I have been experiencing horrific night terrors did anyone experience the same? Everything is true. He cut way done on drinking hoping they would come back. Even at 8 months Im still experiencing changes. Dont believe everything you read, I have been working on reducing my alcohol intake, from 2 drinks a night to 2 a week. I was a everyday vodka and beer drinker. You can do it. Feel great with all the listed benefits experienced. less onerous. Thank you. I miss having a glass with friends. I am now at the three-month mark. this is a great article and the comments are good too so thanks. I found that many of my friends also wanted to try to stop or cut down, they did temporarily, however, this journey needs to come from within when you are ready!! I was looking up what happens to your body when your alcohol free for 52 days . During this journey you will try lots of techniques, strategies and ways to change your relationship with alcohol. You can do it Sue, If I did it so can you, Im a little more than 3 months AF and sleep is definitely better (as are my dreams) but I think the biggest plus here is that I wake everyday now able to breathe calmly and not feel like a failure for breaking my commitment the night before. This is similar to possible weight loss. Thank you for sharing. This helps a lot to get back into the society and improve relationships with friends and at work. We all need different amounts of different things. Some studies have shown that upping your alcohol intake over time may put you at risk for long-term weight gain, though more research is needed on this. Hey there, I am now 75 days in and feel a l lot better in general. It was incredibly difficult to leave alcohol behind physically and socially but, as time went on, I felt stronger, more clear-headed, healthier. When I quit I didnt set a time frame but more of an open goal. I hope it goes away soon. Dont put your race down. I can have that feeling without it. Im less anxious and sleeping so much better. After one week, I was surprised how good it felt, so I tried Dry January. Sweets, especially ice cream was a real problem in the beginning. I drank to forget the bad memories, then i realized drinking made me remember the bad/sad things . Thank you to each and everyone of you brave souls for sharing your stories and comments, fears, weaknesses and wins. I felt like I did not know what to do with myself and aggitated. So, when you stop drinking, you may find that you have fewer cravings for food. Fortunately I am not overweight so a few extra chocolates wont hurt. 3 months in also. I could have written this article as Ive experienced about everything in it. Youve also reduced your overall risk of having an injury or accident (Alcohol & Drug Foundation, 2020). I knew if I wanted to say goodbye to the weight, I'd have to say goodbye to the booze. I have the willpower to stop but I cant figure out why I feel like crap my sleeping is awful I wake up 3x during the night Ive even prayed listened to meditation healing music at night. To find out if ditching alcohol can improve your complexion, we challenged Laura Hogarth, a 40-year-old mother-of-two from Falkirk, to spend a month without consuming a drop of booze. Your risk of developing certain diseases will decrease. There was no negotiation. Authentic self Yes! Hi,Ive been a light but regular drinker for years,Mr Average.Now retired, found more time to open a bottle. Do not be the person in the corner. I feel clear and optimistic for the first time in 20+ years. There are many benefits to giving up alcohol, both short-term and long-term. Needless to say, I wasnt taking shots and drinking jungle juice with my mom and little sister. I like to drink the majority of the day on Saturday and Sunday. That fear is greater than any craving. I have been sober for a month now. Quick disclaimer here everyones experience is their own. Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis Alcoholic hepatitis can lead to irreversible scarring and damage thats called alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Had been binge drinking for almost 2 decades although i have always been sports oriented. I sleep now 7-8 hrs every night up from 5-6 and i feel much more relaxed, focussed and a calmer , nicer partner and dad. thanks. Thats never been me. I have just started my AF journey because of cerebellum damage to my brain which the doctor thinks is alcohol related. Good luck and enjoy the journey. You go Sue! I am almost at the 6 month mark!! Think about quitting at times but because of life circumstances nothing takes the edge off like a couple of beers. 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. Pink clouding is defined as a false sense of security that you might feel with this newfound sobriety. Thank you. Still I thank everyone who shared as it does somewhat help reading what others have gone through and the possible bright light at the end of a tunnel here. It will also help you stay connected to sobriety and sober living. I never knew what real sleep was until now. 2003;6(6):639-644. doi:10.1097/00075197-200311000-00006. Journal of alcohol and drug education. I have been sleeping better almost immediately, more productive, happier, and lost weight (I havent even been able to get to the gym in the last 3 months but thats another story). The pandemic hit and started beinge drinking for 3,4, even five days straight. Still working on the energy thing and thankfully my memory is improving. Nov 28th 43yo Hoping for more benefits as time goes on. I spent a week in Rehab and the withdrawals were absolutely horrendous. I like my life. Many thanks to you all xxx Take care and keep being good to yourself xx, Were glad that youre along for the ride hope you keep the changes up, and take care of yourself too . It is nice to read all the comments and be able to relate. Youll also notice healthier skin and external appearance as well! Im about to begin the first 3 months of 2021 alcohol free, Ive got 40+ years of habitual drinking to beat, Ill be revisiting this list along the way, to remind me why Im doing it, thanks. She adds that, after having a few drinks, your body doesn't get a chance to reach the deep sleep (a.k.a. It was amazing how much better I felt. Its a con, and you have been railroaded and (you) arent that stupid. I work out 6 days a week, Ive dropped 10-12 pounds I assume the BP will improve with more weight loss and exercise. Need to keep my feet on the path! Dont let alcohol steal your time here on Earth. Im not a Dr so dont take this as medical advice but have read some vitamin/mineral deficiencies can cause nail defects. This is similar to possible weight loss. I will continue, though, although maybe not permanently. I sat down at a machine in a Safeway and just measured right away no waiting. I really recommend you search out the Recovery Radio Network and/or checkout Russell Brands book (and audiobook) Recovery. My anxiety was through the roof and my face was puffy and ugh, I felt awful but didnt even know it. Im just way more productive when Im home. I drink the 0% beers now Alan. Best to all. The day before NYs Eve 21, I stopped drinking alcohol completely. The first month was quite difficult mentally because I continuously tried to convince myself one drink isnt bad or I deserve it but luckily I was able to hold on. You keep the pouring, glass-holding and drinking effect and it still has the beneficial compounds , resviritrol etc. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of "Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder" and "7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety.". I stopped it all and never looked back. Hangover free days, utter joy. Ice Cream galore, Pralines & pecan, also carbs.. Boredom, rewarding myself for working hard, etc. Better sleep happened almost immediately, along with really vivid dreams that I can now remember. I didnt crave anything except red wine (I used this as part of my denial that I even had a problem). Looking forward to all the benefits, better sleep here I come! Its been since Feb.11 2021 since I had a drink. Probably the happiest ive felt in a long time. 35 days35 long days! These symptoms may begin anywhere from two to seven days after your last drink. Something has to change because Im dependent on it. Why cant I go an evening without a glass in my hand? Then your time will be terrible. It can be a surprise for some, but alcohol rarely has a positive, long-term effect on peoples sex lives. Just make sure you have people around you who understand and support you not sabotage you. More focused and determined during my career journey. It really helped motivate me for a 3 month break. I feel 100% better! Take care. Stay strong its a poison thats become socially acceptable. Surprisingly, I didnt notice substantial changes after I cut down my alcohol consumption by 50-75%. I was never one to get up in the morning and drink but every evening without fail. I am confident she will consume less over time because of me. And yes, THE CHOCOLATE consumption was through the roof! Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Weight loss, its patchy but does come, youve goto do some exercise, be prepared for this, as the huge amounts of crap you eat do replace some of the cravings. All my medical testing came back with healthy liver, healthy kidneys, healthy heart have a routine check up next month as that will mark 1 year since the liver told us something was going wrong if I didnt stop. Handb Clin Neurol. I finally feel Im at a place where I wont be looking back. If I can do it ANYONE can do it. Returned to fitness and great nutrition. Im still craving drinking every single day but it IS getting easier. . But I truly believe third times a charm. I am now 2 months sober and do not ever want to go back to those times. Feeling physically good but mentally, I have never been so drained. I also started IF and have list all the weight I gained. I was a binge drinker for 30 years, and have stopped drinking now for one month. I found both to be incredibly helpful! It was an aha moment for me. Im 10 days AF after drinking regularly for several decades. . Like so many women, I began drinking during my freshman year of college. I put 1/3 of a serving into my oatmeal in the morning and it makes it taste delicious with some blueberries, strawberries or watermelon. And Yes! I stopped drinking 3 months ago. I didnt really replace it with anything unhealthy. I have lost 30 lb and feel great. It was all or none. Cirrhosis causes the liver to become stiff and swollen in a way that impedes liver function and often needs a transplant. You will save a fortune as well. Sleeping better, In the next two months I will wean myself off sugar. Looking forward to reaching 12 months. It was just a habit. well done bro, you beat me by 14 days. The fizzle lasts longer than the buzz! So yes, a few good things. I dont have any help Im doing this all on my own. I would have a private party everyday and enjoyed every minute of it. Ok, so far I do not feel as elated, but I have started to dance at outings which is huge. I know I can now. Also my GERD Symptoms seem to vanish too. I have never eaten sweets, now thats all I want. I also want to say congratulations to many of you that have posted! Then 2 and 3 months passed. 3 months in, no change at all, dont feel better , sleep quality much worse, Im more stressed and miserable tbh, everyone is different, you read so many positive ha ha stories how wonderful life is, time for a balancing opinion. 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. I stayed the course, kept eating better, kept trying to workout more and abstained. Lifeline is also available for support 24/7 on 13 11 14. Without the carbs from alcohol, I am craving sweets like so many others have written. Last time, I made it to six months before I gave in. not bad but truth is I feel worse off than when I had been drinking why is that. The Democrats have you brainwashed. Improved sleep overall health liver has chance to be healthy. All equipment must be returned before closing time or by sunset, whichever is earlier. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This is when the detox process begins. Your email address will not be published. Planned my life around it. One of the best decisions Ive ever made. Impact of Smoking and Alcohol Use on Facial Aging in Women: Results of a Large Multinational, Multiracial, Cross-sectional Survey. I notice I am always forgetting and putting things away in the wrong place but i catch myself and get anxiety a frustrated. Have you read This Naked Mind by Annie Grace? An excellent observation as overall body inflammation decreases wit less alcohol. 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.. Its been 2 months now I cant believe how deep I sleep at night. Quitting i think made me depressed at first as i needed 9-10 hrs sleep a night and i didnt feel any benefits until about 3 weeks ago when i suddenly noticed i wasnt craving a nap anymore at the wknd and i felt good to go all day. Ive binged and restarted numerous times but I will not ever go back to the point I was at a year ago. This is because alcohol can cause dehydration, which can lead to dry, dull skin. What happens for one person may not be your experience. Im at 8 months. Guess Im a bit slow , It is inspiring to see so many comments of success I would be celebrating 4 weeks today but I had a relapse celebrating a little food fortune.. It feels the same as a nicotine substitute for smoking would be so maybe I havent stopped in my head. Just read this Chris as I get ready to embark on my 30-day challenge. The first 21 days days was hard, buy I had to remember my WHY. Stop counting. Plus I genuinely enjoyed the taste of beer and all the different options that I could try and enjoy. I feel great but have some struggles still. Two weeks felt so good I thought, Why not 3 months? Here I am. Since stopping drinking I sleep SO well, my face isnt puffy anymore its normal again, no weight loss but thats because Ive replaced booze with coke! Ive just clocked up 5 months and my sleeping has improved dramatically along with marked reduction in stress and anxiety. The benefits are ridiculously wonderful! Highly recommend. I did plenty of stupid things during those first drinking sessions. Fingers crossed . Its never worth it to get someone help if they didnt ask for it but if you do, plenty doors open up. It was nothing for me to polish off a bottle or 2 sometimes 3. Im 47 Days into my own personal Detox! I have a little social anxiety and it would alleviate that. Reading these comments has helped a lot. They everywhere in australia now. I guess its a comfort and one that I know I need to change. Feeling great except like some other comments I thought I would loss weight but have actually gained due to my cravings. Your comments really resonate with me. SO GOOD! Take care of yourself, for sure!! And yes I do have ice cream before bed but others are noticing the weight loss and complimenting. They can give you herbs like milk thistle for your liver/digestion too and help correct any dysbiosis. For people who have experienced weight gain due to drinking excess alcohol, weight loss may be part of the AF (alcohol-free) experience. 6 Months Without Alcohol and Life is Beautiful In month five of not drinking alcohol, I knew I was a different person. Im just happy that I arent doing things that embarrass my family. There have been times when Ive really fancied a Pale Ale, but they pass and quickly too and at 16 weeks, I think Im doing ok. Lots of love. When I stopped drinking for the first 4 months all I thought & dreamed about was having a drink. Am losing weight but thats due to diet and excercise everyday. The benefits are incredible, the smug feeling is overwhelming and not to be underestimated. Relief on your liver gives it an opportunity to stay well and minimise any damage that alcohol might have been trying to cause. The BP has mostly seen improvement but I still see higher numbers than normal. Ive made sure that Ive not become preachy about not drinking. If you are, recovery may take a little while longernonetheless, you'll feel better than you did during the first few days of withdrawal. Hopefully Ill learn to enjoy life without the bubbly escape. For me everyday I say to myself, today really isnt a good day to drink. Once again, well done bro. And that dehydration can take a serious toll on your skin. Im only on day 17, but you people are inspiring me. By the end of my freshman year, I had put on 15 pounds. Brigitte Zeitlin, RD, is a nutritionist who has worked with many women in weight management. This is your life, and your body needs you to stand up for it. Research shows that one month in, some people start to feel a sense of achievement and control over their relationship with alcohol (O de Visser & Piper, 2020). This February will make 1 year sober. I had gained weight, barely got out of bed, hid bottles from my husband. By now youve improved your overall health, physically and mentally. Research also shows that some people experience an increased libido after reducing or quitting alcohol. I have blocked sinuses and acid reflux now. You'll also likely experience less headaches, which can be brought on by dehydration from drinking. It gives you a whole new lease on life. Hey there. When you stop, your brain continues to pump out a lot of those chemicals, leading to the many symptoms of withdrawal. Ive been doing this for years and I really want to stop. My head is still in a fog which it has been for years. A liter of 80 proof bourbon a day. However, when you stop drinking, your risk of developing these diseases decreases. Yes! My skin is now clear, I work out every day and actually like it, my head is clear, Im more pleasant, Ive repaired relationships and am down to the weight I was in my 20s. TMI no more constipation. My prayers are with us all. 2019;12(8):28-39. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, tremors, sweating, and nausea. Dont know when that started. People that claim that wine and other alcoholic drinks enhances food flavor can stop lying. First of all, the clearest sign of too much alcohol is a hangover. Along with anxiety and irritability, you may also experience mood swings when you give up alcohol. Alcohol is found at least in traces in the blood for many days after consumption. Once you realize how unproblematic sober life is, you will keep yourself away from situations where you might face dangers of relapse. I enjoyed reading all the experiences. This is great for those who want to maintain their weight and/or start cutting fat. this has resulted in better mood management (I lose my temper far slower if ever now.). The effect of a reduction in alcohol consumption on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Do it. I couldnt even walk myself to the bathroom because of the shakes. After a decade or more of nightly red wine consumption that culminated in two bottles a night, I am trying to stop, or at least cut it in half or less. Almost 3 months off alcohol now. Now, observing other people get drunk can be entertaining. Its absolutely brilliant. I was always counting the calories of the alcohol in my diet, but often it would make me wake up at night and binge eat and ruin my day. Really encourging to read all the replies. My heart aches for his mom. 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. Sleep, libido,depression, anxiety and self worth aswell not to mention a sence of general well being. I was the guy buying a case of beer at 7am from a local covienent store. Sharper and deeper thinking. In my opinion, youre literal supermen&women. AF. Then I looked up the symptoms for alcohol withdrawal and, surprise! Hangovers and increased appetite, feeling fatigued, greyish skin etc. Thank you for this forum. I slept much better when I drank. Last week I hit 6 months more improvements to discuss. Reading daily. good luck to all its definitely worth it. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at theNational Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholismof the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Due to some tests the past 6 months I started to pay more attention to my metrics. Maybe after a year i might see all these real benefits. This is because alcohol can cause changes in brain chemistry, which can lead to cognitive problems. For more details, see our Privacy Policy. The alcohol was so damaging to my health because the added inflammation on my already compromised immune system. Good luck xxx. At home Im thinking of charging Ben & Jerry room and board. Have not had alcohol for 6 weeks and lost another 5 lbs in 2 weeks. Energy better Thank you to the HSM team it helped to talk and be free. I will have a blood test to find out in the near future. Builds Positive Eating Habits. This is when the really good stuff starts to happen. I was wondering if you know what the effects are of having a drink after a long period of abstinence? For the first time since picking up drinking, I woke up for my early morning runs. We have gone over the things that help you become sober. 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. Stepping into month 5 and I am feeling great. I dont know if I am setting myself up but for now it seems to be working for me. I need to find new ways to relax and destress without the instant mind numbing effects of alcohol. lets go week 4, All the very best to anyone out there who is struggling with alcohol, I know how difficult it is, you have it in you to be what ever and who ever you want to be. I am 4 weeks in!! Ive been a heavy drinker 30+ years. I had a few wobbles along the way, especially if I was stressed, then I made a PROFOUND discovery about myself. I tried dry January a few years ago, and succeeded. Never problems sleeping but felt tired for a time. Read the blogs and listen to the podcasts Alcahol explained is a fantastic read, from a scientific approach, but easy to understand. My alcohol intake has steadily increased over the past 10 months, to what is now probably 4 or 5 bottles of wine a week. During this time, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal, such as tremors, anxiety, and nausea or vomiting. The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that alcohol should be consumed in moderation up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per Finally admitted to my family what was the worst kept secret. More days then not Id drink around 10 beers or 2 bottles of wine. Have slipped back but Thankyou for the reminder of the benefits. Everything would have been ok if I didnt drink. I have also lost about 5kg as well and have a more healthy lifestyle which includes daily exercise and green smoothies. I mean they have a sixth grade education and have never heard the word scholarly. You are not going to drink as many calories and that will reduce how many you are consuming daily. I cant imagine drinking again knowing this is what life can be like without it. 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. Does tapering work and will you have a seizure? Im 4 months off alcohol as was diagnosed with t2 diabetes in january. I drank around 2 to 3 bottles of wine per day, everyday over covid lockdown, so almost 1.5 years and before that was a binge drinker for 10 years..I was miserable. It was hard, very hardbut I did it . This February will be 12 months alcohol free af, I hope you can help me give some idea Ive had the shakes and was drinking so much my blood pressure was so high I was hospitalized 2x I have stopped drinking 2 months now goofed-up on 3 ipa at a Christmas party which I didnt want to go I feel worse now than when I was drinking many ipas. Came close to not making it a few times and even ended up in icu for a few weeks. Not so sure on overseas. Your risk of developing cancer will decrease, and your liver function will have greatly improved. Im 3 months alcohol free. Hello all, Ive been sober since mid March and Im curious as to what this smugness is about and how if manifest its self? If you find that one aspect from that list is still something youre struggling with, such as sleep or lack of mental clarity, we encourage you to seek medical support to see if there are other things in your life affecting that part of your health. Eating candy is better than ingesting alcohol, and your body will adjust. A lot of mental health challenges are faced by alcohol addicts. 3 weeks no booze, after escalating during Covid. Used to experience blackouts and was very nasty. So heres how you can keep yourself motivated for your first 6 months and long term sobriety: Enrolling yourself in a sober program will help you keep tabs on yourself. How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System? My partner and I have vowed to quit for two months as our initial goal. Oh and I lost 8 pounds so far!!! What a mindset to have and strong spirit, thank you for articulating it for those who appreciated reading your powerful words. [online] Available at:
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