Whether you’re challenging yourself to a no-drink stint (hello, Dry January) or considering cutting back on alcohol in general, your body can experience some real changes when you stop drinking. We asked health experts what really happens when you take alcohol out of the equation for a month (or longer). Experts say there are benefits to quitting alcohol for a short period, even if you’re a social or moderate drinker. If you drink in excess, cutting out alcohol for a period of time can help your liver, heart, and body composition. Dasgupta said for social and moderate drinkers, participating in a month-long break won’t make much difference to their bodies. However, for people who exceed recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, he said staying away from alcohol for a month can reap changes.

Help & support

In addition, potential improvements in health and wellbeing could have positive effects on relationships. And, for some people, the financial savings could be substantial. Research has also shown that taking a month-long break from alcohol can be good for the liver. Symptoms can range from headache, elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations, and nausea and vomiting to tremors, hallucination and in severe cases death. Many people notice an increase in physical energy and mental alertness after a 90-day break from alcohol.

You explore new hobbies and have new experiences

Drinking dehydrates your skin and makes it puffy and sallow while also yellowing your eyes. Couple this with poor quality sleep and weight gain and there’s no wonder that every before and after photo I’ve seen is shockingly beautiful and hopeful. Take a break from drinking and your skin becomes radiant, your eyes are bright and your demeanor shines. Also, on weekends make plans for dinner and a movie with someone supportive of you.

Boosts Heart Health

Some people choose to continue their alcohol-free lifestyle after the 90 days are up, while others may decide to reintroduce alcohol in moderation. Either way, this period of reflection gives you the power to make more informed choices about your drinking habits moving forward. While some people turn to alcohol to cope with stress or anxiety, alcohol can actually worsen these issues over time. Alcohol alters the brain’s natural balance of chemicals that regulate mood, leading to increased feelings of anxiety, irritability, or even taking a break from alcohol depression, particularly the day after drinking. Alcohol is high in empty calories, which can contribute to weight gain. A glass of wine, for example, can contain over 120 calories, and those calories add up quickly if you drink regularly.

• One of the most common challenges is feeling bored or restless without the usual social lubricant.
• You are thinking more clearly and proving to yourself that life without alcohol is not only possible but also better.
• If you need a break from alcohol, going alcohol-free for a month or more can bring about many physical and mental health benefits.
• After all, a serving of alcohol is a 12-ounce beer, 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard alcohol.1 Most people have more than that at happy hour or on the weekend.
• The proliferation of craft mocktails made with nonalcoholic distilled spirits is making it easier and more fun for people who abstain from alcohol to feel like they are still part of the party.

• Alcohol depletes the body of essential vitamins and nutrients that are vital for hair health—like biotin, zinc, and folic acid.
• They’re going without alcohol for 30 days, they explain, and are documenting their experience in a podcast and on Instagram at #boozelessATX.
• 6 tips to help you try dry January, or taking any break from alcohol.

While that amount is generally thought to be okay for your health, having more than that https://ecosoberhouse.com/ on a regular basis isn’t. The thing is, it’s easy to go above moderate levels of drinking is a mainstay of your social life. After all, a serving of alcohol is a 12-ounce beer, 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard alcohol.1 Most people have more than that at happy hour or on the weekend. Some people choose to quit drinking for only a short period of time (like a few weeks to a few months) because they’re on a health kick. Either way, whether you’re fully committing to an alcohol-free lifestyle or just testing the waters, here are some tips to help you cut back or cut it out entirely.

But with a bit of assertiveness, you can gracefully sidestep it. Decline with a smile and a simple “no, thanks,” and share your reasons for abstaining if you feel comfortable. Seek out friends and family who are supportive of your goals and consider social events that don’t center around alcohol. And remember, adopting healthier habits can drug addiction treatment significantly complement your alcohol-free journey.

• If you think you might have an alcohol use disorder, there are evidence-based treatment options that can help you to quit drinking.
• Biotin supports keratin production, zinc helps maintain healthy oil glands, and folic acid facilitates cell turnover and the regeneration of hair follicles.
• But remember, if you think you may be dependent on alcohol, you should consult your doctor or another medical professional before stopping drinking.
• It can be frustrating to feel like your mood is out of your control, but this phase is temporary.

However, if you’re banking on a month-long break from alcohol to help you lose weight, Kumar said it’s not your best bet. While alcohol is high in calories, and wine, beer, and mixed drinks add sugar to one’s diet, Kumar said that simply cutting it out may not always help you lose weight. Many people participate in “dry January” and take the month off from drinking alcohol to reset after the holiday season.

For those who need 24/7 support and a structured environment, our residential treatment program provides a safe space to focus on healing. Clients live on-site and receive individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and holistic treatments designed to address both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction. Residential treatment removes the temptations and triggers of daily life, allowing individuals to fully commit to recovery.

That’s because alcohol consists of empty calories and can lead to temptation when it comes to foods you might typically have the willpower to refrain from. In this article, we’ll offer practical tips to support your success and address common challenges you might face when abstaining from alcohol. Whether you’re interested in improving your sleep or simply testing your willpower, we’ll help you decide if going from cocktail to mocktail is right for you. Define why you want to cut back on or quit alcohol, and set specific, achievable goals, such as reducing the amount you drink or the frequency of your drinking.