What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Drinking?

Alcohol abuse can have negative effects on one’s health and well-being. However, some people may believe they cannot stop heavy drinking because they have adapted to drinking excessively and for such a long time. It’s never too late to quit drinking and recover from its negative effects.

For instance, Dasgupta cited research he conducted on the relationship between genetics and alcohol misuse. He noted that people of Chinese and Indian descent do not benefit from drinking alcohol due to a genetic reason that isn’t fully understood. Cirrhosis of the liver (liver disease) can occur over time in those who drink excessively. Dr. Dasgupta said for social and moderate drinkers, participating in a month break won’t make much difference to their bodies. However, for people who exceed recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, he said staying away from alcohol for a month can reap changes.

You’ll start losing weight.

Our team of specialists use evidence-based methods for alcohol addiction rehab and other effective forms of intervention that have proven results for a successful recovery. To schedule an appointment at one of our treatment centers, with multiple locations in Delaware and Pennsylvania, please visit our website and schedule your first appointment today. There are plenty of other perks to easing up on alcohol besides weight loss.

Alcohol has quite deleterious effects, as ethanol, an organic compound in alcohol, is a toxin to our body, Scheller explains. Cancer risk can be increased because of several factors, some entirely out of our control, like genetics, per the American Cancer Society. But among the factors that are within our control, like diet and lifestyle choices, drinking alcohol may have a profound impact on our chances of developing cancer. However, there are also many people who struggle with alcohol abuse and addiction. If you’re one of these individuals, you may have decided that it’s time to quit drinking.

Don’t Let Fear Keep You From Getting Help

This will ultimately depend on how much you’re used to drinking, how long you’ve been drinking heavily, your medical history, and genetic factors. While recovery is a lifelong process that never ends, your physical addiction should subside sober house considerably. Continuing to attend 12-step meetings and use sobriety apps can go a long way in keeping you sober during these tough times. Once you decide to stop drinking, even for a short time, it’s crucial to find the right treatment.

According to the National Cancer Institute, alcohol use has been linked to an increased risk for cancers of the mouth, liver, colon, and rectum. “People often use alcohol as a lubricant for emotions, and when they stop drinking they may feel agitated and restless,” Dr. Raskin says. Being aware that you might be feeling off can help you recognize when you are, and can help you deal with those feelings constructively (rather than just having them gang up on you without warning). That may be because alcohol heightens our senses, according to a study published in the journal Obesity. Researchers found that when people received an alcohol “infusion” equal to about two drinks, they ate 30 percent more food than those who received a saline solution.

Will I experience withdrawal symptoms if I stop drinking?

This can be a contributing factor to the depression that one feels as a result of drinking. Fortunately, when you quit drinking, serotonin production will start to return to normal, and you won’t have to live in a cycle of drinking in order to feel better. Whether you’re challenging yourself to a no-drink stint (hello, Dry January) or considering cutting back on alcohol in general, your body can experience some real changes when you stop drinking. Here are some significant ways not drinking for 30 days or more can impact your body, mind, and overall health. For heavy drinkers, binge drinkers, or people who rely on alcohol dependence, not drinking alcohol may be enough to improve their health.

• You might think that a regular glass of red wine or other alcoholic beverages might be good for your heart.
• So, giving up alcohol may help you to improve your relationships with friends and family.
• “Being sober will actually help you sleep and have you feeling more restful and energized in the mornings,” says Zeitlin.
• Evidence shows that a combination of alcohol therapy, community support, and, when appropriate, medication to stop drinking, can help reduce alcohol consumption and improve health outcomes.

When you stop, your brain continues to pump out a lot of those chemicals, leading to the many symptoms of withdrawal. We’re here 24/7 to help guide you or your loved on through rehab and recovery. Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon, offer an outlet to discuss treatment goals and challenges with other people who are in alcohol recovery.

Will I lose weight if I stop drinking alcohol?

Alcohol can intensify brain activity, especially in the second half of its biphasic nature, disturbing sleep. It upsets the crucial, restorative REM sleep period and could cause breathing difficulties. Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if seizures, fever, severe confusion, hallucinations, or irregular heartbeats occur. Treatment programs like the ones at Landmark Recovery help patients develop structure in the form of exercise routines.