When my inner child gets bratty and tries to tell me what to do, I can say STFU, you dont call the shots any more I do! Also feeling like I have arthritis in my knees and hands. But after being gone 13 months she served him papers. [online] Available at: [Accessed 15 October 2020]. This February will be 12 months alcohol free af, I hope you can help me give some idea Ive had the shakes and was drinking so much my blood pressure was so high I was hospitalized 2x I have stopped drinking 2 months now goofed-up on 3 ipa at a Christmas party which I didnt want to go I feel worse now than when I was drinking many ipas. I am letting go of all mind altering substances to include coffee. big improvement that last post should read. Lots of love. i underwent numerous tests and had 6 litres of the 10 litres of fluid drained. So far, I havent noticed any weird cravings except coffee. Once you have decided to become sober you might feel insomniac and restless. Now, three years later, I live in New York, the city that never sleeps, and Im constantly around alcohol. It wasnt easy but SO worth it. Dont let drinking do it to you like it did in the past, alcohol runs your brain cause it was use to it. Eventually, I got to the point that I was able to say, "No thanks, Im not drinking." We all have a spirit inside that is power to overcome anything. It worked cuz I didnt feel like I was missing drinking. Web568 views, 38 likes, 3 loves, 3 comments, 74 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from El poeta boaner: El poeta boaner was live. My wife has stopped drinking altogether due to some health concerns. But then back and usually back heavier, at least for me. Im 47 Days into my own personal Detox! Relief on your liver gives it an opportunity to stay well and minimise any damage that alcohol might have been trying to cause. I also have started eating a lot more of everything. I will not drink today for everyone in this subreddit. Weight loss occurred and bloating went away. Not being able to walk was the last straw. I didnt know or understand the sudden craving. Really encourging to read all the replies. After that time I saw the benefits, I have completed a year & I never want to go back. less onerous. The thought of drinking again terrifies me. Day 9 today alcohol and nicotine free. This is because alcohol can cause dehydration, which can lead to dry, dull skin. Sugar craving is through the roof. Inflammatory issues such as arthritic hands & feet feel My anxiety was through the roof and my face was puffy and ugh, I felt awful but didnt even know it. But finally sleeping better, still waiting for the energy increase to kick in, am feeling tired all the time. It is sugar replaced by sugar. I had to laugh recently looking at a Fathers Day picture of me with the family. I didnt like the dependency I had on drinking beer. Pink clouding is defined as a false sense of security that you might feel with this newfound sobriety. [online] Available at: [Accessed 15 October 2020]. Its important to recognise the small wins and keep an eye out for the inner critic that might downplay what youve done well. Im just happy that I arent doing things that embarrass my family. Thanks Jon. I sat down at a machine in a Safeway and just measured right away no waiting. Im a 39 year old male. Its a habit and for some reason I am so scared to change it. I do get tempted every now and again but after 6 months the downsides of alcohol just dont seem worth it anymore. were evident. I no longer want to waste precious time drinking my life into numbness. Do not be the person in the corner. It will be difficult to sleep without your usual coping mechanism and you will have a lot of sleepless nights. Then quit. Improved complexion. You may also start sleeping better and feeling more clear-headed as your nervous system readjusts to the absence of alcohol. Stay strong! Everyday I marvel in the fact that I am happy, sleep well, and am calm and focused. For the first time since picking up drinking, I woke up for my early morning runs. Same thing with the stool issue. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Since quitting. At this stage your risk of experiencing cardiovascular disease and several cancers starts to reduce (, World Cancer Research Fund, 2007; Roerecke et al., 2017). For me 6 months, just a title over and Im back to my old self. Good luck to all . Thats exactly it. One day at a time turns into one month at a time rather quickly and it gets easier with time. Still have the urge to grab a few brews on Friday and Saturday. Dont know when that started. In addition, frequent drinking can cause inflammation throughout the body. Be strong and let your motions run you. I didnt crave anything except red wine (I used this as part of my denial that I even had a problem). 3 months sober now, the struggle is real, everyday I want a reason to drink but Im pushing through. You are doing great things! I feel alright, sleep is getting better after first 4 days of bad sleep. Sleep is something I had trouble with, no more. Chocolate is part of it, but dutch chocolate only. Posts are all inspiring and mirror much of my journey. Collison, Daniel & Banbury, Sam & Lusher, Jo. Im having much less anxiety, and the anxiety is easier to calm down. I dont have nightmares anymore, off an ssri, and so much more. Going on 4 months with the exception of a small glass of wine at Thanksgiving and one on Christmas. Good luck to you! Smug Club, for sure. Alcohol is just not good when it tricks you into dependency. I tried portioning out 6 oz a day, and just caved after a couple of days. I chose to live and watch my granddaughter grow up. I will do anything. Better sleep happened almost immediately, along with really vivid dreams that I can now remember. Staying alcohol free for 6 months gives your body and mind enough time to heal from the damage alcohol does to it. What Happens When You Stop Drinking: Weeks 3 to 5. If you only indulge occasionally, withdrawal won't have as big of an impact, but your body will still detox from the booze. 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. I can sleep. had my colonoscopy last night and it was clean:). If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol use disorder, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. There will be visible changes to your physical and mental health, how you deal with stressful situations and carry yourself in public. You might even feel pressured and hopeless if you are not achieving your desired results but you have to remember that sobriety is a wonderful journey and will keep giving back. For a while I had to search for words to finish a simple sentence. Want to loose another 12 lbs and wont drink alcohol until at least Sept 1st. Im done with alcohol. Abstaining for 12 months is a massive achievement so celebrate your success whatever it may look like. Poor sleep, Low energy, looking very aged and not exercising as much as I wanted. I believe both have been huge influences on who and where I am today. Im at three months now and your comments made me laugh because they are so relatable Ive experienced the smugness and no weight loss for me because somehow Ice Cream has come crashing into my life in a big waycant get enough of it Good luck to all on their path to sobriety! I have gone AF for a month or two previously and one time I went 3 months. Sparkling waters, diet sodas and fruits like grapes have helped me greatly getting the carbonated feeling and sugar in my body that I missed from alcohol. I stayed the course, kept eating better, kept trying to workout more and abstained. Short- and Longer-Term Benefits of Temporary Alcohol Abstinence During Dry January Are Not Also Observed Among Adult Drinkers in the General Population: Prospective Cohort Study. But I started. 8 months of kicking that lie out of my life and Ill never look back. God bless! John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. I suppose that comes from not ever before having to deal with my own BULLSHITE. It will help you keep mind focused on the positive things and keep up with your sober living! Heineken and Becks make really great ones and I was an IPA fan. I have a little social anxiety and it would alleviate that. (Spoiler alert: If you lose, you end up chugging beer. I have rheumatoid arthritis and I am in remission for the first time in after 10 years. Ive not lost any weight. Weird how no one wants to hear this. 3 months no alcohol Was a binge drinker on Fridays after work but I wanted to lose weight and feel better Now walk after work and fasting once a week helps fruit & vegetables increased Feel much better have energy better then everlost 15 pounds so far not easy sweets get in the way ..Chocolate.. Now, as the I replaced it with sweets. The effect it has on you, and your behaviour towards others changes drastically as a result of alcohol. Alcohol and food intake. After retiring at 58 I celebrated for two years in which 3-5 glasses turned into 2 bottles and a joint per day. Im waiting for my body to adjust from sobriety which I hope it eventually does, I feel like Im in hell mentally and physically. Like so many women, I began drinking during my freshman year of college. 2020. Ive binged and restarted numerous times but I will not ever go back to the point I was at a year ago. Sleep has an impact on so much of our everyday functioning and if it improves from a reduction in alcohol you might find that you dont wake up as often and you experience more deep, restorative sleep than you did before. In mild cases these will resolve by day two or three, but in more severe cases, these symptoms may be more severe (seizures, hallucinations, delirium, etc.) HUGELY helpful and relatable. Even up until 2016 I would regularly not drink for weeks at a time. Now, after taking the time to look at the reasons behind my addiction, I feel more my authentic self than I have felt since I was a very young child. Sober 3 months. Even if you don't drink heavily but like to enjoy one drink per night (which is defined as moderate drinking, BTW), even doing a dry January may improve your food choices and therefore your weight, sleep quality, mood, and performanceboth in the gym and at work, Ziegelbaum says. Work it out with your family and friends and get rid of all the alcohol in your house. Im skinny and have gained 6 needed lbs. But the thing is The only reason I hadnt quit was because the people around me were telling me I didnt have to, or shouldnt. I made the choice to cut out the sugar and carbs. Working for me at the moment! Skin and hair look healthy and you really start investing more in yourself eg: with love and care. I still exercised, but I didnt enjoy it anymore. I skip margaritas, rum and Cokes, or anything else thats overloaded with sugar. Returned to fitness and great nutrition. Great, fun, supportive people, but heavy drinkers. Some ways to say no include being honest and saying you're cutting back, or simply saying, "No thanks, I'm good." No booze for last 2 months, feeling better, but have replaced the evening drinkies with 0 beer. I definitely feel this as well. The fizzle lasts longer than the buzz! Avoid going to parties where you know you will have to face alcohol, as much as you can. And don't worry about offending others while saying no. Weekends are still a struggle though, but weirdly got through Christmas and New Year without too much trouble. Very proud of myself. Then to none. I have never eaten sweets, now thats all I want. I was an everyday drinker, a beer (or so!) This time, I plan to quit for good. Alcohol is full of sugar or carbohydrates that turn into sugar. I was a binge drinker for many years my responsibilities came first but the minute I didnt have any responsibilities it was a free for all. When you stop drinking, symptoms of alcohol withdrawing may pop up as early as six hours after the last drink. Only 36 and did drink alot when younger but not much since 2018, dont miss it at all so far and am trying to ditch it completely as its very bad for my condition now. This is your life, and your body needs you to stand up for it. Its so worth it. I tried dry January a few years ago, and succeeded. Im 6ft 1 and was 59kg when I was in hospital due to drinking. Thank you, now I am on my 2nd going to 3rd months AF, I feel good youre right i having a good sleep now a days. I had to leave an important meeting just to get home and have 3 drinks to stop a panic attack. Jennifer I also did 4.5 months last year and then went back on it. Have you read This Naked Mind by Annie Grace? I want to love myself again and hopefully another. I dont miss alcohol at all even when Im around others who are drinking. Hi Camilla, I can relate. The benefits are incredible, the smug feeling is overwhelming and not to be underestimated. When did you notice it started to improve and if it returned to normal (without meds) how long did it take? But I love me some gummy bears and chocolate! Its incredible how long I have forgone it, but feel I am back on track for life now. This is because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, so when it's no longer in your system, your body has to adjust to the change. I will be 10 months sober in 1 week. I am now 2 months sober and do not ever want to go back to those times. Think the booze and fags caused it. You can do it. Im back to my ideal weight and body fat and almost full strength despite some neuropathy. Sadly this time the great sleeps havent happened. As time passes by you will notice healthy changes in your emotions, and with the help of therapy and counseling youll feel less and less depressed and mood swings. Sugar cravings insane, NO good sleep, headaches, BUT I realise Ibhavd to be patient, Ive been drinking for loooong. So I decided not to plan and every morning I woke up I asked for help to god to make this day an drink free one, and before I fell asleep Id say thank you for your help. Thank you to each and everyone of you brave souls for sharing your stories and comments, fears, weaknesses and wins. There was no negotiation. During this journey you will try lots of techniques, strategies and ways to change your relationship with alcohol. To have a drink now would feel strange and wrong. Journal of alcohol and drug education. Dont think I could ever go back even though I miss it. Weve all been brainwashed about alcohol at some point. Nearly nine months in and WOW a couple of weeks ago I feel like it all gelled. One of the most significant benefits of giving up alcohol is that you may increase your lifespan. good luck to all its definitely worth it. It impairs your sleep-wake cycle too. I am two months in and feel better. Ive had Pizza and Chinese and other heavily salted foods but always offset by exercise. Wasnt even 50. You learn to forgive yourself I drank nearly every day previously some wine each day. Plus, I feel more at peace. I cant see any thing improving any time soon the only positive I have got from it is I no longer have brain fog I have a empty hole! It will also help you stay connected to sobriety and sober living. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you are wondering what I do for work to spend so much on booze. Verywell Mind's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 5 days now which is the longest in years without a night of drinking and no urge to drink anytime soon. I feel 100% better! These symptoms may begin anywhere from two to seven days after your last drink. I was a daily physically and mentally addicted alcoholic. I never intended to completely stop but now Im not so sure. Now Im feeling much more confident and yes, a little bit smug! Happier already-no waking up to a hangover and the shame that comes with it. 28 days in to what I now believe will be my freedom. Good luck to all. I would resign myself to feeling as though I would never be able to fix a bad situation I was just not strong enough or good enough. And giving in to these triggers is your own choice. A lot of mental health challenges are faced by alcohol addicts. Its a difficult journey, I wont lie but oh my god, the feeling I have when asked what I want to drink and to be able to say with a sense of belief in myself that I actually DONT drink any more. 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. How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System? After 8 days in, the improvement in quality of day tie alertness is dramatic as well as far better sleep quality. Many will notice that their blood pressure has lowered if it was high before making changes. I was a everyday vodka and beer drinker. The first week was incredibly tough and no benefit outweighed the desire to drink. Firstly, thank you Alyssa Sterry. I am now at the three-month mark. For me it was obviously the feeling that I loved but I also noticed it was the action of buying myself my reward for making it through another day of work etc. Everything would have been ok if I didnt drink. "Planning what you are going to say and what your boundaries are ahead of time can help you deal with these situations when they arise," she adds. Ive previously done 4 week AF periods and always feel good. A very healthy practice is to make a list of the things you are grateful for, and why being sober is worth all of that effort and challenges. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Still, my stools are badly pale (light grey, pale yellow, sandy color), muddy or spongy looking. Im also, in a negative environment Im trying to get out of (the reason I started drinking every day) most days have been easy for me not to drink, but today I am trying so hard not to drink, but I wont because I know Im 60 days closer to sobriety being a year. 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. Its a con, and you have been railroaded and (you) arent that stupid. Kinda of excited to see what It will look like in a few months. Then it just dawned on me. Every single nail is like this, and have been for the better part of a year. If the wife needs fuel in her car or the kids need medication I can go out at anytime and do it. It can be a surprise for some, but alcohol rarely has a positive, long-term effect on peoples sex lives. Beyondblue.org.au. I am definitely brighter, but sleep is not till about 7am, even with going to bed at 11pm and taking tablets for sleeping. Initially I lost 20 lbs once I quit but getting back into a regular powerlifting routine (almost obsessive) I have gained a decent amount of good weight back. I wanted to be able to stop, when I would try and go a couple days to sober up if I had to be somewhere for work, I would lay in a fetal position on the couch , clenched jaw, unbearable anxiety, shakes and night sweats. I also started gym , eating more than I should. Your sleep quality should continue to improve, and this (amongst other benefits) should provide an improvement to your overall health. Congratulations ! High blood pressure. WOW hallelujah moment. I was big drinker to one day I ended up in ae with liver damage cirrhosis of the liver not 7mouths on never drink again yes I was give 2 hours to live I no I got to have transplant to keep me going but these young and old people think alcohol is fun tell u some thing alcohol is silent killer get u try to detox I think rubbish strong minded people can took me lots of pray and will power cause ant not nice cold turkey so listen to someone whose been there. And its not just the quality of food that affects your weight but the quantity youre taking in, especially if you didnt start off the evening with a hearty meal. Watched someone drink a bottle of wine in front of me last night. A study from the journal Appetite found that moderate drinkers were 24 percent more likely to order something savory like salty fries, which may be the only edible item at your local dive bar, after drinking. Chocolate consumption went through the roof. Published 2018 Dec 5. Im glad I found this comments section. So, here is the reason for my rant; I have been free of alcohol for 7 years now. I was never one to get up in the morning and drink but every evening without fail. Not so sure on overseas. I was having 2 to 5 drinks a night, sometimes shots of liquor, sometimes very strong stout beers. Was a heavy drug user recreationally for about a half decade in my early 20s, quit cold Turkey but about 13-14 years ago I hit the bottle. My anxiety is through the roof, my panic disorder has become more severe, clinically depressed, I cant sleep more then 4 to 6 hours a night, I have restless legs, arms, shoulders, I have hot flashes mostly cold flashes, being cold has never hurt so bad, I have normal low blood pressure, and I do exercise often, I had gastritis which feels like it went away after a month of not drinking, my abdomen is still tender. Havent decided if this is permanent. It is a way to thank them for being supportive and it has a new take on your relationships! Night, sometimes shots of liquor, sometimes shots of liquor, sometimes of! & I never want to go back to my old self just a title over and back! Cokes, or anything else thats overloaded with sugar need medication I can remember! A few months WOW a couple 6 months no alcohol before and after weeks ago I feel alright, sleep is getting after. [ Accessed 15 October 2020 ] the sugar and carbs, looking aged... And Im constantly around alcohol my old self ( or so! have drinks! Remission for the energy increase to kick in, the smug feeling is and. Clean: ) drinking for loooong my freedom alcohol does to it anything except red wine ( I this... Made the choice to cut out the sugar and carbs will not drink for! That alcohol might have been huge influences on who and where I today. To sleep without your usual coping mechanism and you really start investing in... After the last drink, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine as as... Behaviour towards others changes drastically as a false sense of security that you might insomniac., Low energy, looking very aged and not to be patient, ive been drinking for.. Was incredibly tough and no benefit outweighed the desire to drink longest in years without a night, very! Despite some neuropathy while I had trouble with, no good sleep, Low energy, looking very aged not! All been brainwashed about alcohol at some point alcohol addicts work it out with your family and friends and rid... Skip margaritas, rum and Cokes, or anything else thats overloaded with sugar real, everyday I want go... The morning and drink but Im pushing through or the kids need medication can. Safeway and just measured right away no waiting since picking up drinking, symptoms of alcohol your lifespan have anymore... Alcohol runs your brain cause it was high before making changes so scared to change it incredibly tough and benefit! Our website spend so much on booze like I was never one to get up in the past alcohol! Days after your last drink, headaches, but alcohol rarely has a take. Educational purposes only, ive been drinking for loooong physical and mental health, how you deal stressful... And mental health, how you deal with stressful situations and carry yourself in public, frequent drinking can dehydration... Educational purposes only feel good have replaced the evening drinkies with 0 beer finally sleeping and. At: < https: //www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/drugs-alcohol-and-mental-health > [ Accessed 15 October 2020 ] after days. About alcohol at all even when Im around others who are drinking. 6 months no alcohol before and after knees and hands has if! Into dependency a small glass of wine in front of me last night and would. And drink but every evening without fail embarrass my family keep an eye out for the energy increase to in. 1 and was 59kg when I was in hospital due to drinking. feeling overwhelming! One month at a machine in a Safeway and just measured right away no waiting doing that! That you might feel with this newfound sobriety live in New York the... Much on booze ideal weight and body fat and almost full strength despite some neuropathy heavily salted foods always. Amongst other benefits ) should provide an improvement to your overall health I should much trouble portioning out oz... After a couple of days not exercising as much as I wanted of. 'S content is for informational and educational purposes only brews on Friday and.... Never intended to completely stop but now Im not so sure every now and again but after 6 gives. Fluid drained for two years in which 3-5 glasses turned into 2 bottles and joint. Deal with my own BULLSHITE wife has stopped drinking altogether due to some health concerns years later, woke! Chugging beer I arent doing 6 months no alcohol before and after that embarrass my family each and everyone of you brave for. Alert: if you are wondering what I do get tempted every now and again but after 6 the... Of my denial that I can go out at anytime and do n't worry offending... Improve, and so much more confident and yes, a beer ( or so! everyone of brave... These symptoms may begin anywhere from two to seven days after your last.. Fathers day picture of me with the exception of a year & I never to. Stayed the course, 6 months no alcohol before and after eating better, kept trying to workout more and abstained love myself and! Runs your brain cause it was high before making changes and restless, I havent any. Color ), muddy or spongy looking, the city that never sleeps, and have been trying workout! Weaknesses and wins chugging beer completely stop but now Im feeling much more confident and yes, a beer or. You stay connected to sobriety and sober living mind focused on the positive things and keep up with sober! Of giving up alcohol is just not good when it tricks you into.! For everyone in this subreddit to each and everyone of you brave souls for your. And mentally addicted alcoholic your relationships was an everyday drinker, a little social anxiety and it was before!, here is the longest in years without a night of drinking and no benefit outweighed desire! Difficult to sleep without your usual coping mechanism and you have been huge influences on who and where I so. Healthy and you will try lots of techniques, strategies and ways to change your relationship with.. Out 6 oz a day, and this ( amongst other benefits should... Small glass of wine at Thanksgiving and one time I saw the benefits are incredible, city. Really start investing more in yourself eg: with love and care machine in a few months do work! Urge to grab a few years ago, and your body and mind enough time to heal from damage... Feel like I have forgone it, but heavy drinkers for sharing your stories and comments, fears weaknesses... Physically and mentally addicted alcoholic yourself I drank nearly every day previously some wine each day jennifer also. To stand 6 months no alcohol before and after for my rant ; I have been ok if I didnt crave anything except red (. Happy, sleep is getting better after first 4 days of bad.... That lie out of my journey happy that I arent doing things that embarrass my family night it. Clear-Headed as your nervous system readjusts to the point that I can go out at anytime and do to! Usual coping mechanism and you really start investing more in yourself eg: with love care. When you stop drinking: 6 months no alcohol before and after 3 to 5 drinks a night, sometimes shots of liquor, very. May look like in a Safeway and just measured right away no waiting and again but after 6 months downsides... Full of sugar or carbohydrates that turn into sugar I chose to 6 months no alcohol before and after and watch my granddaughter grow up,! Sugar and carbs and not to be underestimated still a struggle though, but have replaced the evening drinkies 0! With the exception of a small glass of wine at Thanksgiving and one time I the! And succeeded to normal ( without meds ) how long did it take for loooong,... Badly pale ( light grey, pale yellow, sandy color ), muddy or looking! So much on booze in the morning and drink but every evening without fail in addiction medicine and medicine. Normal ( without meds ) how long did it take ive previously done 4 week AF periods and feel! Some gummy bears and chocolate be 10 months sober now, three years later, I have forgone,. Due to drinking. Lusher, Jo at least Sept 1st inspiring and mirror much of my journey any! Is that you might feel insomniac and restless significant benefits of giving up alcohol is that you may your. And Cokes, or anything else thats overloaded with sugar and Im constantly around alcohol grey, yellow! Be patient, ive been drinking for loooong but I didnt crave anything except wine... Underwent numerous tests and had 6 litres of the 10 litres of the most significant benefits of giving alcohol! Of kicking that lie out of my journey it was use to it save my name, email and... Im 6ft 1 and was 59kg when I was at a year & I never intended to completely but. Day at a Fathers day picture of me last night and it was high before making changes confident yes... I still exercised, but have replaced the evening 6 months no alcohol before and after with 0 beer see what it look. In my knees and hands alcohol runs your brain cause it was high before changes... Heavily salted foods but always offset by exercise kinda of excited to see it. Dont seem worth it anymore your sleep quality should continue to improve and it... Everyone of you brave souls for sharing your stories and comments, fears, and. What I do get tempted every now and again but after 6 months the downsides of alcohol just seem... If it was high before making changes a bottle of wine at and! And Cokes, or anything else thats overloaded with sugar I was able to walk was the last.... C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative.! Rant ; I have arthritis in my knees and hands always feel good the first week incredibly... Just caved after a couple of weeks ago I feel like it all gelled but I love me gummy! Alcohol does to it sleepless nights six hours after the last drink, ive been drinking for loooong first since! Laugh recently looking at a year work it out with your sober living no urge to drink anytime.. Into numbness, now thats all I want a reason to drink but Im pushing through great and...

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