What Happens When You Stop Drinking Alcohol?

Quitting alcohol can seem like a daunting journey, especially if you’ve been relying on it as a form of self-medication for a long time. 

Just like with any psychoactive substance, someone’s mind and body can become dependent on alcohol after prolonged use. This not only makes it hard to quit initially, but it can also lead to withdrawal symptoms when alcohol consumption is suddenly reduced or eliminated.

Although quitting alcohol can come with temporary withdrawal symptoms, it also comes with several long-term benefits that can improve nearly every aspect of your life. 

What Happens During Alcohol Withdrawal?

When someone drinks alcohol regularly or in large amounts, their mind and body will go through changes to adapt to its presence. Over time, this can lead to a dependence on alcohol where someone needs to consume alcohol to function normally. 

If a heavy drinker suddenly decreases their alcohol consumption, it can send their body into shock and disrupt the chemical balance in their brain and nervous system. This sudden disruption is what causes people to experience withdrawal symptoms. 

Read our related article to discover 5 signs of high-functioning alcoholism. 

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Depending on the amount and frequency of someone’s alcohol use, their withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Nausea
• Headaches 
• Sweating

In severe cases of alcohol withdrawal, someone may experience additional symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, intense tremors, and even death. 

Alcohol Withdrawal Treatments

Most of the time, someone’s mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms will clear up after a few days. However, severe cases of alcohol withdrawal can last much longer, and someone may require medical supervision while they detox.

Even those who don’t experience severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms can still benefit from treatment. Alcohol withdrawal treatments like inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment programs can give someone the support they need to quit alcohol and achieve long-term sobriety. 

What Are the Benefits of Quitting Alcohol?

Quitting alcohol can lead to several long-term benefits, some of which include:   

• Improved liver function
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Weight loss
• Better sleep
• Better mental health

These benefits can not only improve your physical and mental health, but they can also significantly enhance your quality of life. 

Improved Liver Function

Your liver is responsible for hundreds of vital functions: it filters blood, removes toxins, and breaks down drugs and alcohol. Over time, regular alcohol use can severely damage the liver and disrupt its ability to perform these vital functions.

By quitting alcohol, you can prevent severe and even life-threatening liver diseases like fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of heart issues. Short-term complications can include increased heart rate and irregular heartbeat, while long-term heart issues can include hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, and strokes. 

Weight Loss

Frequent alcohol use can contribute to weight gain and obesity in several different ways. Alcoholic drinks contain a lot of calories, and heavy drinking can lead to an excessive caloric intake.

Alcohol causes changes in the body that can also contribute to weight gain. It slows metabolism, stimulates appetite, and increases cortisol, a hormone that promotes fat storage and weight gain.

Better Sleep

Although it can help some people fall asleep, alcohol is known to significantly impact someone’s quality of sleep. When people go to bed with alcohol in their bloodstream, their sleep cycles and circadian rhythm get disrupted.

Getting adequate, high-quality sleep is important for maintaining physical and mental health. People with alcohol-induced insomnia are more likely to experience heart problems, respiratory issues, and cognitive decline.

Better Mental Health

The effects that alcohol has on the brain and body can have serious implications for someone’s mental health. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to several mental health issues, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
• Mood swings
• Psychosis
• Self-esteem issues

While alcohol intoxication can make some people feel better in the moment, it will only worsen their mental health in the long run. On top of that, it prevents them from addressing the underlying issues that led to excessive drinking in the first place.

Read our related article to answer the question: Is alcohol a drug?

Non-Health Benefits of Quitting Alcohol

In addition to the countless health benefits that you’ll gain from quitting alcohol, it can also lead to several other benefits that will improve your overall quality of life. 

Some of the non-health benefits of quitting alcohol include: 

• Saving money
• Increased productivity
• Better work performance
• More free time
• Improved relationships
• Stronger self-esteem

When you choose to quit alcohol, you’re making an empowering and liberating decision to free yourself from alcohol and live life on your terms. This choice will open the door to a healthier lifestyle, improved mental health, and personal growth.

Live Life on Your Terms

At Sequoia Behavioral Health, we understand how intimidating it can be to take the first steps toward sobriety. That’s why our mental health experts are here to guide you along your healing journey and teach you how to live a life that’s free from the constraints of alcohol.

‍Our residential treatment program is the ideal environment for those looking to take their first step toward an addiction-free life. While you’re there, you’ll be able to rest, recover, and learn how to live of balance and purpose.

Reach out today to connect with our mental health experts and begin your healing journey.