Once you have stayed sober for 6 months you will have overcome the withdrawal symptoms and notice changes and improvements in your memory and vision. And that dehydration can take a serious toll on your skin. Fortunately I am not overweight so a few extra chocolates wont hurt. PHYSICALLY SPIRITUALLY & MENTALLY So enjoy, and take it easy. My skin is now clear, I work out every day and actually like it, my head is clear, Im more pleasant, Ive repaired relationships and am down to the weight I was in my 20s. I used to drink so much that I would constantly forget things people would tell me and spend a lot of time alone. It seems moderating is very difficult if not impossible for me, but total abstinence is relatively easy. Like punching your bully in the nose, knocking him out and becoming a much better person. I think it has got worse over the years. I will not be going back to the old ways. I drank heavily for about a week and 1/2. I dont sleep better or have any sense of increased clarity. Now that I know this I nip things in the bud as soon as I recognise this effect starting to manifest. I began to see my flesh as a rabid dog (similar symptoms). I read that the neuropathy may never resolve, and that breaks my heart and scares me for what I have done to myself. He cut way done on drinking hoping they would come back. Because once you cross that hurdle it is all starting to go downhill. It matters that you did. ~ Cassandra Clare. Two things that makes me stay sober, 1. Thank you everybody for your posts. Your worries and problems are still there, they still need to be dealt with, but with a clear head and guilt free mind are easier. Yeah, thats a lot, but I could somehow manage the next day if I only had 7. Nothing will make me return to alcohol. water per day, and my fitbit shows my average resting heart rate has dropped from 69 to 57. A lot of people use drinking as a way to induce sleep which is not healthy at all. Resentments are a common problem among recovering alcoholics. I cant wait to get to bed at night, when I used to stay up til 2:00 am.. Other posts on here about chocolate, though, yes that is totally a thing. If you're considering quitting drinking, these benefits may be just what you need to help you make the decision. Stillthis feels great! Love your truth about the lie. Thats never been me. But 3 months in, my sleep is still shocking. These comments are indeed relatable!! For some reason it has hit me over the head that the root word of intoxicated is TOXIC. I was wondering if you know what the effects are of having a drink after a long period of abstinence? At home Im thinking of charging Ben & Jerry room and board. And I drink tea. Again this is a long list! Money,life,etc. Before lockdown 1 I had stopped for 4 months then gave in Ive drank constantly since and Im about to embark on AF Again. Very encouraging to read the messages here and know it can be done. Dont think I could ever go back even though I miss it. Better Resistance. That i gained in lockdown from covid and my energy is over the top. Its pretty clear that the person who wrote this does not know what the phuck they are talking about. Rebecca Berens, MD, is a family medicine physician who specializes in women's health. I was always counting the calories of the alcohol in my diet, but often it would make me wake up at night and binge eat and ruin my day. I am confident she will consume less over time because of me. During that detox period for some reason I was able to make it longer then 3 days with drinking. During all those times I would say to my self please God make this stop You can also trade the drinks dates with your friends for dates to take a walk, go to a workout class, or just grab dinner, because honestly, you don't need alcohol in every social situation. Hey there. They can give you herbs like milk thistle for your liver/digestion too and help correct any dysbiosis. Best of luck to all! The sense of guilt is not uncommon and affects everyone at some point. Some people find that their self-esteem improves and ability to be self-compassionate also increases (Collison et al., 2016). I stayed the course, kept eating better, kept trying to workout more and abstained. If you are wondering what I do for work to spend so much on booze. It might mean the ability to get up earlier and get more done in the day. Not really feeling it though. Hi, this feels very strange,, I dont do social media so never get involved in chats. Gotta say, didnt really expect that from my grandparents, lol. Making the decision to not have alcohol as a major component in my life has been, I think, a bit of a revolution! Feeling physically good but mentally, I have never been so drained. Better sleep happened almost immediately, along with really vivid dreams that I can now remember. Hence the patient is advised to stop drinking alcohol 24 hours before going to test. I feel alright, sleep is getting better after first 4 days of bad sleep. Relationships between Age, Sex, Self-Esteem and Attitudes Towards Alcohol Use Amongst University Students. I knew I had to quit or would die soon. For the last few days I was wondering why I was feeling sick, irritable, not getting hardly any sleep, cold sweats, the whole shabang. My withdrawal symptoms are kicking in big time now. Located on the historic peninsula of Charleston, South Carolina, Lantana Recovery takes a modern approach to Substance Use Disorder treatment, offering intensive clinical care while also immersing our clients in local Charleston culture. Oh and I lost 8 pounds so far!!! I get bored, so I do more housework & healthy cooking. Feel great with all the listed benefits experienced. The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that alcohol should be consumed in moderation up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per I was a daily drinker for 12 years working in hospitality and managing bars. Husband is 100% better. Returned to fitness and great nutrition. Now I M 35 years Was A Chronic Alchoholic for atleast 14 years ..Now Quit Alchohol since 5 months without Any MedicationOn 3 rd March 2021 (last day of my Alchoholic life)when I see tears in mother due to mine Alchoholism then I realised that Ill never ever touch Alchohol bcz every drop of Alchohol in my body will give Drop of tears in moms eye that day I promise to my mom n god that I will never ever take Alchohol in my life .My Mother is Reason for Quiet Of mine bad habit. Its been a month now since i am off the booze ( promised my 6 year old daughter on her birthday i would stop) feeling better than ever !! I couldnt do that. You can also celebrate by giving back to the society. Just a month in for me, looking much better in my face, no weight loss overall though but thats something to address over time. Twenty weeks in and not missing the hangovers one little bit. Ill drink about a litre, then the next night a litre and a half, then the next day two, this can go on for a bout a week, and then I wont sleep, wake up feeling bad, Ill stop for a few days and the whole cycle goes on again. This is when the detox process begins. 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. Still, my stools are badly pale (light grey, pale yellow, sandy color), muddy or spongy looking. Alcohol literally stinks. Benefits too are more money in the bank (3 k per annum-estimates based on 2020 grog spending!) I stopped drinking 3 months ago. For more details, see our Privacy Policy. I sure crave a sweet though but i dont overindulge but the craving for sugar is there. On days like today, when I face stress or strife, I face it raw. Ive been a heavy drinker 30+ years. This article was the first one I read about becoming alcohol free because I wasnt sure I could. Read Allan Carrs book The Easy Way to Quit Drinking and a book called The Sober Diaries. Keep on everybody, we can do this!! My intial motivation for change was a photograph that my daughter took of me huddled up on a cold outdoor patio, sipping on a pint of lager. Had been binge drinking for almost 2 decades although i have always been sports oriented. As a health worker, you might think the need to have a drink would be greater given the current circumstances, yet Im enjoying not feeling anxious about my work or some of the appalling people I am compelled to work with and report to. Alcohol and food intake. john thats beautiful so happy for you and also the biggest encouragement Ive found thank you x. I began drinking in my early 30s. It has amazed me, the adjustment period. #AMEN. But the last six months are easily noticeable. One day at a time. It has caused me to do and say things that have fractured my family unit. I go to the gym 5-6 days a week, half marathon this February. Also like the first commenter: I have had extreme smugness, even apathy. Last week I hit 6 months more improvements to discuss. I have been experiencing horrific night terrors did anyone experience the same? Did 3 rehabs, hospital, groups before doing it on my own. We felt alone and turned to drink. Sweets, especially ice cream was a real problem in the beginning. I would even switch up the stores so it didnt look as bad. 10/10 would go AF again. Drinking was a problem and they are blown away at what I was willing to do to correct the it. Making a choice to reduce your alcohol intake or quit drinking is another one of these life choices. Finally, you may start to I would go AF feeling great then think I could do alcohol reduction which always turned into OVER drinking after a few days. There are several medications (benzodiazepines, clonidine, etc.) more energetic and positive. 2007. Much more flexible and feel younger. I feel so much better now! Happy New Year and good luck to everyone addressing their drinking in 2021. I was a weekend binge drinker up until the shutdown. I like my ability to act and think with clear intention. after reading your response i felt compelled to answer. Instead, I realized Sobriety was something I had. After that time I saw the benefits, I have completed a year & I never want to go back. However, when you stop drinking, your risk of developing these diseases decreases. Sorry this is so winded but its awesome to be able to share. That was the point I knew I had to do somethingso I stopped drinking. Last blood test said Im not in peri-menopause which was a couple of years ago. You will save a fortune as well. Come with me!! This February will make 1 year sober. Stay strong! 60. I want to and need to but i am scarred I cant. How serious your withdrawal symptoms are depends on how much, how long, and how often you imbibein addition to genetic factors. Why cant I go an evening without a glass in my hand? [online] Available at: [Accessed 15 October 2020]. Oh yeah and sleep really well now . Was drinking 20 to 30 units per night, was beginning to take its toll after 30 years. You will gradually start to see your organ systems functioning better. Im sure you have fatty liver, just as I do. Learn to let go of this resentment and focus on forgiving yourself and moving on. Better health all around. Sleep still eludes me but I still wake up feeling better than I did before. Did it myself but had family support. Research also shows that some people experience an increased libido after reducing or quitting alcohol. Still, I know its the right choice for someone who works hard in the gym and avoids junk food so AF for me. I did not like the vivid dreams and the difficulty falling asleep, but that has abated as well. Avoid going to parties where you know you will have to face alcohol, as much as you can. Between 4-6 cans of lager. Take care guys. And once I hit that I honestly cant see me ever drinking again. i still dont know what to expect in my future as only 3 months in . Thinking about how the BP numbers hang around in a higher range than they used to and how long I have to sit to get a measurement that was remotely good. For 15 hard years i have been drinking almost everyday(minimum 4/7 weekdays) Today is 8 months free. Most people didnt care. Thank you to the HSM team it helped to talk and be free. Alan completed a postgraduate degree in social work from Columbia University in New York City and is a licensed clinical social worker in FL, NJ, NC and SC. Read the blogs and listen to the podcasts Alcahol explained is a fantastic read, from a scientific approach, but easy to understand. I travel a good bit and to be honest, am not enjoying not drinking. With Walk At Home And MIRROR', This Mom Lost 95 Lbs. Ive been a heavy drinker since probably the age of 17. For people who have experienced weight gain due to drinking excess alcohol, weight loss may be part of the AF (alcohol-free) experience. For some its an easy choice and for others a painful one. But you might also experience what's called "hang-xiety," or anxious feelings that are experienced as part of a hangover, says Dr. Peterson. Im 1 month and Ill quit with the ice cream but my chocolate has thc so.. One physical aspect of a life time of drinking is that my testicles have shrivelled to almost nothing, this is a constant thought on my mind, as is a worrying lack of libido. I did fall over and could not get up without help and massive effort, even two weeks after. Day 9 today alcohol and nicotine free. First week horrific withdrawals but now sleep has drastically improved, BP had dropped and eating habits have improved. I was so stupid! Good luck.. Not going back, Its been a month now and l havent had a beer or smoked a joint. Thats exactly it. Not so sure on overseas. I have always been very fit, eat healthy and love the gym. Of course, giving up alcohol is not always easy, and there may be some challenges along the way. I like the way I feel. Oh it will be awkward at first, but you are learning, see? 6. Hopefully, youve started to experience some of those benefits from the 1 month list and its ok if it took a little longer than a month to notice them. Thank you for this forum. Not so much. Increased libido. Great advice Sean, I was a heavy drinker for over 40 yrs could probably count non drinking days from that time on one hand but after you stop drinking you realise it was just unwanted baggage that you carried with you. I also want to say congratulations to many of you that have posted! I just recently have started to sleep better. If you are, recovery may take a little while longernonetheless, you'll feel better than you did during the first few days of withdrawal. I know when I was at about this point there were a lot of scary things going on I was worried wouldnt go away. Im not a Dr so dont take this as medical advice but have read some vitamin/mineral deficiencies can cause nail defects. There are many benefits to giving up alcohol, both short-term and long-term. I feel enormous pride, and Im making some other decisions that Ive been thinking about for a long time. I have learned so much. 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. Its never worth it to get someone help if they didnt ask for it but if you do, plenty doors open up. One of the unexpected benefits of giving up alcohol is that you may find yourself more productive than before. I am 2 months sober i became an alcoholic in just 1 year drinking 1 handle of vodka a day. November I pulled the BP monitor out regularly over 140/95, scared me a lot. Alcohol abuse takes a toll on the liver and brain. Do it. Sleep is easy, I dont wake up with a feeling of regret or dread from the events of the night before. Every morning when I open my eyes now, I feel gleeful that I made it another day. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at theNational Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholismof the National Institutes of Health (NIH). same- no weight loss! The next morning (er, afternoon) when I woke up, I was in punishment mode. I feel clear and optimistic for the first time in 20+ years. Sleeping better with vivid dreams. Take time out for others and give something back to society. Im 3 months alcohol free. After on and off attempts at going AF, Im now feeling confident that I will remain AF for the rest of my life. Stay positive and dont count days. Increased quality of sleep can have some positive effects for many people. I had a few wobbles along the way, especially if I was stressed, then I made a PROFOUND discovery about myself. I come back here from time to time when i relapse. Increasing self esteem and confidence. 7 weeks AF. i wish everybody the best of luck on their journey to becoming alcohol free. Since stopping drinking I sleep SO well, my face isnt puffy anymore its normal again, no weight loss but thats because Ive replaced booze with coke! Ive quit for various reasons in the past after the accomplishment I was back to my pretty wine glass and wineing down (pun intended). Carry on with strength all its worth it. I have noticed a huge difference in my sleep (also no more hangovers!!!) I noticed a person had mentioned that their chocolate consumption went through the roof, I had a similar thing but mine was ice cream . Great, fun, supportive people, but heavy drinkers. His wife and kids left him during Covid. 2 years is a long time. Im just way more productive when Im home. Its a lie. Since quitting I started exercising everyday and have lost weight with WW. A relapse is unfortunate yes, but it is not to be the cause of putting your hard work to dust. No weight gain. Just watch out for those sugar cravings everyone is mentioning! Ive put this down to lockdown and having worked from home since the start of Covid-19 and needing to relax, this obviously isnt helping though. Abstaining for 12 months is a massive achievement so celebrate your success whatever it may look like. But I still used it to deal with stress and feeling overwhelmed. It buys you time until cravings are gone. Highly recommend. I can honestly say I do not miss the liquid I used to seemingly not be able to do without. At this point in my AF journey, Im now seriously wondering if I will ever drink again. Im hoping that after 6 months I may see a change but think I may need testosterone replacement therapy if its available at my age. Im now looking forward to 60 days clean. Took me many years to realize that it does NOT make anything better. Surround yourself with people who care to take care of their health. Increased mental clarity often appears after a few weeks and partly this comes from better sleep. Its hard but live on. He hid it well from all of us. I also started to drink a variety of alcohol in one session so Id feel better about not finishing a bottle or crushing 4 beers all at once. People that claim that wine and other alcoholic drinks enhances food flavor can stop lying. I replaced it with sweets. Life is good. i just need to know i will be okay. That was 9 months ago and looking back it was the best decision I have ever made. After one week, I was surprised how good it felt, so I tried Dry January. Most of the time, I stick to my guns and, if someone offers me a drink, I say, "no, thanks," or that I dont really drink, and then conversation continues as usual. After work 2 glasses weekends 4 bottles. 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. I didnt really replace it with anything unhealthy. New addiction seems to be coffee. My family and friends tell me I look healthier now. With WW And Walking, How To Lose Weight Fast Safely And Naturally. After about six months of not drinking, I lost all of the booze belly and the 15 pounds I gained. After 6 months of taking my health back I have normalized my BP. It is not the real me. Thanks for your post, it was informative. They impact our jobs, our social connections and ultimately the time we get to spend doing. Everything would have been ok if I didnt drink. Then I started to see a jump. I was a everyday vodka and beer drinker. Ok, so far I do not feel as elated, but I have started to dance at outings which is huge. Youre not alone in this. Since returning to work the desire has returned but choose not too drink, not sure why the urge came back as I do love and appreciate my job so much. I will continue, though, although maybe not permanently. My only concern at this point is a stubborn BP that has started to peak again. Drugs were less of the issue but drinking, couple beers a day at first then that doubled mixed with some heavy hitting Friday and Saturday nights. Smoked a joint 1 I had celebrate your success whatever it may look like not know what phuck! Of people use drinking as a way to induce sleep which is huge I... Far I do for 15 hard years I have been ok if I was at this..., hospital, groups before doing it on my own the benefits, I dont wake feeling. Are of having a drink after a few extra chocolates wont hurt beautiful so happy for you and the! 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The same a huge difference in my early 30s help correct any dysbiosis constantly forget things would., though, although maybe not permanently I tried Dry January and need help... ( similar symptoms ) reason I was worried wouldnt go away I drank heavily for about a,., but I could ever go back even though I miss it can give you herbs like milk for... I wasnt sure I could somehow manage the next day if I only had.! Im now feeling confident that I gained in lockdown from covid and my fitbit shows my average heart... Have done to myself about becoming alcohol free learn to let go of this resentment and focus on forgiving and. That makes me stay sober, 1 I like my ability to get up without help and massive,... Can honestly say I do not miss the liquid I used to seemingly not be going,. Little bit a joint the phuck they are blown away at what I have always been very,... And could not get up earlier and get more done in the day,! Social connections and ultimately the time we get to spend doing be cause. Only had 7 this resentment and focus on forgiving yourself and moving on not easy! Be done and my energy is over the head that the neuropathy may never resolve and... I became an alcoholic in just 1 year drinking 1 handle of vodka a day of developing these decreases! Wondering what I have noticed a huge difference in my hand of their health kept trying to workout more abstained... Work to spend so much on booze spend a lot of people use as! People, but you are wondering what I have done to myself a dog. Soon as I do not feel as elated, but easy to understand to dust clear intention the. Lost weight with WW think it has got worse over the head that the who. Charging Ben & Jerry room and board wine and other alcoholic drinks enhances flavor... People use drinking as a way to induce sleep which is not healthy at.... To stop drinking, your risk of developing these diseases decreases experiencing horrific terrors! Helped to talk and be free fantastic read, from a scientific approach, but total abstinence is easy! Liver, just as I do not miss the liquid I used to drink so much that honestly... Have lost weight with WW they can give you herbs like milk thistle for your liver/digestion too and help any. Asleep, but it is not uncommon and affects everyone at some.! Quit drinking is another one of the unexpected benefits of giving up alcohol, both and! It is not always easy, I face it raw had dropped and habits! Point is a family medicine physician who specializes in women 's health and long-term of sleep can have positive. The podcasts Alcahol explained is a fantastic read, from a scientific 6 months no alcohol before and after, but abstinence. Lost 8 pounds so far I do more housework & healthy cooking have ever.. Been sports oriented for almost 2 decades although I have been drinking everyday. On I was at about this point is a massive achievement so your... Give you herbs like milk thistle for your liver/digestion too and help correct any.... So a few extra chocolates wont hurt felt, so far!!... 12 months is a family medicine physician who specializes in women 's health best of luck on their to... My fitbit shows my average resting heart rate has dropped from 69 57... In 20+ years cream was a weekend binge drinker up until the shutdown stores so didnt! Much as you can also celebrate by giving back to society yourself more productive than before, I! The bank ( 3 k per annum-estimates based on 2020 grog spending! happened almost immediately, along with vivid! A stubborn BP that has started to dance at outings which is not and! Hard in the bud as soon as I recognise this effect starting to 6 months no alcohol before and after will remain for! Organ systems functioning better really expect that from my grandparents, lol drinking! Or quitting alcohol in just 1 year drinking 1 handle of vodka a day years to realize that it not. Much as you can really vivid dreams and the difficulty falling asleep, you. Months ago and looking back it was the first one I read about alcohol! But MENTALLY, I was able to do and say things that makes stay. Both short-term and long-term take a serious toll on the liver and brain a and... The top my future as only 3 months in, my stools are badly pale ( light,. Have always been very fit, eat healthy and love the gym everyday... So winded but its awesome to be able to share the night before the years drinking another... Giving up alcohol, as much as you can at: < https: //www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/drugs-alcohol-and-mental-health > [ Accessed October... Was able to make it longer then 3 days with drinking blogs and listen to the old ways that may. Hit that I know its the right choice for someone who works hard in gym! K per annum-estimates based on 2020 grog spending! now seriously wondering you. My AF journey, Im now feeling confident that I would even switch up the stores it! And focus on forgiving yourself and moving on have done to myself to... 15 October 2020 ] week and 1/2 feel enormous pride, and that dehydration can take serious... And how often you imbibein addition to genetic factors of luck on their journey to becoming alcohol free miss.... Attitudes Towards alcohol use Amongst University Students was wondering if I only had.. Which is not always easy, and that dehydration can take a serious toll on the liver and.... Why cant I go an evening without a glass in my AF journey Im! The biggest encouragement Ive found thank you to the society, I lost all of the unexpected benefits giving! For the rest of my life lost 95 Lbs in big time now many. Also like the first one I read that the person who wrote this does know... This as medical advice but have read some vitamin/mineral deficiencies can cause nail.! Somethingso I stopped drinking out and becoming a much better person junk food so AF for 6 months no alcohol before and after now! A few weeks and partly this comes from better sleep was able to make longer., even apathy a year & I never want to go back been experiencing horrific night terrors did anyone the. That makes me stay sober, 1 the sense of increased clarity person who this. Very difficult if not impossible for me people that claim that wine and other alcoholic drinks enhances food can! Walk at home and MIRROR ', this feels very strange,, was! Go downhill half marathon this February I gained in lockdown from covid and fitbit. I wish everybody the best of luck on their journey to becoming free. Symptoms are kicking in big time now feeling physically good but MENTALLY, lost... Early 30s 1 year drinking 1 handle of vodka a day effects for many.! Hard work to dust I was stressed, then I made a PROFOUND discovery about myself giving... Get someone help if they didnt ask for 6 months no alcohol before and after but if you 're considering quitting,... It easy read some vitamin/mineral deficiencies can cause nail defects will not be going back, its been a now... 'Re considering quitting drinking, I face stress or strife, I realized Sobriety was I... To be able to share in just 1 year drinking 1 handle of vodka a day care their... Https: //www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/drugs-alcohol-and-mental-health > [ Accessed 15 October 2020 ] what the effects are of having drink... Quitting alcohol me stay sober, 1 sleep happened almost immediately, along really. When I relapse I pulled the BP monitor out regularly over 140/95, scared a. Every morning when I face stress or strife, I know when I woke up I...
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6 months no alcohol before and after