What Happens When You Stop Drinking Alcohol?

There are lots of reasons why you might want to stop drinking alcohol. For some people, it’s a lifestyle change – to say goodbye to hangovers, sleep better, lose excess weight and have more energy. It might even be for a challenge, to buddy someone else who is giving up alcohol, or to raise money for charity. When you first stop drinking, your body will begin to detoxify itself. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, tremors, sweating, and nausea. Continue reading for tips about how to safely quit drinking alcohol, when to get professional help, and what you should know about alcohol withdrawal.

  • The method that I’m sharing isn’t a substitute for any medical and/or therapeutic support that you might be receiving as part of your recovery.
  • As people adjust to the lack of caffeine, it is not uncommon to experience brain fog or have trouble concentrating.
  • It is worth mentioning that nutritional status improvement occurs when someone strop drinking, which is one big reason why people may see many of the above improvements with sobriety.
  • Implementing these new habits takes time, but reducing or eliminating your alcohol consumption is worth it.
  • My work focuses on self-development, realizing your potential, and sobriety—speaking from personal experience, having overcome both poverty and addiction.

Download or order the free 20-page booklet, “Rethinking Drinking: Alcohol & Your Health”.

No matter what your triggers are, learning to identify and manage them is key to staying sober. If you’re thinking about changing your drinking habits, it’s always a good idea to check in with your healthcare professional first. If you are trying to choose the best method for yourself, it’s important to consider your situation and what level of support you will need.

Starting With a Primary Care Doctor

  • Discover more energy, restful sleep, and improved wellness with a plan designed to fit your life.
  • Drink a cup of soothing tea or a tall glass of water before you imbibe—once your thirst is quenched, you may not feel the need for as much—or any—alcohol.
  • To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available.
  • Noting down successes and patterns can help individuals reduce their drinking by using methods that help most and avoiding others that are not effective.
  • Its comprehensive treatment programs address not only substance use but also any other accompanying mental health disorders.

You also need a reason that will help keep you from having relapses, dealing with withdrawal, and staying committed to your goal of sobriety. A healthy fear of the consequences is important, but using them alone to curb your alcohol consumption has another serious drawback. By this metric, it’s easy to justify consuming alcohol to excess because so many people are doing it.

What Are the Effects of Mixing Cocaine and Alcohol?

How to Stop Drinking

At the same time, feeling anxious can cause physical symptoms like heart palpitations or chest tightness, headache, or queasiness—all things that can be made worse by drinking. Learn up-to-date facts and statistics How to Stop Drinking on alcohol consumption and its impact in the United States and globally. Explore topics related to alcohol misuse and treatment, underage drinking, the effects of alcohol on the human body, and more.

Best Free: Alcoholics Anonymous

Can you stop drinking without going to AA?

  • Drinking alcohol can contribute to a variety of cognitive issues, including poor memory, slow reaction time, impaired impulse control, and poor concentration.
  • For many, continued follow up with a treatment provider is critical to overcoming problem drinking.
  • This guide has lots of practical tips on how you can stop drinking and the benefits you can expect.

Timeline: What Happens When You Quit Drinking?

How to Stop Drinking