To quit drinking can seem daunting, especially if you consume alcohol frequently, in large amounts or if it is a central part of your social life. Quitting alcohol, however, comes with a ton of benefits, though. You can expect to feel better, decrease your risk of several diseases, think more clearly, save money and even improve your relationships. While there are some short-term withdrawal effects, trust that the long-term benefits are well worth the effort.
Honestly, you may not feel much of anything in the first 24 hours and in fact, you may get a headache, some body aches, tremors and anxiety as the alcohol leaves your body. Manage those symptoms with an over-the-counter pain reliever, drink plenty of water or non-caffeinated tea and get some sleep. If it helps to stay busy, get your 10,000 steps in, read a book or do something else that brings you joy.
Your first and second night’s sleep won’t be great, but that third night will be magical. That’s because alcohol keeps you from reaching the deepest, most restorative stages of sleep. As you go alcohol-free, you will likely begin to notice that the sleep you get is more restorative and you feel much better when you wake up in the morning. The effects of high-quality sleep will continue to build each day.
Here’s another benefit: Alcohol causes you to pee incessantly, leading to dehydration. If you’ve been drinking for a while, you will probably be surprised by how much being sufficiently hydrated improves your health. Chronic dehydration can affect how you feel, how your skin looks, your hair quality and your overall well-being. A few days after you quit drinking, you will be more hydrated. The effects of being well-hydrated will continue to build, having even more positive results as you build your recovery.
Finally, expect your gut to begin healing within 5-7 days. Alcohol causes inflammation in the lining of your stomach, causing bloat and other digestive issues. Without the constant irritation of alcohol, your gut will begin to heal, and many of these issues will start to subside. You may notice less heartburn, gassiness, bloating and stomach pain, and your bowel movements may become more normal.
You’ve experienced the signs you should quit drinking, now it’s time to experience the benefits of sobriety. Stop, take notice and revel in not drinking just for today.
