What Does 30 Days Of No Alcohol Look Like?
Quitting drinking for 30 days can have a number of positive effects on both your physical and mental health. Some of the potential benefits include improved sleep quality, increased energy levels, better concentration and focus, weight loss, and improved overall health. Additionally, taking a break from alcohol can help to break unhealthy patterns and reset your relationship with alcohol.
Many people choose to give up alcohol for a period of time for a number of reasons. Some people may be looking to lose weight and improve their health or save money. Others may be dealing with an alcohol addiction that they want to kick to the curb for good.
Whatever the reason may be, going without alcohol for 30 days can have a significant impact on your physical and mental health. In this article, we’ll take a look at what happens to the body when you quit alcohol for 30 days.
Ready to quit drinking but struggling to do so on your own? Zinnia Health can help. Call our alcoholism hotline available 24 hours per day at (855) 430-9439 to learn more about our alcohol addiction programs.
The First Day Without Drinking Alcohol
The initial 24 hours alcohol-free can bring on a slew of emotions, from scared to empowered to defeated. Many people go on a drinking binge the night before they quit drinking, meaning you may also be experiencing a hangover — without the option of having a drink to help mitigate some of the symptoms.
Physically, you might start experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms the next day, including:
- Headaches
- Bloating
- The “shakes”
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Cold sweats
- Alcohol cravings
- Mood swings
Although acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms may seem like no big deal, they can be quite severe and even life-threatening. This is why seeking professional help and undergoing physician-monitored detox is so important to keep you on track and safe.
The First Week Without Drinking Alcohol
Now we’ll take a look at what happens to your body as you go longer without drinking alcohol.
Day Two
The second day can be even harder than the first because a lot of the motivation may have worn off, especially if you spent day one dealing with a hangover on top of withdrawal symptoms.
On day two, your alcohol cravings may worsen. This is an important time to seek support from family and friends and find a treatment program if you haven’t already.
Day Three
According to the National Library of Medicine, around day three, it may become particularly difficult to sleep, thanks to problems like night sweats, insomnia, and other frequent sleep disturbances that occur as your body adjusts to life without alcohol.
Don’t worry. Better sleep is coming. But your body needs to adjust to its alcohol-free routine first.
Day Four
Once you’ve made it to day four, you may realize some of the physical symptoms of withdrawal start to subside.
But some of the more intense symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can arise, such as:
- Difficulty focusing and remembering things
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
- Intense cravings
- Increased sensitivity to stress
Day Five
Many people who take out alcohol from their routines consider day five of sobriety as a turning point, reporting better sleep and reduced symptoms.
Unfortunately, cravings are usually still present at this point. Now is an important time to lean on your support system and recovery tools.
Day Six
Sleep should start to improve around day six. Social anxiety may be at an all-time high as the weekend approaches, and you may have forgotten how to socialize or be in social settings without having a drink.
Day Seven
Good work, you’ve made it one week without alcohol — that’s no easy feat, and you should be proud of yourself. Of course, as with any major milestone, you may instinctively reach for a glass of wine to celebrate.
But don’t give in to temptation, as your recovery journey is just getting started.
Concerned you have a drinking problem? Zinnia Health is here for you. Learn more about our admissions process here. Take the next step toward an alcohol-free and fulfilled life.
Week Two Without Drinking Alcohol
Most people start to feel a huge difference at the start of the second week after they quit drinking. This is when the symptoms of withdrawal should start to disappear, mental health improves and clarity returns and physical improvements are noticeable too, such as weight loss, clear skin, reduced bloating, and increased energy.
Heavy drinkers who have been drinking for decades may still experience symptoms of withdrawal at this point.
Unfortunately, cravings persist for most people during the second week.
By the end of the second week, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing the worst is over — even for people experiencing the most severe symptoms.
Week Three Without Drinking Alcohol
During week three, you should not be experiencing any more symptoms of withdrawal. Cravings should also finally start to subside.
Healthier habits for a healthy lifestyle that you have been working on may start to feel like second nature at this point, and you may even have started to replace your nightly bottle of wine with seltzer, tea, water, or another refreshing alcohol-free drink.
Week Four Without Drinking Alcohol
Week four is often the eye-opening catalyst that leads to years of sobriety. At this stage, weight loss is now noticeable, with some people dropping up to 25 pounds.
With all of the side effects of withdrawal now gone, people are free to remember why they stopped drinking in the first place and focus on the results — both mental and physical — that sobriety has helped them achieve.
Benefits of an Alcohol-Free Month
According to the National Library of Medicine, some of the top benefits you will experience after quitting alcohol for 30 days include:
- Improved sleep: Without alcohol disrupting your sleep, you may find that you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, leading to more restful nights.
- Improved mood: That improved sleep coupled with removing alcohol’s depressant effects that agitate anxiety and depression may lead to an overall improved mood.
- Increased energy: Another side effect of more quality sleep is increased energy to power you through the day.
- Weight loss: Alcohol is high in empty calories. It also makes you crave late-night pizza and other carbs. When you quit drinking, you get rid of the extra calories from the alcohol itself and any munchies that accompany it.
- Improved digestion: Alcohol can irritate your digestive system and contribute to acid reflux and other issues. Quitting for 30 days can help improve your digestion and reduce these uncomfortable symptoms.
Zinnia Health Can Help With Alcohol Addiction
Ready to experience the life-changing benefits of quitting alcohol for 30 days and beyond? Contact Zinnia Health now to learn more about our supportive and compassionate approach to alcohol addiction treatment.
Our team of compassionate and caring experts is dedicated to helping you achieve long-lasting sobriety and a healthier, happier life.
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