Timeline: So, What Happens When You Stop Drinking Alcohol?
Quitting alcohol is probably one of the greatest improvements that you can make to your health, both physically and mentally.
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Alcohol is not good for your body or your mind, and is one of the most potent addictions on the face of this planet.
It is often said that – was alcohol discovered today, there is no chance that it would be legal.
Drinking alcohol for many years – putting a very strong poison through in your body – takes its toll on you.
This does not mean that these damages are irreversible, In fact, from the moment that you stop drinking, the benefits can be noticeable.
As a person’s body stops having alcohol put through it, it starts to recover.
The recovery timeline from alcohol varies on many things, person, lifestyle, general health, units consumed, time period, and many more variables….but there are also some very commonalities which we have gathered together below.
Let’s talk about the actual recovery timeline when a person quits alcohol.
When discussing the stages of recovery, this starts from the second that you stop putting alcohol in your system. Right there and then, for the purposes of time-measuring, without doubt.
Alcohol is not something that is meant to be going through your body,
it is something that has been engineered by humans to put in, but nature did not intend this to happen. When you stop doing this to your body, you work your way along the alcohol recovery timeline, and your body and mind start to improve.
There is a long-standing saying that if alcohol were to be discovered today, ti would absolutely be illegal. And for good reason!
From the moment you stop drinking, your body and mind start to heal. You will notic
e improvements in all aspects of your health. From feeling more alert, sleeping better, looking better, and gaining more energy – the benefits are really out of this world!
But…
- How long does it take to see recovery improvements?
- What does the quitting alcohol recovery timeline look like?
- And what should you expect along the way?
These are all great questions. Exactly how long the alcohol benefits recovery timeline is, varies from person to person. But there are clear cut periods when you will experience changes – positive changes – within yourself.
How long does it actually take to ‘detox’ from alcohol?
Detoxification is a set of interventions aimed at managing acute intoxication and withdrawal. It denotes a clearing of toxins from the body of the patient who is acutely intoxicated and/or dependent on substances of abuse. Detoxification seeks to minimize the physical harm caused by the abuse of substances.
National Libray Of Medicine
From a clinical perspective, your body takes 1-2 weeks to completely detox from alcohol. During this time you may experience alcohol withdrawals, night sweats, nausea and a general feeling of physical exhaustion.
As alcohol is a very strong poison, it not only affects you physically but mentally.
Mental detox from alcohol can take longer. It has been reported of feeling low in mood, irritability, poor sleep, headaches and a whole host of other mental challenges.
This is quite normal and in my opinion, something that has to be ridden out.
But as time goes on, your mental state just gets better and better. It is so worth the bad times, for the good times ahead.
The Alcohol Recovery Timeline – step by step
What happens when you stop drinking
The very beginning of your journey. Mindset is everything and this is often a positive time for the initial few hours.
Deciding to quit alcohol can feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. This could be the first day you wake up, whenever you have set a date or decided that now is the time…whatever the reason,
Alcohol Recovery Timeline
| 6 hours after quitting alcohol | The symptoms that you experience within the first 6 hours often continue. You may start to feel your mood dip which is common – as is lowered energy levels and a general feeling of lethargy. When you are at this point, your main focus would be on just getting through the times. Getting these hours and days under your belt. Using distraction techniques in the early days can help pass the time. Do what is needed to get through it and push through it. When someone quits alcohol, the first day would feel like any regular day for the person. If you have been drinking dand get a hangover then this would be the case. As time passes and the hangover ‘clears’, often a period of anxiety, nausea or tremors may occur. If you are detoxing at home, it is always advised to seek medical advice in this instance. In the first 6-12 hours without alcohol it is important to stay hydrated, eat as well as possible and avoid fatty or sugary foods. If you do feel physically sick, then just eat whatever your stomach can tolerate. This DOES get better with time. |
| 12-24 hours after quitting alcohol | The symptoms that you experience within the first 6 hours often continue. You may start to feel your mood dip which is common – as is lowered energy levels and a general feeling of lethargy. When you are at this point, your main focus would be on just getting through the times. Getting these hours and days under your belt. Using distraction techniques in the early days can help pass the time. Do what is needed to get through it and push through it. When someone quits alcohol, the first day would feel like any regular day for the person. If you have been drinking and get a hangover then this would be the case. As time passes and the hangover ‘clears’, often a period of anxiety, nausea or tremors may occur. If you are detoxing at home, it is always advised to seek medical advice in this instance. In the first 6-12 hours without alcohol, it is important to stay hydrated, eat as well as possible and avoid fatty or sugary foods. If nausea is present then just eat whatever your stomach can tolerate. This improves with time. |
| 2-3 days into the timeline of quitting alcohol | After 2-3 days of horrible feelings that I have just described, these feelings usually start to become less – or certainly more manageable. You will get used to the feeling of ‘feeling rough’, and already your body is working in the background to cope with the physical symptoms. Tremors will lessen (if you experience these), and the feeling of sickness will drop. One takeaway for 2-3 days without alcohol from personal experience. Time. Time seemed to go slow, a lot slower. Hours passed, yes. But they passed slowly. Maybe it was my own impatience to just ‘get sober’ – I don’t know – but it was a part of my sober journey in the very early days that was an honest struggle. Keep yourself busy. MAKE the time pass. Read, go for a walk, watch a film, just do something to pass the time when at this point of your own timeline of sobriety. Keep on trucking. It defintely gets easier and there are true benefits that are very obvious when you decide to become teetotal. Just these early days…they can be a grind. So….grind. Knowing the potential problems that you might face, it would be a great idea to arm yourself with things to counter these issues. Shop for some good foods before, and find activities to occupy your time. Sleep can be a major issue when stopping drinking alcohol, with many reporting days of insomnia. Fight through this though, and your sleep will be better than you can ever imagine. |
| 7 days after quitting alcohol – timeline | Two weeks is a milestone when quitting alcohol. You have broken quite a few of the normal routines that you may encounter. The Friday night drink, or the end of your working week ‘treat’. Breaking that cycle is a huge step in becoming alcohol-free. Alcohol slows the brain down and even shrinks it in size. The good news is that after two weeks without alcohol, your brain mass actually starts to replenish. It is after two weeks sober that people start to report an improvement in memory, movement and a general improvement in physical and mental health. From two weeks onwards increased creativity – taking on new interests in life I never had time for when drinking! Sallyanne Munro You will start to feel more alert. Sleep will improve and your mental state will start to level out to a new ‘normal’. |
| Two weeks after quitting alcohol | Two weeks is a milestone when quitting alcohol. You have broken quite a few of the normal routines that you may encounter. The Friday night drink, or the end of your working week ‘treat’. Breaking that cycle is a huge step in becoming alcohol free. Alcohol slows the brain down and even shrinks it in size. The good news is that after two weeks without alcohol, your brain mass actually starts to replenish. It is after two weeks sober that people start to report an improvement in memory, movement and a general improvement in physical and mental health. From two weeks onwards increased creativity – taking on new interests in life I never had time for when drinking! Sallyanne Munro You will start to feel more alert. Sleep will improve and your mental state will start to level out to a new ‘normal’. |
| One month after quitting drinking alcohol | You will start to look and feel better overall. Your skin will improve, you will look less tired and people around you will start noticing this – hearing that you ‘look well’ is something that I will never tire of ? Often blood pressure decreases, aches and pains disappear and your general mental health will improve also as you continue along the quitting alcohol recovery timeline. You will become less ‘snappy’ and just generally a nicer person to be around. You can read some of my journal along this way at my 7 weeks point. For reasons that might just resonate with a few, 7 weeks was a big turning point for my own sobriety. |
| 3 months into your quitting alcohol recovery timeline. | After 3 months without alcohol, a person’s major body functions will return to normal (aside from permanent damage), and a feeling of general well-being will be present. A major plus is an increase in overall confidence. This is amazing of course, as long as we remain grounded in the fact that we need to continue to maintain our abstinence – and be aware of the Pink Cloud Syndrome good feeling. |
| The quitting alcohol recovery timeline – 6 months | Six months into the alcohol recovery timeline and you will be settled into your life changes now. You will have a good grasp on your day-to-day routine to avoid alcohol or situations that may trigger you to drink. Confidence and well-being is widely reported with anyone who has been alcohol free for 6 months, and lots of good things are always fed back to our blog by people who have hit this milestone in their own alcohol recovery timeline. Amazing to hear always. Your anxiety levels will decrease to minimal, if at all. You will be more confident in public and social situations. Your confidence will be so improved and it will be noticed by friends and family. One point to note, as mentioned above is the Pink Cloud Syndrome – a very common and elated feeling that people finding the sober life can experience. A fantastic, but risky time. One where it can be tempting to think “well I can have one or two (drinks)”. These are the times to keep your guard up. Again, it is absolutely worth it and sobriety only gets better and better! |
Day 30 – Better sleep, much more energy and productivity. Spending more quality time with my family at the weekends rather then wasting my time sleeping off hangovers.
Clare Sartin
At one week without alcohol I slept like I’d never slept before, I was excited and polishing my halo. I think they call this the pink cloud. By one month I am sleeping all day and awake all night. Racked with anxiety and a pretty constant headache. I’m also super narky… like one long drawn out hangover.
Physically though, I can start to see the effects, I am half a stone lighter, my skin is much more clear and even toned, my nose is no longer swollen and red and my eyes are whiter and brighter. Despite feeling pretty crappy, I’m persevering. I’ve trained my brain to function in unnatural ways for 18 years so I think it deserves more than a month to heal itself.
Amy
1 year after ridding alcohol from your life and becoming Alcohol-Free
One year without alcohol!
So, what should we expect to change in our lives?
In short- Lots of things for the better!
After a year without booze slowing you down, your brain is more responsive and can handle more complex tasks or quick decision-making. You will feel more alert and generally switched on. Something that is numbed by alcohol.
Weight loss is very commonly reported – although some people do actually report weight gain, even then say they feel better than ever.
Unless there is permanent damage as mentioned before, then all of your major organs should be functioning at their strongest possible. Your body will be pulling in all of the natural goodness from the foods that you eat and you will be generally functioning as nature had intended it!
“I have noticed so much more at 90 days sober. Sleeping is better. My appetite is not. My sugar cravings are in control still and I’m working on that. I’m not anxious when I get up and I don’t feel like I have my head down focusing on not drinking like I did In the first few days. My skin is so much better and my appearance has removed Years from my age.”
After one year alcohol-free, you will feel like a totally different person!
You will approach situations in life with a much clearer head, you will feel and look fitter than you ever have done, and you will feel a lot more proud of yourself. And quite rightly so too!
Will I look better if I quit drinking?
One of the motivators for a lot of people quitting is their physical looks. People often feel and look tired after consuming alcohol.
This happens in the short term, and even more, as time goes on. On the flip side, looking better is an aftereffect of quitting drinking even if this is the last thing on your mind.
There is a domino effect thanks to behaviours along the timeline of quitting alcohol. When a person quits drinking, their sleep improves, appetite comes back, energy levels rise and many other good things that will change as a by-product of quitting drinking. All of these behaviours have an effect on your skin, your body, and your overall appearance. All in a positive way too!
So….in short, yes. Initially – and we are talking the first few days and weeks – you may look tired, anxious, and a little lost. Taking away something that you have heavily relied on to deal with life can take some getting used to.
But once you get over the hill of becoming alcohol-free (AF) and as you continue on your quitting alcohol recovery timeline, you will definitely look better, healthier, carry yourself with more confidence and it will be noticeable within yourself and by others around you
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Your skin will improve, and you will look fresher and look less tired.
Long-term alcohol can and does have a dramatic effect on how you look in general. Once that poison is removed, your body will start using all of the nutrients that you get from food for the better.
Alcohol Recovery Timeline: FAQ
Welcome to our comprehensive FAQ section on the alcohol recovery timeline. Embarking on the journey to overcome alcohol addiction can be daunting, and having the right information can make all the difference.
What is the alcohol recovery timeline?
The alcohol recovery timeline refers to the various stages and phases individuals may experience during their journey to sobriety. It is essential to note that recovery is a unique and highly individualized process, and timelines can vary from person to person. However, we have outlined general stages to give you an idea of what to anticipate.
How long does alcohol withdrawal last?
Alcohol withdrawal typically begins within 6 to 12 hours after the last drink and may last for several days. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can persist for weeks. The severity and duration of withdrawal depend on factors such as the individual’s level of dependence, overall health, and medical support during this phase.
What are the common withdrawal symptoms?
Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include anxiety, tremors, sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, insomnia, and in extreme cases, seizures or delirium tremens (DTs). Medical supervision and support during this period are crucial to ensure safety and comfort.
How long does it take for physical recovery from alcohol abuse?
Physical recovery from alcohol abuse varies depending on the extent of the damage caused by prolonged alcohol consumption. In general, the body begins to heal within a few weeks to months after quitting alcohol. However, it can take longer for the liver and other organs to fully recover.
When does the emotional and psychological healing begin?
The emotional and psychological healing process begins as soon as an individual starts their journey to sobriety. However, it is important to recognize that healing from the mental and emotional toll of alcohol addiction is an ongoing process that can continue for months or even years into recovery.
What is the “pink cloud” phenomenon?
The “pink cloud” is a term used to describe a phase in early recovery when individuals may experience a temporary feeling of euphoria, excitement, and heightened optimism. While this can be a positive experience, it is essential to stay grounded and remember that recovery involves facing challenges and emotions.
How long does it take to achieve long-term sobriety?
The timeline for achieving long-term sobriety can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances, commitment to recovery, support systems, and coping mechanisms. Some may achieve stable sobriety in months, while others may take years. It’s crucial to focus on progress rather than comparing timelines.
What role does therapy play in the recovery timeline?
Therapy, including individual counseling, group therapy, and support groups, is a fundamental aspect of the recovery timeline. Therapy helps individuals address underlying issues, develop coping strategies, and maintain sobriety by providing ongoing support and guidance.
Can relapse occur during the recovery process?
Yes, relapse is a common occurrence in the recovery journey. It’s essential to view relapse as a setback, not a failure. If it happens, it doesn’t mean the end of the journey. Instead, it highlights areas that need additional attention and support.
How can I support a loved one through their alcohol recovery timeline?
Supporting a loved one in recovery involves being patient, understanding, and non-judgmental. Educate yourself about addiction and recovery, offer emotional support, and encourage them to seek professional help when needed. Remember that recovery is a challenging process, and your support can make a significant difference.
Remember, everyone’s alcohol recovery timeline is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, seeking professional help and support is essential for a successful recovery journey.
We have spelt out the quitting alcohol timeline below, along with some frequently asked questions related to taking on an alcohol-free lifestyle.
But once you get over the hill of becoming alcohol-free (AF), you will definitely look better, healthier, carry yourself with more confidence and it will be noticeable within yourself and by others around you.
