24-05-2025
What happens to your body when you give up booze and how quickly you'll see changes
If you're thinking about giving up alcohol, you may be wondering how it will affect your body - and how long it will take to see a difference. Here's what you need to know
If you've ever contemplated ditching alcohol, you might have pondered the effects it would have on your body. It's common knowledge that quitting can yield a plethora of health benefits, but what exactly will happen in the days, weeks, and months after you stop drinking?
In the initial few days, withdrawal symptoms such as poor sleep quality and mild depression may be experienced, according to psychologist Dr Rafaat Girgis. Speaking to Vogue, the medical director at mental health treatment centre Moment of Clarity warned: "This is a time where you are most physically vulnerable."
However, improvements in sleep quality, increased energy levels and enhanced digestion will soon follow, with these benefits manifesting as swiftly as 72 hours post-abstinence. Enhanced hydration could also lead to noticeable changes in your skin, and your immune system will function more effectively.
A month into your alcohol-free journey, cardiovascular health will have improved, liver enzyme levels and blood pressure will have stabilised, says Dr Girgis. After three months, you might find your mental health feels more balanced and your sleep patterns more regular.
Dr Girgis believes it takes a full year for your body to fully recover, stating: "My feeling is that it truly takes one year for your body to return to normal," This is when your risk of developing certain cancers decreases. You may also notice significant improvements in your confidence, self-esteem and sexual function, reports Surrey Live.
Drink Aware sheds light on the benefits of ditching alcohol, stating it can considerably enhance sleep quality. It's a common myth that a drink can help you nod off more quickly, but actually alcohol hampers quality rest by disrupting the vital Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, leading to fatigue the following day.
You can also expect an improvement in skin condition upon going teetotal. As mentioned by Drink Aware, "Alcohol dehydrates your body, including the skin, and this happens every time you drink. This can cause your skin and eyes to look dull."
The calorific impact of alcohol on weight is often overlooked, but cutting it out might contribute to weight loss. A pint of beer or a large glass of wine carries calories equivalent to over half a cheeseburger.
Besides sleep and appearance improvements, forgoing alcohol could slash the risk of various cancers like those of the bowel, breast, liver, and mouth, as well as fostering a healthier liver and diminishing the chances of liver disease.
If you're concerned about your drinking habits, the NHS provides valuable guidance. A constant urge to drink, finding yourself in trouble due to drinking, or receiving cautions about your intake from others may indicate a dependency. In such cases, quitting abruptly, or 'cold turkey', can be unsafe, thus seeking advice from a GP or healthcare professional is advised.
You might encounter withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, perspiration and mild tremors, nausea, and vomiting. However, the NHS cautions that if you experience any severe symptoms like hallucinations, severe tremors, or seizures or fits, it's crucial to dial 999 immediately.
Numerous charities and support services are available to assist you in your journey to sobriety.
