According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use & Health, alcohol use disorder is a condition impacting over 27.9 million people 12 and over. It causes issues with relationships, finances, employment, and health. Many people want to stop and do an alcohol, but withdrawal symptoms prevent them from doing so.
When people stop drinking, their body struggles to function properly, resulting in unpleasant side effects. They know alcohol will relieve these symptoms and often go back to drinking before they become fully sober.
Withdrawal is not pleasant, but once you get over that initial hump, you will feel better and see improvements in other aspects of your life. This article will explain what happens in the first year after you stop drinking so you can focus on the big picture.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Let’s start by focusing on the worst part of early sobriety, alcohol withdrawal. It’s not fun, but it has to be done if you want to move on a higher quality of living. Here’s what’s you can expect.
- 0-24 hours after your last drink: Tremors, sweating, headache, digestive issues, difficulty sleeping
- 24-72 hours after your last drink: Peak withdrawal symptoms including mood volatility, cravings, difficulty sleeping vivid dreams, delirium tremens risk for some
- Days 3-7: Symptoms will begin to ease and improve
The Need for Assisted Detox
Detox is rough, but it can be easier with a supervised approach. A Sage Journal Study reveals this strategy leads to higher success rates with 85.7% of study participants achieving successful detox with assistance as compared to 62.7% who detoxed without supervision.
A professional will oversee the detox process, with the following services.
- Relapse Prevention: Individuals understand that going back to using will help them overcome withdrawal symptoms. That’s why relapse is so prevalent in early sobriety. A professional will supervise alcohol detox to ensure relapse doesn’t occur.
- Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT): Various medications may be used to reduce cravings including:
o Naltrexone: Blocks opioid receptors to reduce the pleasurable effects of alcohol.
o Acamprosate: Reduces withdrawal symptoms
o Disulfiram: Inhibits alcohol metabolism so it causes unpleasant effects.
o Benzodiazepines: Manages withdrawal symptoms short-term
- Ensuring Comfort: The provider will ensure you detox in a comfortable setting to ease symptoms and anxiety.
- Safety Measures: In some instances, alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, causing seizures, hallucinations, severe vomiting, and chest pain. A provider will oversee the patient and call emergency services if necessary.
Once the initial detox stage is over, providers can continue offering care. Facilities typically offer ongoing services such as therapy, teaching patients coping skills, so they learn healthy ways to deal with stressors. In the later stages, patients may continue attending therapy and work on skills building and social skills as they adapt to society.
The Reason Behind Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
People who consume alcohol heavily begin to get used to how it impacts their bodies. It affects their brain chemistry, major organs, sleep, and immune function. When alcohol leaves the system, the body struggles to function correctly, causing withdrawal symptoms.
While it may feel unpleasant, the body is actually healing. After you get over the initial hump, you will begin experiencing various health benefits that carry over into your personal life.
What Happens When You Stop Drinking?
Drinking impacts almost every part of you. Here’s a look at what’s going on behind the scenes.
- Physical Health: Alcohol impacts:
o The liver increasing the risk of liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure
o The heart- alcohol is a leading cause of high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, alcoholic cardiomyopathy, heart attack, and stroke
o The pancreas- drinking causes toxic substances to build up leading to pancreatitis
o The brain is impacted by alcohol leading to poor judgement and decision-making and an increased risk of dementia
o Kidney function is impacted potentially leading to kidney disease
o The immune system is weakened by ongoing alcohol use making the body more vulnerable to illness.
- Mental Health: In addition to all the damage alcohol does to cognitive function, it can also impact mood. People who drink are often prone to mood swings, irritability, depression, and anxiety.
- Personal Wellness: An alcohol use disorder can impact your finances, your ability to perform well in school and at work, and your relationships with other people. Poor judgement can also lead to legal issues.
When you stop drinking, your physical and mental health improves, especially if you integrate other wellness measures like exercise and nutrition. However, you must work on fixing your relationship issues. It may take time, and therapy may be involved but people who truly love you will stick by you.
Tracking Sobriety Milestones
Withdrawal symptoms can linger, but you should begin feeling considerably better after the first month of detox. Issues may arise, but you will be on a positive trajectory moving forward. Here’s what you can look forward to in your first year of sobriety.
Month Two
- Clearer Thinking: In the second month, you will notice various cognitive benefits including reduced anxiety and improved focus.
- Dealing with Triggers: Month two is also a time to deal with triggers without the help of alcohol. You must learn to choose the right social groups and to integrate coping mechanisms for emotional regulation.
- Therapy and Lifestyle Changes: Typically, individuals will work closely with therapists to ensure they can overcome stressors in a healthy manner. Therapy often continues through the first year and beyond.
Month 3
- Better Skin: Alcohol dehydrates the skin causing inflammation, redness, dullness, poor texture, dark circles, and breakouts. In month two, you will see noticeable improvements in the skin. You will begin looking healthier and more radiant.
- Improved Digestion: People with alcohol disorders often experience damage to the lining of the digestive tract reducing the ability to absorb nutrients and causing issues like diarrhea, acid reflux, and constipation. In month three, these issues will begin to dissipate while better nutrient absorption contributes to overall wellness.
- Mood Stabilizing: Although alcohol may initially promote relaxation and euphoria, it disrupts brain chemistry leading to mood swings over time. After alcohol detox, your mood will regulate, with benefits becoming noticeable in month three.
Months 4-6
- Cognitive Improvements: Alcohol impairs cognitive function, leading to poor judgement, slow reaction times, and memory loss. In months 4-6, you should begin experiencing improved cognitive function, with better focus, memory, and learning abilities.
- Lab Marker Normalization: Those under a doctor’s care may see improvements in lab markers such as enzymes, liver, and triglycerides. For example, a 2004 study on the biomarkers for alcohol use and abuse reveals improvements in liver and metabolic function after abstaining from alcohol for just one week.
- Adjusting to a Routine: Individuals are often required to adjust to a routine including a nutritious diet, exercise, and healthy habits that help them keep their mind off drinking. In months 4-6, you will find yourself getting into your routine more easily. It will become second nature.
Months 7-9
- Surprise Cravings: Despite improvements, you may still find yourself experiencing surprise cravings, especially when stressors and triggers arise. Continue to revisit your coping strategies to maintain sobriety.
- Deeper Work on Relationships: Likely, during early sobriety, you made amends with many of the people who were impacted by your substance abuse disorder. At the 7–9-month stage, it’s time to really reflect on your relationships and work on healing.
- Making Plans: Your stability in maintaining sobriety should allow you to make plans that add purpose to your life. For example, you may decide to visit a loved one for the holidays or engage in another type of travel.
Months 10-12
- Better Sleep: Although alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, it suppresses deep REM sleep leading to more awakenings throughout the night. Over time, it may cause you to develop bigger issues like sleep apnea, night sweats, and headaches. Those problems should clear up by the end of your first year of alcohol detox, so you sleep better overall.
- Relapse Risks: Relapse risk may still exist. Maintain strong support groups so you don’t give in to your urges.
- Celebrate Milestones: Now is a great time to congratulate yourself for all your hard work. Consider treating yourself with a spa day, journaling to reflect on your journey, hosting a sober party, volunteering at a local shelter or food bank, or attending a meeting to share your story and receive a sobriety token.
BlueCrest Health Supports Recovery Goals
Early sobriety isn’t easy, but BlueCrest Health supports you every step of the way. We assist with admissions and help you maintain sobriety with an effective wellness plan. Our team oversees every aspect of your wellbeing, ensuring long-term recovery rates.
Contact us when you are ready to leave drugs and alcohol behind and move on to a higher quality of life.
FAQs
What are the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms?
The most dangerous withdrawal symptoms are seizures and delirium tremens (DTs). They are rare but potentially fatal and typically occur 24-72 hours after the last drink. Warning signs include confusion, hallucinations, and severe agitation.
What is Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)?
PAWS refers to withdrawal symptoms that last weeks, months, or even years after quitting alcohol. It is more likely to occur in people that used alcohol heavily and those with mental health issues. The condition can be treated with ongoing support, healthy lifestyle habits, and medications.
What should I do if I have trouble sleeping after I quit drinking?
Insomnia is common in early sobriety. If you are having trouble sleeping, practice good sleep hygiene by relaxing before bedtime, following a consistent sleep routine, and creating a relaxing environment in your bedroom.
What’s Next?
Ready to start moving toward recovery? Contact our intake team today for a consultation and additional details.