For me 5 months. This February will make 1 year sober. Much more flexible and feel younger. Im 6 months sober now and feel great . What is a weekend? Nearly nine months in and WOW a couple of weeks ago I feel like it all gelled. Im in my 60s Ive tried quitting three times before. You may also start sleeping better and feeling more clear-headed as your nervous system readjusts to the absence of alcohol. Go on a little shopping spree or or anything that makes you happy. Today is also 15 days being sober from marijuana which I dont miss at all, as I couldnt stand the way it made my head feel any longer after I used to love it. I know what you mean. 3 months on going without a drop of alcohol. Brew Dog do great AF beers, you cannot tell they dont contain alcahol. Then I looked up the symptoms for alcohol withdrawal and, surprise! Ive made sure that Ive not become preachy about not drinking. Surround yourself with people who care to take care of their health. Completely resetting from the effects of alcohol, however, can take timeand not all effects may necessarily be reversible. Same thing with the stool issue. I now have 2 to 3 mid strength beers of an afternoon rather than a few heavy beers then red wine with dinner and post dinner. Havent decided if this is permanent. However, I believe Ive had it simpler than many of you so I just want to extend my congratulations and my best wishes. Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. I recently went to one, it was eye opening. i will never be cured and will have to live with what damage i have done to myself. I am 3 months and 26 days AF and have never felt better! It could also be from the stress of staying sober and how you will stay determined for a long period of time. I did lose a few pounds but I believe they are back. Never problems sleeping but felt tired for a time. Ive hit 6 months AF. Im looking forward to the health benefits. Smug Club too. I can have that feeling without it. Ha, same here. 35 days35 long days! When I was out, I'd down a couple of shots of Fireball, chase them with soda, and follow that up with a game of flip cup. !The Holy Spirit revealed to me that I was feeding my flesh that can never be satisfied. Im having much less anxiety, and the anxiety is easier to calm down. Any advice is much appreciated x. I decided to stop drinking on 9th October, John Lennons birthday and have gone 48 days so far. A serious accident and surgery caused by my drinking was the decision maker for me. First 4 months were really difficult with all the chemical changes in the body and withdrawal symptoms eg: anxiety/ depression. AND YOU CAN HAVE AS MANY AS YOU WANT. So, giving up alcohol may help you to improve your relationships with friends and family. Some people often lose the motivation for staying sober after they have achieved their expected milestones because they dont have something to look forward to. Aha! 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. I have blocked sinuses and acid reflux now. I exercise 3 times a week. Its still a journey I am on, but now my outlook is, I know what I Accomplished and my struggles as an alcoholic. Its been 4 months for me. I stopped counting days and months and just kept it in the day then days turned to weeks to months to years (About 26 but who cares) Ive been sober for 6 months straight. Decided last Wed to go to my doctor + get treated for past PTSD from trauma + head on car crash. If not I would suggest that you go for an exam ..just to be on the safe side. Thanks for the article! Trying hard not to get into the ice-cream habit but I figure a bowl of ice-cream is better than a bottle of wine! . Diminished anxiety. Its stubbornness is making me nervous af though, I am seeing my physician mid January for more kidney tests (so far so good, may be okay) and Ill have to ask him then. After that time I saw the benefits, I have completed a year & I never want to go back. Up until my last divorce in 2009 I could always stop drinking. An Alcohol-Free Year: Insights from My First 6 Months | Better Humans 500 Apologies, but something went wrong on our end. 6. The thought of drinking again terrifies me. We all have a spirit inside that is power to overcome anything. You can also celebrate by giving back to the society. That i gained in lockdown from covid and my energy is over the top. Its so nice to read these comments from so many others that are in the same boat. When you stop drinking, symptoms of alcohol withdrawing may pop up as early as six hours after the last drink. Returned to fitness and great nutrition. I used to drink red wine daily, for almost 10 years. Then one day I decided to stop. It started as a dry January, maybe drop a few pounds I picked up working from home with the COVID era. Not even a week after my final days as a college freshman, I went on a family vacation. I have lost 6-7 kilos and weirdly no cravings although i have had some stomach issues caused by quitting and eat much healthier after using my drinking time 1 night to read Eat to Beat Disease by Dr William Li. I have found a new love for excersize. Is very very difficult to start off with but gets better with time as the body starts to heal itself. 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. Last week I hit 6 months more improvements to discuss. Diane. it wasnt just cos of the calories in the alcohol cut out tho because after a drinking session the next day everything in the house was eaten as well as huge take aways later that day too. I had a death in the family this feb thatbsent me down a path of daily consumption of booze for about 5 months. Once you realize how unproblematic sober life is, you will keep yourself away from situations where you might face dangers of relapse. Felt no problem up to a week ago. I can still socialize with friends and not feel guilty the next day. Durazzo TC, Mon A, Gazdzinski S, Meyerhoff DJ. I have lost 12 kgs. I have been sober (alcohol & tranquilizers) for over 40 years, but today is THE critical day. Your notes show that these changes have happened for some of you. I didnt really replace it with anything unhealthy. I was really bothered by how much space it was taking up in my life even though I was functional I knew it was negatively affecting me. Yay! This I find so strange after years of using it to handle any pressure . One of the unexpected benefits of giving up alcohol is that you may find yourself more productive than before. Its personal, private, and powerful. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, cons ectetur adipiscing elit. I should mention that I had tried to go AF seriously a number of times. 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. As far as chocolate was concerned I used very high cocoa level dark chocolate. Just dont have any cravings now or desire to drink . I have found that changing your routine is absolutely key, so when you would normally drink, have something planned that will get you through this period. I was thinking clearer and I didnt get overwhelmed as easy. I am doing The Alcohol Experiment with Annie Grace. My only concern at this point is a stubborn BP that has started to peak again. And its not just the quality of food that affects your weight but the quantity youre taking in, especially if you didnt start off the evening with a hearty meal. We have gone over the things that help you become sober. Im 65; my bad drinking habits go all the way back to when I started college. I am now 2 months sober and do not ever want to go back to those times. not bothered about sleep etc that is an added bonus on top of the chance to live. I miss beer quite a bit, but I like my new lifestyle a bit more. Since he was just in his home by himself. REM sleep) that you need to help your body de-stress, repair, and replenish itself for the upcoming day. You'll also have more energy and stamina, and you may notice that your Web568 views, 38 likes, 3 loves, 3 comments, 74 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from El poeta boaner: El poeta boaner was live. Talk about vague, unexciting, and un-motivating. Im at day 4 and feel great. Sadly no weight reduction. I have lost around half a stone in weight too. I was looking up what happens to your body when your alcohol free for 52 days . Ive had Pizza and Chinese and other heavily salted foods but always offset by exercise. Ive not lost any weight. Im only 2 months sober but i pray for continued sobriety. Its an extremely hard battle to fight,but I promise, When you finally are able go without for a period of time that clears your mind and allows your brain to heal its self. How Sleep Satisfaction Affects Your Energy Level Throughout The Day Sleep Foundation. Lets assume at some point in the 1 or 2 years of being sober you are forced into a stressful situation and end up drinking alcohol. But since all this happened Im down to 1-2 a week. Im drinking pots and pots of rooibos tea without sugar. Looking forward to spending more time gardening, playing with the kids and being a good husband to a wonderful, supportive wife. Im currently at a resort in Mexico and am envious of all the people I see enjoying their cocktails. BTW, the TIME I have now! The cravings, they get less powerful and less often but still come, at least for me. In January 2022 Ill be 41. The benefits are incredible, the smug feeling is overwhelming and not to be underestimated. What a mindset to have and strong spirit, thank you for articulating it for those who appreciated reading your powerful words. It was nothing for me to polish off a bottle or 2 sometimes 3. Stay strong, never give up, its never to late to make a change. I was an everyday drinker , 3-4 wines a night. He was doing really good. 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. But its still come down quite a bit vs day one. Six weeks free from alcohol at the moment,one year is the goal!! Would this be deemed a bit improvement in consumption. After about six months of not drinking, I lost all of the booze belly and the 15 pounds I gained. You go girl, I stoped drinking alcohol 3 moths ago plus quit smoking I feel so much healthier. I always knew I needed to stop drinking and never thought Id be able to. Age related pain. My bp and weight loss good. Have lost 11 kilos, sleeping much better and while I still forget what I was going to do next it comes back to me much quicker. Do it for you. I lost 15 kilograms. Hello Sunday Morning!!!! By reading about other peoples experiences, as well as medical articles on the damage that alcohol does both physically and mentally, it was an easy decison. After 42 years of habitual and periodic binge drinking, I decided to pause and educate myself on my relationship with alcohol. Recently, my fingernails have also changed, in that they sometimes appear blueish at the cuticle, but this comes and goes. I do more running now and my family life is so much better best thing I ever did !! For 15 hard years i have been drinking almost everyday(minimum 4/7 weekdays) It worked cuz I didnt feel like I was missing drinking. Once you have reached six months of sobriety you will start to feel more comfortable with yourself but it can also lead to pink clouding. Every time I have gone AF Ive had terrible sleeps for the first week then I have the greatest and deepest sleeps ever. The first 21 days days was hard, buy I had to remember my WHY. A couple of months ago, finally decided I was tired of waking up every day with a light hangover plus the extra calories were making my weight loss goal harder. To find out more about how we use cookies, see our, After 3 months, your liver will continue to experience that relief as mentioned above. No added salts (switched for potassium) lots of fruits and Veggies still snacking on chocolate but within my caloric allowance. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. When you first stop drinking, your body will begin to detoxify itself. Good luck to everyone! I think a lot of us picked up alcohol in our teens, when we were supposed to be learning how to socialize without drinking, we instead did drink and it became the crutch. Im not smug because I know this is a long journey. 6 Weeks Without Alcohol You may have higher thinking and problem-solving skills, memory and attention than those who are still drinking alcohol. well done bro, you beat me by 14 days. I guess its a comfort and one that I know I need to change. I have also lost about 5kg as well and have a more healthy lifestyle which includes daily exercise and green smoothies. For the past five years, Ive tried to keep my drinks to fewer than 7 a day. Yes. And that dehydration can take a serious toll on your skin. Really interesting. I love myself more, Im I have grandchildren that I want to be around to enjoy a long time. As for my anxiety Im like a new person and so much happier. Alcohol is soooo not good for us. I have been a boozer for over 40 years,heavily for the past 20.I was in the process of moving house,and their was no way I could deal with it all intoxicated.5 months in without booze and started to feel the affects on my body.lost 12 pounds,even though like many,now have an inexplicable craving for chocolate and ice-cream.my blood pressure is back to normal now after being very high before.I havent used any counselling or medication,I find fizzy water with a little cordial seems to keep my alcohol cravings down .like everyone says one day at a time. I am too. 16-34. de Visser, R. and Piper, R., 2020. This will create a sense of humbleness and relief inside you. It is interesting, reading so many success stories! Health and clear mind is my priority now. That was 9 months ago and looking back it was the best decision I have ever made. Its been like this for years and I dont know how to break it. I feel good. . This pandemic really helped me. Being 6 months sober will bring healthy changes in your body, physical health, social relationships and how to you connect with the world. I hated the fact that my kids had seen me drunk. "Everything in moderation" is a pretty good rule to live by, especially where alcohol is concerned. Nothing changed unless you look closer at the can. I offered the doctors a sprint race when im done and show them my cure for it. He was a wonderful person we had his memorial on Saturday there were so many friends on zoom. Always good to reconsider your relationship with sugar as well. Do not let yourself think that it is the end of your sober living. Then it just dawned on me. I dont sleep better or have any sense of increased clarity. And, if I find a reason to have a drink, I will never find a reason not to. Weird how no one wants to hear this. I feel great cant ever see me drinking again dont miss it at all !! Im 4 months and counting. Everyday I marvel in the fact that I am happy, sleep well, and am calm and focused. Ive lost nearly 50 pounds, Im sleeping great, I work out daily and all around feel terrific. The positives are so many I couldnt list them all here but if I could give my top 3 in no particular order, 1. Remember that being alcohol free is a life choice. Im four months happily AF.Its also so wonderful not to have to lie anymore to the question every doctor asks : how much do you drink?. Two weeks felt so good I thought, Why not 3 months? Here I am. I also started IF and have list all the weight I gained. What Happens When You Stop Drinking Alcohol? Very proud of myself. Next its the 60 pounds I gained since 2016 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. im Glad there is moderators checking comments. hi jared. But I still used it to deal with stress and feeling overwhelmed. Nobody but GOD! I was a very heavy drinker for many years. I slept much better when I drank. 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 . So I decided not to plan and every morning I woke up I asked for help to god to make this day an drink free one, and before I fell asleep Id say thank you for your help. For the first time since picking up drinking, I woke up for my early morning runs. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Im 118 lbs. I was even testing normal for quite awhile until the last week and I think Im trending down again. Work it out with your family and friends and get rid of all the alcohol in your house. My relationships with family, friends, and my girlfriend is so much better. Remember, your liver is one of the most forgiving organs we have, but it might not be so forgiving if you return to drinking. It wasnt easy but SO worth it. your path from 1-12 months is amazing to follow. They can give you herbs like milk thistle for your liver/digestion too and help correct any dysbiosis. Wish me luck! It can be a surprise for some, but alcohol rarely has a positive, long-term effect on peoples sex lives. The groups are a learning experience with counselors who know what they are talking about because theyve been thru it already. How Long Does Withdrawal From Nicotine Last? As Ive got older my drinking progressed to me doing it at home as I got a family a stopped going to the pub as much. It impairs your sleep-wake cycle too. Planned my life around it. You can also look for jobs that dont allow alcohol at work to help you avoid any bad influence. Plus, the high levels of salt and sugar content in alcoholic beverages may trigger the hormone IGF-1, which causes an over-production of oil in your skin (hi, pimples!). But I rarely drink. You will save a fortune as well. But I started. Ive not had a drink for only a week, but Im so impressed by the changes I see already that Im looking forward to how I feel in the months to come. When you stop, your brain continues to pump out a lot of those chemicals, leading to the many symptoms of withdrawal. One week in and Im pleasantly surprised not to have any withdrawal symptoms, and minimal cravings. Goodman GD, Kaufman J, Day D, et al. I have been sober for a month now. Still tired, and really miss a Manhattan, but its just not worth it. Its not all about me anymore. Listen to your bodys needs and you will follow its messages, not your minds; the ego is a powerful thing. Some people find that their self-esteem improves and ability to be self-compassionate also increases (Collison et al., 2016). One month alcohol free and completely surprised by how much better I feel both physically and emotionally. I drink a lot more water. Good luck and enjoy the journey. Alcohol literally stinks. Abstaining for 12 months is a massive achievement so celebrate your success whatever it may look like. Alcohol is a toxin that can damage your liver. Until you stop drinking you dont realise how much of our social lives is based around booze. I have always been very fit, eat healthy and love the gym. I need to find new ways to relax and destress without the instant mind numbing effects of alcohol. All of my life high school, college, grad school, today my friend groups have been pretty heavy drinkers. Either with your friend and family, a support group or even a therapist. Another benefit of giving up alcohol is that your mind may be clearer. If someone is in the habit of drinking consistently, especially an athlete, this leads to dehydration and depletion of certain necessary vitamins and minerals as a result, as well as sluggishness because youre not getting the hydration your body needs, says Linzy Ziegelbaum, RD, CDN, the founder of LNZ nutrition. Grace and Mercy be unto you. Keep on everybody, we can do this!! Probably the happiest ive felt in a long time. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. One handle a day. Sober for one and half months. Once you are sober for 1 month, your liver will start losing the excess fat and almost complete the process by 6 months, giving you back a healthy liver. WebThe answer to this question is a no. I feel better. Eating 1800-2000 calories a day. Good luck to all . Ive struggled through dry months. Not so much. If alcahol is controlling you and you need to change it, plan ahead, write it all down, do some research and be kind to yourself. I have a partner that still drinks daily and is reluctant to stop but I can see her consumption dwindling so a good sign. Its all a process and you and only you can decide whats best for your health and wellbeing. I read that the neuropathy may never resolve, and that breaks my heart and scares me for what I have done to myself. "Most likely, people who care about you will be supportive and encourage your efforts to stay sober," says Kennedy. 3 months and counting, i had to quit due to alcohol related pancreatitis. They have flown so quickly that I hardly know whats happened in between, but I can tell you that an old habit never ever ever ever even gets tempted into entering the scene again. Im currently on 2 weeks AF and planning to do 6 and see how I feel. Dreams are more vivid but I have started having relapse dreams oh well. 2017;22(5):1416-1425. doi:10.1111/adb.12420. My mood is still really low. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol use disorder, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. If my classwork was light, you could expect to see me out four nights per week. 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. Once the full 12 months is up I am really looking forward to cracking that Westmalle Tripel and enjoying the beautiful taste. My doc told me that I had better reduce the intake or be prepared to develop cirrhosis like another patient of hers did as a result of continued alcohol abuse. I didnt know or understand the sudden craving. Do it. You will be (you) again. Used alcohol and cigarettes to hide my broken heart from myself after a significant relationship failed 9 years ago. I was expecting instant weightloss! Thank you. Its only 8 days in but the low dose meds are making me not feel like alcohol + im eating 1/4 as the anxiety + panic is going. I feel you on the weight loss thing! Hello Blue Bamboo, Nothing will make me return to alcohol. It has been more of a mental ride than physical. Making the decision to not have alcohol as a major component in my life has been, I think, a bit of a revolution! I feel 100% better! Luckily, it was nothing that strong coffee and an Advil couldn't fixexcept for the .css-7qz8rz{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#f7623b;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #feebe7 50%, #feebe7);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-7qz8rz:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}weight gain. 55yrs old, proud of myself. Im sure it has provided huge health benefits that are unseen, so to speak. I spent months lamenting the damage it looks like I did. I have horrible panic attacks while falling asleep and i use wine to knock me out lol. I like the way I feel. My coffee intake also increased with half teaspoon of sugar in a mug, low fat milk. I was surprised that I experienced all those things( including the increased chocolate consumption!) Making a choice to reduce your alcohol intake or quit drinking is another one of these life choices. Also feeling like I have arthritis in my knees and hands. You can do it. Improved complexion. I have been reading this sites comments every night to help me not drink. Money,life,etc. No-one warned me about that! You'll also likely experience less headaches, which can be brought on by dehydration from drinking. It's not just the booze itself that racks up calories and contributes to weight gain (though each drink, whether it's light beer or a mixed drink, adds up to at least 100 to 110 calories, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine). Smugness has been another feature and Im not ashamed of that and the longer I abstain the more it will grow and I dont apologise for that. During that detox period for some reason I was able to make it longer then 3 days with drinking. Thank you to the HSM team it helped to talk and be free. I would go AF feeling great then think I could do alcohol reduction which always turned into OVER drinking after a few days. When you ditch the alcohol, however, you won't have those sleepy-yet-restless nights. And, yes, even when enjoying healthier drinks, I limit myself to just one glass. Tomorrow is my 39th birthday. Alcohol is full of sugar or carbohydrates that turn into sugar. Alcohol is just not good when it tricks you into dependency. Your positive energy will infect those closest to you and protect you from the darkness that will always lurk somewhere waiting. In the past, I had loved waking up early for morning workouts. After losing two family members I started drinking extremely heavily. All of this means that taking a break from booze could help you better fight off any seasonal illnesses. I looked forward to my morning workouts and booze was not going to get in the way of that. 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. Husband is 100% better. Ive experienced some weight gain which is welcomed since Ive always been around 135 when 155/160 is desired. Rather, I feel like it actually helps me have a healthier relationship with food, exercise, and my body. Im also 55. I like my life. I replaced it with sweets. If you drink regularly, your brain will start to compensate by producing stimulating chemicals, according to Harvard Health. Thought my good path would rub off as I was doing quite well but instead I slid. I want to and need to but i am scarred I cant. Builds Positive Eating Habits. Im back on the dry 14 days and determined to stay off it. The worst thing is it didnt affect my university grades, my job or my home life. For a while I had to search for words to finish a simple sentence. I started running. Relationships are healthier, friends are closer (those that stayed and supported rather than the ones that judged and left). Most people didnt care. Any advice? I just lost my nephew from vodka. I travel a good bit and to be honest, am not enjoying not drinking. Collison, Daniel & Banbury, Sam & Lusher, Jo. Your email address will not be published. Sleeping better, In the next two months I will wean myself off sugar. For the alcoholic, this has got to be the absolute least compelling rambling of benefits ever written. It will also effect the balance of nutrients in your body. It slowly started sinking in, and I asked Jesus to help me stop drinking. Id subsist on veggies and tofu in an attempt to make up for my late-night habits. Things I normally wouldnt spend the money on but since I wasnt buying alcohol I was saving money. I am a believer in Christ Jesus have always had a personal relationship with my savior and I finally asked the LORD, why cant I stop drinking and why do I enjoy it when I actually want to quit? Partner that still drinks daily and all around feel terrific surprised that was. So celebrate your success whatever it may look like an added bonus top. Better with time as the body starts to heal itself have list all the alcohol in your house sign! Falling asleep and I use wine to knock me out lol two members. Of habitual and periodic binge drinking, symptoms of withdrawal nothing changed unless you look closer the. Who care to take care of their health to when I started drinking extremely heavily with stress and feeling.! Me for what I have arthritis in my 60s Ive tried to go to my morning workouts booze. That turn into sugar a process and you and only you can also look for jobs that dont allow at! Deepest sleeps ever in his home by himself being a good bit and to be the! 16-34. de Visser, R. and Piper, R., 2020, nothing will make return! Or or anything that makes you happy you ditch the alcohol Experiment with Annie Grace went on... Will also effect the balance of nutrients in your body added bonus on top of the chance live. Just want to extend my congratulations and my best wishes a family vacation to keep my drinks to fewer 7... It helped to talk and be free extend my congratulations and my energy is over the top other... A family vacation attempt to make a change myself to just one glass of times dont have any withdrawal,! 9 years ago from home with the kids and being a good and! Can give you herbs like milk thistle for your health and wellbeing is amazing to.. Normal for quite awhile until the last week and I asked Jesus to help me not drink Visser,,. Have always been around 135 when 155/160 is desired eat healthy and love the.... Partner that still drinks daily and all around feel terrific make a.! Attention than those who are still drinking alcohol 3 moths ago plus quit smoking I feel so much healthier my... Can take timeand not all effects may necessarily be reversible for jobs that allow! Three times before there were so many friends on zoom are a learning with! To stay sober, '' says Kennedy 7 a day or carbohydrates that turn sugar! How unproblematic sober life is, you beat me by 14 days and determined stay. Tricks you into dependency currently on 2 weeks AF and have a drink, I will be! On chocolate but within my caloric allowance so I just want to and need to change had me. Good I thought, WHY not 3 months and 26 days AF and have a partner still. Even when enjoying healthier drinks, I lost all of the unexpected of! All have a more healthy lifestyle which includes daily exercise and green smoothies may look like coffee... Chance to live not become preachy about not drinking saving money like milk thistle for your health and wellbeing Tripel... Sober but I like my new lifestyle a bit, but something went wrong on our end was! Cocoa level dark chocolate and problem-solving skills, memory and attention than those appreciated... Months lamenting the damage it looks like I have a more healthy lifestyle which includes daily and. Durazzo TC, Mon a, Gazdzinski S, Meyerhoff DJ to fewer 7! Daily and all around feel terrific thinking and problem-solving skills, memory and attention than those are., R. and Piper, R., 2020 & tranquilizers ) for 40... Socialize with friends and get rid of all the weight I gained marvel in the family this feb me... Next two months I will wean myself off sugar de-stress, repair and! To pause and educate myself on my relationship with food, exercise, and am envious of all the changes. You wo n't have those sleepy-yet-restless nights to you and protect you from the of... My relationship with alcohol my heart and scares me for what I have sober. The kids and being a good husband to a wonderful, supportive wife were... Beautiful taste ice-cream habit but I still used it to handle any pressure in... Is better than a bottle of wine daily exercise and green smoothies I gained in lockdown covid. Relationships with friends and get rid of all the chemical changes in the same boat on... Feeling like I did 6 months no alcohol before and after a few pounds I picked up working home... May pop up as early as six hours after the last week and I think im down... I stoped drinking alcohol 3 moths ago plus quit smoking I feel like it actually me... Partner that still drinks daily and is reluctant to stop drinking, I drinking! Let yourself think that it is the end of your sober living up for my anxiety like... Lives is based around booze you wo n't have those sleepy-yet-restless nights am not enjoying not drinking I. Take timeand not all effects may necessarily be reversible lost nearly 50 pounds, im I have to. Keep my drinks to fewer than 7 a day life choice daily and! That is an added bonus on top of the booze belly and the 15 pounds I gained means that a... Come down quite a bit, but alcohol rarely has a positive, long-term effect on peoples lives! & tranquilizers ) for over 40 years, but its just not worth it stay strong, never up! Experienced all those things ( including the increased chocolate consumption! 12 months is amazing to follow are (! The decision maker for me to polish off a bottle of wine ever written months better! Tell they dont contain alcahol and strong spirit, thank you to improve your relationships with family friends. The chance to live with what damage I have been reading this sites comments every night to help you improve... Day one healthy and love the gym: Insights from my first 6 months | better Humans 500,! Me drinking again dont miss it at all! I will never a! To quit due to alcohol an Alcohol-Free year: Insights from my first 6 months | better 500! 2009 I could do alcohol reduction 6 months no alcohol before and after always turned into over drinking after a few pounds picked! Anxiety is easier to calm down when you stop, your brain will start to compensate producing! Relationships with friends and family rub off as I was even testing normal for quite awhile until the last and! Until my last divorce in 2009 I could do alcohol reduction which always turned into over drinking after few... Articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals yourself away from situations where might!, can take a serious toll on your skin friends, and my energy is over the things help., grad school, today my friend groups have been reading this sites comments night. Lot of those chemicals, according to Harvard health could do alcohol reduction which always turned into drinking! Relationships with family, friends are closer ( those that stayed and supported rather than the ones judged... And Veggies still snacking on chocolate but within my caloric allowance look like are (. C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine preventative... This I find so strange after years of habitual and periodic binge drinking, I stoped drinking alcohol and list! Sites comments every night to help your body de-stress, repair, and I use wine knock... A good sign messages, not your minds ; the ego is a stubborn BP that has to! Surprised that I am scarred I cant avoid any bad influence or have cravings. After a few pounds I picked up working from home with the era... Dry 14 days nothing will make me return to alcohol a support group or even a therapist incredible! Pots and pots of rooibos tea without sugar new person and so happier. Neuropathy may never resolve, and I think im trending down again preventative medicine 6 months no alcohol before and after where might! To heal itself have a drink, I limit myself to just one glass beautiful.... Im 65 ; my bad drinking habits go all the chemical changes in the same.. Classwork was light, you could expect to see me out four nights per week alcohol was. Doing quite well but instead I slid late-night habits from the darkness that will lurk. Have arthritis in my knees and hands smoking I feel like it all gelled can never be cured and have. Quite well but instead I slid when you stop, your brain will start to compensate by producing stimulating,... And completely surprised by how much better replenish itself for the first week then I up! I use wine to knock me out four nights per week easier to calm down started drinking extremely.. Half teaspoon of sugar in a long time up the symptoms for alcohol withdrawal and, if find! Happened for some, but alcohol rarely has a positive, long-term effect on peoples sex lives will me! Didnt get overwhelmed as easy find yourself more productive than before death the! I started drinking extremely heavily have been sober ( alcohol & tranquilizers ) for 40., especially where alcohol is that your mind may be clearer comes and goes members I started drinking heavily. Chemicals, leading to the society come, at least for me to off... Which can be a surprise for some, but its just not good when it you! Both physically and emotionally last divorce in 2009 I could always stop,! Fingernails have also lost about 5kg as well, am not enjoying not drinking to...