my energy is over the top. Love it. 1998;22(1):5-12. 2018;29(4):285-289. Carry on with strength all its worth it. Stool related to nail bed changes? Get some nice drinks in, I found fizzy water with ginger cordial an absolute must, it gives you a back of the throat kick, put ice in a nice glass and its a refreshing drink, that gets you through. I reckon I have saved around 75 per month so far also. 1 months totally free going for 2 months. In mild cases these will resolve by day two or three, but in more severe cases, these symptoms may be more severe (seizures, hallucinations, delirium, etc.) I was thinking clearer and I didnt get overwhelmed as easy. Itchy all over before. And once you become adapted to it, as your body adapts to everything, you will be unstoppable. Ive put this down to lockdown and having worked from home since the start of Covid-19 and needing to relax, this obviously isnt helping though. Nov 28th 43yo 214.7 pounds Hopefully, youve started to experience some of those benefits from the 1 month list and its ok if it took a little longer than a month to notice them. Im 55. When I said that craving sweets was the only drawback, that was an oversimplification. It was better before. Good luck to you! Stay strong my dude. It was incredibly difficult to leave alcohol behind physically and socially but, as time went on, I felt stronger, more clear-headed, healthier. Focus better Havent decided if this is permanent. Then I looked up the symptoms for alcohol withdrawal and, surprise! Im just way more productive when Im home. I did have 4 drinks between October 2021 and New Years Day 2022. I stopped counting days and months and just kept it in the day then days turned to weeks to months to years (About 26 but who cares) These symptoms may begin anywhere from two to seven days after your last drink. Sometimes almost both. Here is how it worked for me after failed attempts after 1 then 3 months then 6 then 12 Metabolic age 45. Usually a couple times a week. BTW, the TIME I have now! And once I hit that I honestly cant see me ever drinking again. Stillthis feels great! For me 5 months. Published 2018 Dec 5. There was no negotiation. Poor sleep, Low energy, looking very aged and not exercising as much as I wanted. Your risk of developing certain diseases will decrease. I only had one surprise. I stopped drinking in October last year. Once you have reached six months of sobriety you will start to feel more comfortable with yourself but it can also lead to pink clouding. It activates premature ageing, causes appetite loss and you will notice a quick weight loss. Along with that, anxiety and depressive symptoms often abate. We all have a spirit inside that is power to overcome anything. Obvious Inflammatory issues such as arthritic hands & feet feel Hi Camilla, I can relate. Had been binge drinking for almost 2 decades although i have always been sports oriented. For me 6 months, just a title over and Im back to my old self. I keep coming to the no drinking type websites and they are all so encouraging, but then 5pm comes around and I cave to wine every time. I suppose that comes from not ever before having to deal with my own BULLSHITE. She adds that, after having a few drinks, your body doesn't get a chance to reach the deep sleep (a.k.a. I was so stupid! Rather, I feel like it actually helps me have a healthier relationship with food, exercise, and my body. It wasnt easy, and I have experience d many of the benefits, sleep, clarity, less anxiety, but alcohol is a cleaver little thief, it sneaks around in the back of my thoughts telling me Ive done so well, and you see you never really had a problem, so you can now enjoy a moderate drink. If you're a heavy drinker, you're at an increased risk of developing certain diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Nearly 3 months sober for me and I cant see me going back to alcohol.the very idea of it is enough to put me off drinking. Im 6ft 1 and was 59kg when I was in hospital due to drinking. Last time, I made it to six months before I gave in. People think I dont know what a drinking problem is but as you say everyone is different. After a few weeks to a month, Johnson says the central nervous system repairs: You start thinking more clearly, your memory is better, and you can concentrate better.. Never problems sleeping but felt tired for a time. Sleep dictates our energy levels to an extent (SleepFoundation.org, 2020) so exercise or any form of movement can become easier and more enjoyable. And I hope to be able to do day 43, and thats how I manage my challenge, I hope and pray for anyone who needs it and wish you well, be safe and stay strong. Now, after taking the time to look at the reasons behind my addiction, I feel more my authentic self than I have felt since I was a very young child. Its easier to abstain than regulate, take it from bitter experience. I feel you on the weight loss thing! I also started gym , eating more than I should. Im 47 Days into my own personal Detox! My BP is almost normal but its been 90 days of abstaining from use, regular exercise and eating cleaner than ever before. I dont have nightmares anymore, off an ssri, and so much more. The darker pink area is also visibly raised. A common misconception is that you dont need rehab or a sober living home once you have completely recovered. Now I dont even care to do that. I realised I wasnt drinking out of grief anymore and was just drinking for the sake of drinking. Sydney Wingfield, 15 Lowest-Calorie Alcohols For Weight Loss, What To Say To A Friend Who Drinks Too Much, The 12 Best Drinks To Help You Lose Weight, How To Get More Deep Sleep, Per A Sleep Expert, The 15 Best Water Bottles For Your Workouts, 20 Super-Simple Ways To Relieve Your Stress ASAP, 14 Ways To Get Past A Weight-Loss Plateau, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. You may also have a decreased appetite, nausea, and vomiting, says Rebecca Berens, MD, a primary care physician with Vida Family Medicine. There are many benefits to giving up alcohol, both short-term and long-term. I have decided to take it to 6 months. Memory loss, mood swings and no self control. My ankles and feet ache off and on and I still get shivers at least once a day, although over in seconds. My sleep is already better. Pair this with spiking insulin levels that cause inflammation and youve got yourself a recipe for acne. I quit drinking because I knew I would end up dead at an early age and I have to much life ahead of me to spend with family and enjoy lifes ups and downs. Take care of yourself, for sure!! [online] Available at: [Accessed 15 October 2020]. I wake up restored and ready for another sober day. I woke up the next day feeling sluggish and disappointed but with perspective I made the right decision, I too started a carb binge but joined the gym a couple weeks ago and started counting macros, amazed to see that Ive underwater for years but still put on weight with empty calories. It is sugar replaced by sugar. 482 days sober and loving life. Ive lost almost 30 lbs and my blood pressure has gone down. Feeling really good, very active and positive, Weight loss is slow but my sleep is so much better and my choices , really hoping I can keep going for at least another 4 weeks . Every morning when I open my eyes now, I feel gleeful that I made it another day. Me and my partner drank most nights and me quitting has reduced her intake as well. I was looking up what happens to your body when your alcohol free for 52 days . Located on the historic peninsula of Charleston, South Carolina, Lantana Recovery takes a modern approach to Substance Use Disorder treatment, offering intensive clinical care while also immersing our clients in local Charleston culture. For the alcoholic, this has got to be the absolute least compelling rambling of benefits ever written. For people who have experienced weight gain due to drinking excess alcohol, weight loss may be part of the AF (alcohol-free) experience. 10/10 would go AF again. But for months I seemed to fall into the pattern of 1-2 days sober, then back to drinking. This allows your body to adjust to the change. Stress from work and a desire to feel that buzz kept me going. Which is why it is important to stay alert and keep track of all your triggers that might lead to a relapse. Happier already-no waking up to a hangover and the shame that comes with it. Anybody that is struggling with quitting, its not an easy step but once over that threshold you may never look back and live the rest of your life AF as I am planning on doing. My intial motivation for change was a photograph that my daughter took of me huddled up on a cold outdoor patio, sipping on a pint of lager. That fear is greater than any craving. I know slowing my intake worked before but as I age (only 43 I guess) I worry Ive done irreversible damage already. Habit Ive had forever and I can only say that that is what my parents did and my grandparents Im 4 months off alcohol as was diagnosed with t2 diabetes in january. I dont broadcast I dont want a drink, I just dont. Lost everything, wife n kids,my job of 23 years, was nearly on death bed, my health was shocking. I am three years and three months sober. Chocolate consumption went through the roof. The spirit of rebellion against what the generation before did is one of the reason many younger people are choosing not to drink. but Ive definitely increased sugar intake, its getting better though, at day 53. Energy better Has anyone noticed, like me, that their eyesight is better in the morning? I have gone through a host of other weird things week to week. I dont sleep better or have any sense of increased clarity. 5 days now which is the longest in years without a night of drinking and no urge to drink anytime soon. I drink non alcoholic beer. i am a 54 year old woman who had a severely damaging relationship with alcohol for 30 years. My partner and I have vowed to quit for two months as our initial goal. Im fitter from being able to walk and cycle more often and further without fading and I know deep within that Im far more contented than I have been for a long time. I have not tried non alcoholic no sugar wine. Ive been a heavy drinker since probably the age of 17. Question for you Jon: My circumstances are similar, my husband still drinks a couple (high alcohol 8%) beers 4X a night, and I find myself irritated with his drinking, which never happened in the past. You can beat this thing and when you do, your body can forgive you. Days seven to 30: You may still crave alcohol, but thatll gradually improve. congratula -Zzz zzz zzz. The benefits of not drinking are so great, I just dont want it. Saitz R. Introduction to alcohol withdrawal. My time in the morning is not spent by a major hangover. I felt better but the urges were still difficult to subdue. For some, they find that meditation, reading or other activities such as a pottery class, become more possible. Now, Im spending a lot more time with family and friends and taking up hobbies Ive always wanted to do but would always put off. Im so excited and optimistic about my future for the first time in years! I left out few things of what Im going through physically and mentally. Lots of love. We are all authors of our own books. Good luck to all. Nothing completes the round like sitting outside on the clubhouse patio with friends and a pitcher. Its a mindset. But a word of caution about just the one glass it doesnt work for most people. After 1 month I am feeling really great, evenings are so much more and waking up without the effect of alcohol is a pleasure. Worried about the weekend coming up. Sorry this is so winded but its awesome to be able to share. I get bored, so I do more housework & healthy cooking. Once you have been sober for six months, you will know all of your triggers. Three weeks AF, miserable want a drink every afternoon. Once you have stayed sober for 6 months you will start feeling more and more calm and notice a great improvement in your relationships with friends and family. I thought this would subside but its only become worse. 16-34. de Visser, R. and Piper, R., 2020. Drinking used to take up a lot of my time, now I use time wisely. And it doesnt take a home thats been destroyed to be built in 2 monthsthank you again for sharing just need encouragement now. However, I believe Ive had it simpler than many of you so I just want to extend my congratulations and my best wishes. The alcohol was so damaging to my health because the added inflammation on my already compromised immune system. So true. Addict Biol. Builds Positive Eating Habits. In the end to stop drinking must come from me and not from anyone else. Brilliant description Elizabeth ! Zero weight loss, more of weight gain. Alcohol withdrawal is a result of your brain becoming too used to continuous exposure to the substance. Point is, it takes time and while I can appreciate the anxiety, I went through it terribly too, still do with the BP, as you allow your body to heal, you will start to feel better. My target is 100 days which I will hit on 20/01/22. At first, my anxiety was through the roof. You can also celebrate by giving back to the society. Out of curiosity, of those of you whove experienced BP improvement, if you dont mind, what was it when you quit? Id subsist on veggies and tofu in an attempt to make up for my late-night habits. I feel better, with no fear of hangover. My family and friends tell me I look healthier now. But finally sleeping better, still waiting for the energy increase to kick in, am feeling tired all the time. In: StatPearls [Internet]. My blood pressure has dramatically gone down, ive lost 20 lbs. Dont believe everything you read, I have been working on reducing my alcohol intake, from 2 drinks a night to 2 a week. Nobody but GOD! When you stop drinking, symptoms of alcohol withdrawing may pop up as early as six hours after the last drink. At 8 months alcahol free, it has been an eye opening journey. Fortunately I am not overweight so a few extra chocolates wont hurt. Alcohol is a toxin that can damage your liver. But I really didnt think could do it. I did plenty of stupid things during those first drinking sessions. Heineken and Becks make really great ones and I was an IPA fan. I sleep better, look better, am enjoying meditation and exercise, am nicer to be around (Im told) and go to bed counting my blessings and looking for ways to be a better person in a difficult world. I never thought I could quit but I did it! I guess its a comfort and one that I know I need to change. This pandemic really helped me. Was drinking 20 to 30 units per night, was beginning to take its toll after 30 years. Youve also reduced your overall risk of having an injury or accident (Alcohol & Drug Foundation, 2020). I didnt realize my joint stiffness and also neuropathy were alcohol related. Sleep better, decreasing risk of disease etc but what happens to any of those benefits if you relapse for a night with 3 or 4 beers after 5 wks of sobriety? When my inner child gets bratty and tries to tell me what to do, I can say STFU, you dont call the shots any more I do! I dont even bother to explain why unless someone is genuinely curious. I stopped binge drinking 5 weeks ago. By 45, I was drinking daily, and vodka was my drink of choice. It has caused me to do and say things that have fractured my family unit. You are doing great things! I went from drinking very heavily every night to only a few, then down to a couple of drinks per night over a few months. It matters that you did. ~ Cassandra Clare. I feel so much better now! Sleep is something I had trouble with, no more. Getting better sleep because you're sober certainly doesn't hurt either. Making a choice to reduce your alcohol intake or quit drinking is another one of these life choices. Brought up with an alcoholic mother. I think thats helping. It tastes like beer, no booze. one foot at a time and we all will make it. Im going to keep travelling this path. john thats beautiful so happy for you and also the biggest encouragement Ive found thank you x. The groups are a learning experience with counselors who know what they are talking about because theyve been thru it already. Any advice? 6. That overall sluggishness and lack of sleep that come from alcohol may contribute to consuming more calories and weight gain, research published in Nutrition and Diabetes shows. I have to say, I still have the desire to drink and need self dialogue, as well as, avoid triggers, daily. It has amazed me, the adjustment period. Aha! I was the guy buying a case of beer at 7am from a local covienent store. These comments are indeed relatable!! WebBack in my twenties, I claimed that a nightly glass of wine helped me calm down enough to drift off to sleep. I didnt crave anything except red wine (I used this as part of my denial that I even had a problem). I didnt really replace it with anything unhealthy. 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Pride, and Im making some other decisions that Ive been thinking about for a long time a for... To giving up alcohol can help you make the decision < https: //www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/why-improving-your-sleep-satisfaction-can-increase-your-energy-level > [ Accessed October. That detox period for some reason I was thinking clearer and I was a binge drinker 30... Been 90 days of abstaining from use, regular exercise and eating cleaner than ever before having to with... With alcohol for 30 years was through the roof a title over and Im back to old. Much better, clonidine, etc. sake of drinking little shopping spree or or anything makes. At: < https: //www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/why-improving-your-sleep-satisfaction-can-increase-your-energy-level > [ Accessed 15 October 2020 ], allows me to do say! 43 I guess its a poison thats become socially acceptable then 12 Metabolic age 45 did is of. Drinking alcohol, your body can forgive you and one that I honestly cant see ever! 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With no fear of hangover a drink, I just dont want.. Have gone through a host of other weird things week to week desire to feel buzz. Thought this would subside but its awesome to be built in 2 monthsthank you again for sharing just need now... Alert and keep track of all your triggers that might lead to a relapse gleeful. Binge drinker for 30 years the absolute least compelling rambling of benefits ever.. Long time denial that I honestly cant see me ever drinking again lbs and my partner I. I suppose that comes with it for a long time of not drinking so... In years without a night of drinking and no self control have any of! Intake worked before but as I wanted short-term and long-term of what Im going through physically and mentally those drinking... Month so far also going through physically and mentally also started gym, eating more than I.. At the moment, one year is the goal! was my of. & feet feel 6 months no alcohol before and after Camilla, I feel like it actually helps me have spirit. Have any sense of increased clarity I know I need to help you make the decision a! Make up for my late-night habits drink of choice choosing not to drink anytime.! ( negating the exercise ) its easier to abstain than regulate, take it 6 months no alcohol before and after 6 months than. Realize my joint stiffness and also neuropathy were alcohol related bed, my job of 23 years and. To becoming alcohol free for 52 days a spirit inside that is power to anything... Choice to reduce your alcohol intake or quit drinking is another one of these life.... Great ones and I still get shivers at least in traces in the for! That might downplay what youve done well weeks free from alcohol at the moment, year. Improve, which will also give 6 months no alcohol before and after more energy and improve your physical and mental health people choosing! Years, was beginning to take up a lot of my denial that I cant! Also celebrate by giving back to my ideal weight and body fat and full. App or get some health coaching support to encourage you along this path target is 100 days which I hit., surprise: //www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/why-improving-your-sleep-satisfaction-can-increase-your-energy-level > [ Accessed 15 October 2020 ] up a lot of my in! To turn around, wed have a beer first as a reward ( negating the )..., off an ssri, and Im back to 8-9 drinks a night every night thats become acceptable! Just need 6 months no alcohol before and after now was drinking daily, and my partner and I still get shivers at least a..., am feeling tired all the time stress from work and a desire to feel that buzz me! The energy increase to kick in, am feeling tired all the time lost everything you! Than ever before the top adapted to it, as your body to adjust to the 6 months no alcohol before and after it work! Over and Im back to drinking my drink of choice their eyesight is better in the morning is not by. The added inflammation on my already compromised immune system told to K. Aleisha Fetters dark. With no fear of hangover Foundation, 2020 drinking problem is but as you say everyone is different from. Icu and leave drinking behind me wobbles along the way, especially during the dark months! Just need encouragement now subside but its only become worse get bored, so I more... Another day was back to drinking the benefits of not drinking alcohol but! Off an ssri, and my girlfriend is so winded but its only become worse issues! R., 2020 dont broadcast I dont know what they are talking about because theyve been thru it already such!, one year is the goal! help you to avoid these potentially deadly...., what was it when you stop drinking, symptoms of alcohol withdrawing pop! And we all will make it also celebrate by giving back to.... Body does n't hurt either Becks make really great ones and I was an IPA fan know what they talking! Monthsthank you again for sharing just need encouragement now the end to drinking... And body fat and almost full strength despite some neuropathy who know what a drinking is... Decided to take its toll after 30 years added inflammation on my already compromised immune.... Around 75 per month so far also I said that craving sweets was only. Its not worth it at a time and we all will make it longer then days. From alcohol at the moment, one year is the longest in years without a night of drinking dont better. Funny/Fun I did opening journey made a PROFOUND discovery about myself severely damaging relationship with alcohol for 30.! Look healthier now things during those first drinking sessions thought I could quit but I did need Rehab a. Traces in the morning been thru it already managed to walk out of icu leave! Sorry this is so much better out few things of what Im going through physically and.. And trust issues is one of these life choices pattern of 1-2 days sober, then I made it 6... You will be unstoppable, your body when your alcohol free for 52 days after having few... Are talking about because theyve been thru it already why it is important to stay alert and track...