How to stop drinking

If you’ve been drinking alcohol frequently, you might be feeling the pull to stop, but the thought of what comes next can be daunting.

Stories about alcohol withdrawal and its effects on your body may have left you unsure about taking the next step.

This page walks you through exactly what happens to your body when you quit drinking alcohol and offers practical tips to help you stop completely.

The decision to stop drinking alcohol

If you’ve found yourself here, it likely means you’re thinking about stopping drinking or at least questioning your relationship with alcohol. If that’s the case, congratulations! Acknowledging that something needs to change is a big first step, and it takes real courage to get to this point.

Maybe you’ve reached this stage after a series of difficult moments that made you stop and reflect. It could be:

• Waking up with regret after saying or doing something you wish you hadn’t

• Feeling like alcohol is starting to control your life rather than the other way around

• Loved ones expressing concern about your drinking habits

• Struggling to get through the day without thinking about your next drink

Noticing how alcohol is affecting your health, work or relationships

Whatever has led you here, the good news is that it’s never too late to take back control. The important thing is that you’re here, and that’s a step in the right direction.

What makes quitting alcohol so difficult?

If quitting alcohol was easy, most people would simply decide to stop and never look back. But as anyone who has tried knows, it’s not always that simple.

Some people experience physical alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can make it very difficult to give in to and reach for a drink. These symptoms can include:

Physical symptoms

When the body has become accustomed to regular drinking, suddenly stopping can trigger uncomfortable and sometimes intense physical reactions, including:

• Shaking and tremors: Often in the hands but can affect the whole body
• Sweating: Even in cool temperatures, you might feel hot and clammy
• Nausea or vomiting: Your stomach may feel unsettled, and eating can be difficult
• Headaches: Ranging from mild to severe, like a bad hangover
• Fatigue: Your energy levels may feel completely drained
• Increased heart rate: Your heart may feel like it’s racing, even when resting

Psychological symptoms

But it’s not just physical symptoms that can cause quitting drinking alcohol to be difficult; there’s also the psychological side of alcohol withdrawal.

• Anxiety: A feeling of nervousness or unease that can feel overwhelming
• Irritability: Small things might annoy you much more than usual
• Restlessness: A constant sense of discomfort or being unable to relax
• Low mood or depression: Feelings of sadness or hopelessness can arise
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating: Your thoughts may feel foggy and scattered
• Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling asleep or waking up multiple times during the night

For many, stopping drinking isn’t reliant on the person’s willpower alone. It’s actually due to how the body and brain adjust after years of regular alcohol use. Understanding these challenges can help you plan for them.

When alcohol withdrawal becomes dangerous

While some symptoms are manageable, others can be more serious. In cases of severe alcohol addiction, a condition called delirium tremens (DTs) can occur. This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening form of withdrawal that can involve:

• Severe confusion
• Hallucinations
• Agitation
• Fever
• Seizures

Delirium tremens require urgent medical attention, as it can be fatal if left untreated. If you believe you may fall into this category, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is vital before attempting to quit alcohol.

What happens to your body when you quit alcohol?

Quitting alcohol is often described as life-changing, but what actually happens when you stop drinking? You might have heard people talk about feeling more energised or thinking more clearly after giving up alcohol. But is there truth to these claims?

The reality is that your body starts adjusting the moment you stop drinking. Some changes happen quickly, while others take time. Each step away from alcohol brings real, science-backed benefits to your physical and mental health.

Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect in both the short term and the long term when you quit alcohol.

Short-term benefits of quitting alcohol

The first few weeks/months without alcohol can bring some big changes, and while the initial adjustment might be tough, there are plenty of positives that kick in quickly.

Physical health benefits

• Better sleep quality: Alcohol might make you feel drowsy but it actually disrupts deep sleep, leading to restless nights. Within a few days of quitting, you may notice you wake up feeling more refreshed.
• More energy: Alcohol can leave you feeling sluggish and drained due to poor sleep quality. Without it, your body can focus on real rest and recovery, meaning more energy throughout the day. 
• Hydration boost: Alcohol dehydrates your body, which can lead to dry skin, headaches and fatigue. After quitting, you’ll likely notice positives like clearer skin within a week or two.
• Liver repair: When you stop drinking alcohol, your liver begins to regenerate and repair itself, potentially reversing some damage. This process can lead to improvements in liver function, reduced inflammation, and even the decrease of fat deposits in the liver. The extent and speed of recovery depend on the severity and duration of alcohol-related liver damage. Desistal’s “Liver Formula” could help support you during alcohol cessation.

Psychological health benefits

• Improved mood: Alcohol can mess with brain chemicals that regulate mood, often leading to anxiety and low feelings the next day. Without it, you may feel emotionally more stable.
• Sharper focus and concentration: Quitting alcohol can lead to numerous positive changes as your body and brain repair from the damage caused. This could include an improvement in concentration, focus, attention and memory.
• Improved emotions:  Studies have shown that reducing alcohol intake can lead to a significant decrease in negative emotions within the first three months, with further improvements continuing over a twelve-month period.

Long-term benefits of quitting alcohol

The longer you go without alcohol, the more noticeable the benefits become. Beyond just feeling better day-to-day, quitting alcohol can have a lasting impact on your overall health and well-being.

Physical health benefits

• Stronger immune system: Alcohol weakens your immune response, making it easier to get sick. Over time, your body becomes better at fighting off infections and healing itself.
• Improved heart health: Regular alcohol consumption increases blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. After quitting, your heart gets a break, reducing the risk of long-term cardiovascular issues.
• Weight stability: Some alcoholic drinks are full of empty calories and can disrupt metabolism. Many people find that quitting alcohol leads to a more stable weight due to control over urges.

Psychological health benefits

• Better emotional resilience: Without alcohol numbing emotions, you develop stronger coping mechanisms and emotional regulation, making it easier to handle stress.
• More fulfilling relationships: Alcohol can sometimes create distance in relationships, whether through conflict or lack of presence. With a clear mind, your connections with friends, family and partners can strengthen.
• Greater sense of achievement: Sticking to sobriety, even for a short period, can boost self-esteem and motivation, making you feel more in control of your life.

Whether you’re considering cutting back or quitting entirely, it’s worth paying attention to these benefits. Some changes happen quickly, while others take time, but each step away from alcohol is a step toward a healthier, more balanced life.

What can I do to make quitting alcohol easier?

If you’ve ever told yourself you were going to stop drinking, only to find yourself back at square one, you’re not alone. Alcohol can easily become a habit, whether it’s tied to social situations, stress relief or simply routine. The good news is there are plenty of things you can do to take back control and stop drinking altogether.

Let’s take a look at some ways to stop drinking and avoid cravings.

1. Remove alcohol from your home

It sounds obvious, but having alcohol within reach can make things unnecessarily difficult, especially during moments of stress or temptation. If you’re serious about stopping, clearing your home of alcohol is a great first step. It removes the option entirely, making it easier to stick to your decision.

2. Change up your routine

If drinking has been a regular part of your day, like a glass of wine in the evening or a few beers at the weekend, those moments might feel empty without it. Filling those spaces with something new can make all the difference. Try replacing the habit with something that keeps your hands and mind busy, like making a cup of tea, going for a walk or picking up a new hobby that keeps you engaged.

3. Avoid situations where drinking is the focus

Certain places and people might make it harder to stick to your decision, whether it’s an invite to the pub or a night out with friends who drink heavily. At least in the beginning, it’s worth avoiding environments where you’d usually drink. Instead, suggest alternative meet-ups—coffee, brunch or activities that don’t revolve around alcohol. This helps you stay social without feeling pressured to drink.

4. Have a plan for cravings

Cravings will come and go and they often pass quicker than you think. The key is to have a plan for when they hit so you’re not caught off guard. Desistal’s “Anti-alcohol Craving” Supplements can help reduce cravings for alcohol.

• Delay: Remind yourself that cravings don’t last forever. Give yourself 20 minutes and distract yourself with something else.
• Distract: Call a friend, listen to music, go for a walk or anything that takes your mind off the craving.
• Remind yourself why you stopped: Keep a list of the reasons you’re quitting and read it whenever you feel tempted.

5. Be honest with friends and family

Telling people that you’re stopping drinking can feel awkward at first but it helps to set boundaries and avoid uncomfortable situations. You don’t have to justify your decision, just a simple “I’m not drinking anymore” is enough. If certain people aren’t supportive, that says more about them than you. Surround yourself with those who respect your choices.

6. Track your progress and celebrate milestones

In the early days, stopping drinking can feel tough but over time, it becomes second nature. Tracking your progress can help keep you motivated. Whether it’s counting the number of alcohol-free days, noticing improvements in your health or feeling proud of socialising sober, take a moment to acknowledge the progress you’re making. Every milestone is worth celebrating.

7. Focus on nutrition and exercise

Your body goes through a lot when you stop drinking, and giving it the right fuel can make the process easier. Alcohol depletes important nutrients, so eating balanced, nutrient-dense meals can help restore energy levels and support overall well-being.

Exercise is just as important, as it helps regulate stress and improves sleep quality. Even light activities like walking or yoga can make a noticeable difference in how you feel.

Are there any medications I can take to stop drinking alcohol?

There’s no ‘magic cure’ that makes quitting alcohol effortless, but there are options that can support you along the way. If you’ve struggled with cravings or felt like your body and mind are working against you, the good news is that there are products designed to help.

One option is Desistal. It’s a natural supplement designed to help reduce alcohol cravings and support your body as it adjusts to sobriety. 

Desistal is designed to support you through this transition by:

✔️ Helping you curb those alcohol cravings so you can stay on track.

✔️ Restoring key nutrients that alcohol depletes, helping you feel more like yourself.

✔️ Reducing sluggishness and creating a clearer, more refreshed mind.

✔️ Easing the transition into sobriety. 

Stopping drinking still takes willpower and a commitment to change but having extra support can make a big difference. Think of it like a helping hand that makes the process feel a little easier, especially in those moments when cravings hit.

If you’re ready to take a step towards sobriety but feel like you need something to help steady the journey, Desistal could be worth considering alongside your own efforts to live alcohol-free.