What Happens When You Quit Drinking Alcohol?

Key Takeaways

• Alcohol dependency can lead to significant health issues, including liver disease, pancreatitis, brain damage, and increased cancer risk.
• When you quit drinking alcohol, you’ll experience a number of physical and psychological effects, including some that occur quickly and others that occur over the long term. 
• Some of the effects of alcohol cessation are beneficial for your health and well-being, but others – such as alcohol withdrawal – are challenging. 
• Alcohol withdrawal unfolds in stages, with symptoms starting within hours and potentially leading to severe complications like delirium tremens.
• Medically-supervised withdrawal is generally recommended for people struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), as it makes the process safer and more comfortable.
• Support and resources for alcohol recovery include behavioral therapy, medications, mutual-support groups, and online resources.

Alcohol Dependence and Its Impact on the Body

Alcohol dependency, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. 

AUD arises due to complex interactions between genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Regardless of the cause, chronic alcohol consumption can lead to significant health issues, affecting various organs and systems within the body.

A few of the most important effects chronic alcohol consumption can cause include:

• Liver Disease: Conditions such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis can develop, severely impacting liver function.
• Cardiovascular Problems: Increased risk of hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmias can occur, raising the chance of heart disease and stroke.
• Cancer: Alcohol consumption is associated with higher risks of several types of cancer, including breast, liver, esophageal, and colorectal cancers.
• Pancreatitis: Chronic drinking can lead to inflammation of the pancreas, causing acute and chronic pancreatitis, which can be debilitating.
• Neurological Damage: Alcohol can affect the brain, leading to cognitive impairments, memory problems, and an increased risk of conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
• Mental Health Issues: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders can result from chronic consumption.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to issues like gastritis, ulcers, and malabsorption of nutrients.
• Weakened Immune System: Chronic drinking can impair immune function, making the body more susceptible to infections.
• Bone Health: Increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures due to alcohol’s effect on calcium absorption and bone density.
• Dependency and Addiction: Over time, chronic alcohol consumption can lead to physical and psychological dependence, making it difficult to quit.

Addressing these issues early through lifestyle changes, counseling, or medical intervention can help mitigate the risks associated with chronic alcohol use.

The Effects of Quitting Alcohol: What Happens When You Stop Drinking?

While it is important for people struggling with AUD to quit drinking alcohol and shift to a sober lifestyle, it is important to understand that stopping alcohol consumption can lead to a range of physical and psychological effects.

Some of these effects are positive, while others are challenging. 

Short-Term Effects

Some of the effects of quitting alcohol begin soon after the last drink has been consumed and include:

• Withdrawal Symptoms: Depending on the level of alcohol dependence, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, sweating, nausea, and insomnia. Severe cases can lead to delirium tremens (DTs), which is a medical emergency.
• Improved Sleep: Many people notice better sleep quality after stopping alcohol, though it may take time for sleep patterns to normalize.
• Enhanced Mood: Mood may improve as the body begins to rebalance itself, although some may experience anxiety or depression initially.
• Physical Symptoms: You might experience headaches, digestive changes, or fatigue in the early days or weeks as your body adjusts.

Long-Term Effects

You’ll also experience a variety of long-term effects after you stop drinking alcohol, including:

• Health Improvements: Many health markers improve with abstinence, including liver function, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
• Weight Loss: Cutting out alcohol can lead to weight loss, as alcohol is high in empty calories.
• Better Mental Clarity: Improved cognitive function and memory can occur as brain health is restored over time.
• Emotional Stability: Over time, you may find better emotional regulation and reduced anxiety or depression symptoms.
• Stronger Relationships: Many people experience improved relationships with family and friends as they engage more meaningfully without the influence of alcohol.

The Timeline of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Because alcohol withdrawal is often unpleasant, those living with AUD are often reluctant to quit drinking. But by understanding the timeline of alcohol withdrawal and some of the symptoms you may experience, it may help ease some of your anxieties. 

The withdrawal experience is highly individualized and influenced by factors such as the duration and intensity of alcohol use, overall health, and any past withdrawal experiences. 

Nevertheless, the medical community often categorizes withdrawal into distinct stages, providing a general framework for understanding this challenging period.

• Early Withdrawal: Symptoms can start as soon as 6 to 12 hours after the last drink. Common early symptoms include anxiety, headaches, insomnia, sweating, and stomach upset. During the first 24 to 48 hours, individuals may also face increased heart rate, tremors, and mood swings.
• Peak Withdrawal: Typically occurring around days 2 and 3, peak withdrawal may intensify symptoms, potentially leading to severe health complications. It’s crucial to be aware of the risk of DTs, a dangerous condition characterized by confusion, fever, and seizures. Medical supervision is strongly recommended to manage symptoms and prevent complications during this stage.
• Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): After the initial acute withdrawal phase, some individuals may experience ongoing symptoms for weeks or months, including mood fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and cognitive changes. The intensity of PAWS varies and can be influenced by previous drinking habits and the presence of a supportive environment during recovery.

The Importance of Medical Supervision During Withdrawal

Because alcohol withdrawal is often difficult and can be life-threatening, medical supervision is generally recommended. A few of the most important reasons to seek medical supervision during the withdrawal process include:

• It allows medical professionals to monitor your health and progress. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to serious complications, including seizures and DTs, which can be life-threatening. Medical professionals can monitor vital signs and detect any dangerous symptoms early.
• The healthcare providers can help manage your withdrawal symptoms. A healthcare provider can prescribe medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, tremors, and nausea. This can make the process more comfortable and safer. 
• You will receive individualized care. Everyone’s experience with alcohol withdrawal is different, depending on factors like history of use, overall health, and existing medical conditions. Medical supervision allows for personalized treatment plans.
• You can receive support for co-occurring conditions. Many individuals with alcohol use disorder may have co-occurring mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Medical supervision can help address these conditions concurrently.
• It will help reduce your risk of relapse. Structured medical support can provide resources and strategies to reduce the risk of relapse during the withdrawal phase and beyond.
• It’ll keep you safer and more comfortable. Having medical professionals on hand can provide reassurance and comfort during a potentially challenging time, helping individuals feel supported.

Overall, medical supervision can significantly improve safety and outcomes during the withdrawal process, making it an essential component for many seeking to stop drinking.

Support and Resources for Alcohol Recovery

Embarking on a journey to quit alcohol can be challenging, but a variety of support and resources are available to assist individuals on this path. 

Evidence-based treatment approaches, such as medications, behavioral therapy, and mutual support groups, play a crucial role in recovery. Professional support, including behavioral treatments like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medications to treat AUD, is also a foundational element of a successful recovery strategy. 

Additionally, mutual-support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and alternatives like SMART Recovery and Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) offer peer-based support structures.

Get Help Quitting Alcohol Now

It’s essential to understand that setbacks are common, and each attempt at quitting can be a learning experience. With the right support and resources, individuals can significantly reduce or stop their alcohol consumption and embark on a healthier lifestyle. 

For comprehensive assistance, The Recovery Village provides expertise in dual diagnoses and a 24-hour helpline, catering to a wide range of needs in the recovery process.

For those seeking addiction or mental health treatment, The Recovery Village Indianapolis Drug and Alcohol Rehab stands as a beacon of hope. Located within the heart of Indy, we offer an array of treatment options, including medical detox and inpatient rehab for substance abuse and a residential rehab program for mental health disorders.

When you or a loved one are ready to embark on the path to recovery, our Recovery Advocates are here, ready to assist. Reach out to learn more about our tailored treatment programs, designed to cater to your specific needs and situation.