Reap the Rewards of No Alcohol for a Month

Are you thinking of giving up alcohol for a month? There are lots of benefits to stopping drinking for a longer period. Maybe you need a reset or are worried about your physical or mental health. Whatever your goal, the benefits of a month of no alcohol can be enormous.

You might be wondering what to expect in terms of symptoms and side effects. There may be both good and bad results when you suddenly stop drinking, especially if you are a heavy or dependent drinker.

Stopping Drinking Timeline

First 24 hours After Stopping Drinking

Hangover vs Alcohol Withdrawal

It can be hard to tell the difference between a hangover and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Many of the signs are similar, including anxiety, depression, headaches and nausea.

A hangover can start around 12 hours after your last drink and last for a day or two. Hangovers are caused by the build-up and removal of acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical created by your body removing alcohol from your system.

Alcohol withdrawal, on the other hand, is caused by your brain, which starts to depend on alcohol to function. As we drink too much regularly, our brain reduces the chemicals that make us calm and happy, and alcohol fulfils this role.

If you are asking yourself if you have a hangover or alcohol withdrawal, the answer will become apparent in time. Hangover symptoms may last several days but will gradually get better 24 hours after you stop drinking. Alcohol withdrawal will get worse instead. The peak danger period of withdrawal is 24-72 hours after stopping.

24-72 hours After Stopping Drinking

Withdrawal will get worse, usually peaking around 48 hours after your last drink. After this, you may start to recover unless you experience delirium tremens (DTs), also known as ‘shakes’. These can be very serious and involve hallucinations, shaking and seizures.

Delirium tremens is a medical emergency, and you should call an ambulance or attend A&E if you think you or someone else are experiencing it.

72 hours to 1 week After Stopping Drinking

This is where you will probably start feeling a lot better and start to experience the benefits of stopping drinking. Sleep is the first thing to improve, which is great news because a good night’s sleep goes a long way to restoring your general health and making you feel great.

You should notice dehydration headaches fade, you have more energy, and your head is less blurry.

Week 2 After Stopping Drinking

Mild withdrawal should be behind you now, with the last lingering symptoms of heartburn and stomach pain fading. You should be able to eat better and continue your recovery from drinking too much.

Don’t worry if you are eating a lot in week two. Your body needs nutrients to recover, and by cutting your drinking, you have eliminated so many empty calories it is fine to need a sugar boost.

Week 3 After Stopping Drinking

Mood is the flavour of this week, and you should find you feel less anxiety and less down in general. Many people who are a little anxious drink to help this situation. Not realizing that alcohol makes anxiety much worse in the long term. It takes several weeks to months to reverse this process, but this is the start.

You might not notice it as much, but at this point, your liver is healing and returning to normal function. Blood pressure may go unnoticed, too, or you might recognize reduced headaches, shortness of breath and heart palpitations if you had them before. Reduced anxiety can also be linked to lower blood pressure.

Week 4 After Stopping Drinking

The last week of giving up alcohol is a big one. Your mental health should be on a great upward track, so make sure to do lots of fun, positive activities to boost this effect. You will find that you are feeling ill less often, and there are other non-physical benefits, too.

The end of the month is a time when lots of us get paid, and you should notice your bank balance is a bit healthier from not spending on alcohol and alcohol-related problems.

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Lifestyle Benefits of Stopping Drinking

More money

The average drinker will spend over £60,000 in their lifetime on alcohol. A heavy drinker will pay even more. This doesn’t even include the cost of taxis, broken and lost items and other losses.

You might well find you have much more left at the end of your alcohol-free month. Alternatively, you will have more money to spend on things you love, like a new interest or activity.

Looking Better

Looks aren’t everything, but looking good makes us feel great. Improvements in your skin and general demeanour will improve how you and other people see you. There is nothing better looking than someone enjoying themselves.

Social Circle

Given that social drinking is a big draw for many people, this might seem at odds with stopping. Trying new non-alcohol activities opens up your social circle and might bring you closer to friends who previously only saw you as a drinking buddy. It can also help you to understand who you don’t want to socialize with and recognize toxic behaviour from others that could be damaging your self-esteem.

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Hobbies and Interests

What will I do if I don’t drink? You might think alcohol is a way to alleviate boredom, but it is actually just a crutch and drains you of energy and creative power.

Take the time and money you save from stopping drinking and invest it in something you really care about. Bonus points for choosing something mental health friendly like nature, exercise or volunteering.