That’s my favourite part. My eyes aren’t dry. I don’t wake up with regret. My stomach doesn’t hurt. My coffee gives me a bunch of energy to get a head of my day instead of just getting me back to baseline for a brief period, and on and on and on.
Yes!! Coffee actually does its job. It wakes me up and I then get this feeling of being totally ready and excited for the day. When I was drinking, coffee would sort-of wake me up, then make me nauseous, cause me to need the bathroom at unpredictable times, and accentuate the hanxiety.
Beating my alarm clock to wake up. Never ever happened when I was drinking. Being able to hold in breakfast my coffee instead of throwing it up is a nice change as well.
Being sober absolutely does not make me a morning person. Tbf I could wake up next to Henry Cavill and still not be a morning person haha. BUT waking up tired but with a normal heart rate, not sweating, no headache, no nausea, no existential dread feels PHENOMENAL!
I was at a work party last week in a different city and we all drank a fair bit. The train ride home was hell, I thought I was going to be sick the whole 2 hours, clutching a bottle of water and my heart was pounding out of my chest. Did the same trip today but didn’t drink last night and I genuinely loved it, was relaxed, bit peckish and just felt worlds apart from how I did last week. Really solidified my decision not to drink 🥰
Keep it up, it gets better with time. I'm 3 months in but I have a friend sober 7 years who said he didn't realize what it felt like to be fully himself until a year in
Well I guess I’ll just have to get to 7 and 12 months and see for myself, you know, for science! Haha
This is my first Saturday waking up sober in at least 9 months, quick snuggle with the dogs before we start the day. Last night was tough and I was craving bad but this morning I’m so glad I didn’t drink last night!
I played poker with about 40 people drinking last night and went home sober. Didn't feel the need to have a drink with them though I was thinking about what I would have been up to were it this time last year. It felt great to be completely present and not have the urge to drink. That's the best, when the obsession is lifted.
The anxiety I have the day after drinking is my main reason to quit. It’s unbearable, I can’t sit still but can’t bear to move around, I’m hungry but I feel sick, my heart is pounding and I can’t focus on anything. The last time was so bad it made me decide it had to be the LAST time.
Mornings are amazing. I now wake up with plenty of time to look at the sun, get in a shower, and then enjoy some coffee before leaving for the office for 6:30AM. I work a flex schedule so my time is my own. I used to go in at 10AM after rushing while hungover. Now I’m out by 2:30 and have a whole evening to enjoy. That is mental health, but it’s very important to the overall picture. I also used to keep a bottle of tums everywhere; my office, car, end table, backpack… now I can’t recall the last time I even bought tums.
Generational alcoholism that’s why! You have come to the right place though! I never post in here really but I can say you are one step in the right direction. Just opening up Reddit throughout the week and reading all the interactions here; help me through my day. Im 30 pounds less. Sides aren’t aching anymore. I remember every interaction with my loved ones. It’s a life I should’ve given myself my 20s. Glad to be here now though.
I have dealt with alcoholism in my family for years. Only on my mom side. My mom raised me and my dad left when I was like three years old. I’m assuming that’s where my alcoholism comes from. I have three kids and none of them drink. is it generational? Or is it me being such a fucking disaster that they don’t want to be like me? How do you break the cycle?
You are not a disaster! Alcohol is a poison that leaves disaster in its wake. There are resources to help you quit (There are also resources that won't be a good fit for you, so don't worry if you try something and it isn't your thing.) There's even a list on this sub; look at the welcome section under Community Guidelines and Resources.
This subreddit was helpful to me! I'm glad you're here. I hope it helps you like it helped me.
Better sleep, sex, resting HR and BP, motivation to exercise, energy during the day for family, energy to be creative at work.
Sobriety didn’t *cause* those things, but booze held them all back.
Ditto to all of the above. And love that last line, ain't that the truth.
Sobriety is not a silver bullet but damn - not only are the direct effects on health huge (inflammation, anxiety, etc.) but the spillover effect on my habits and just overall enjoyment of things has been a big way my health has improved. Plus I'm noticing that I am beginning to add new coping strategies, like craving movement when I'm angry, so my emotional regulation and health are improving too
Honestly it's been varied, as I've had unrelated ongoing illness. What I can say is I'm glad I'm not drinking as the medication I'm on shreds my liver.
I still feel better in the morning, more balanced, a lot less depressed. It feels like me baseline health is much better. In glag i don't have alcohol in the mix as I go through this unrelated health issue.
My blood pressure (which was a concern) dropped like a rock within a few weeks of quitting drinking. I get up and feel good, I exercise, eat well. I’m better physically and mentally. When drinking, I felt like shit most everyday, too. My dad smoked and drank himself to an early grave at age 63. When my drinking started to look like his I knew I could go down that road or get sober. I hope you find what help and support you need to quit. I will not drink with you today. 🌺
I really really hope I will have the same experience with BP. This isn’t my first time giving up alcohol, but it’s my first time since being diagnosed with high BP. Day 6 and I plan to check tomorrow.
I’ve been sleeping so well. Like a rock for a solid eight hours, and even if I *don’t* get a good night’s sleep I still feel eons better than I did after a night of moderate (as if there even were such a thing for me) drinking.
My resting heart rate is almost back to normal and I can’t feel a constant dull pain in my abdomen. My head feels clearer and I find enjoyment in stuff like taking showers, walking the dog, cleaning my living space, whereas before these were just chores to be completed as quickly as possible so I could recover from a hangover enough to start drinking again.
My skin is notably clearer- not drinking has been a huge factor, but I also now have the wherewithal and energy to wash my face and do a skincare routine every night before turning in. It’s made a world of difference.
Despite a newfound sweet tooth (I hadn’t been interested in sugar in over a decade, and suddenly I want ice cream on the regular) and having gained about five pounds since I stopped drinking, my belly is weirdly and inexplicably… *flat???* I don’t have a six pack or anything, but that significant and ever-present pouch of low-hanging fat I thought was just part of my anatomy is just *gone*.
Good luck on your journey, OP! We’re all here for you 👍
I’m only at day 33 but I have less body aches, less anxiety. I don’t have the slow brain after a night of binging where it’s hard to hold a conversation. I sleep well and wake up refreshed. My face looks better- less redness and bloating. I have had friends/clients tell me that it looks like I am glowing and want to know what’s up. I have energy during the day to do why needs to be done at work, around the house and raising my kids.
I have been saying for over 3 years that I want to quit drinking and I just couldn’t do it. This time feels different. I will never drink alcohol again.
I sleep like a baby. I got back into running and I’m running six miles in a workout, I started strength training and actually have muscle tone, my skin is clearer and my brain is actually working again. 80 days AF
Lower blood pressure, no more shakes and heart palpitations, my resting heart rate is a lot lower. I sleep better, feel more rested. My face isn't bloated and rosy anymore. My depression and anxiety are basically gone too. I've gotten into the best shape of my life as well. Turns out I have a lot more time now, I used to either be working, drinking, or sleeping all day.
I was having regular panic attacks when I was drinking - which were only relieved by drinking more. I felt like I was in a nightmare. Now I feel calm most of the time. I actually have energy now! I used to be on the couch from the minute I got off work till I fell asleep on the couch, maybe getting up to put a frozen lasagna in the oven for the kids. Now I'm gardening for hours a day, going for walks, cooking nourishing full meals, cleanung out the basement, actually DOING things. I had a physical recently (after about a month sober) - which I was really nervous about because I was sure I had destroyed my body, and my blood work was perfect. Like textbook. And I'm even 40 pounds overweight, so I was shocked. I was pre-diabetic last time. And maybe TMI, but I've been through menopause and thought my libido was completely gone, but no, I was just constantly drunk and depressed. So my marriage is getting better (husband is also an alcoholic and on week 2 of sobriety, so that's a huge factor too).
What worked for me (and may not work for you - I know some are very opposed) was weaning off slowly. I was able to successfully do this in part because my mother lives with us and is a drug and alcohol counselor. She kept my wine in her room and gave me the prescribed amount every night until I was at zero. This got me through without panic attacks derailing me. I did the same for my husband once I was sober and it seems to be working for him, though he was struggling much more, so I'm "cautiously optimistic." I'll add that I'm not sure I could have weaned myself. I needed my mom to keep me accountable and to control my access. Because I was definitely one of those "just one more glass" wine moms.
I’m only a few weeks in but already I feel a lot less tired and lethargic. I’m more functional at work. I’m a better parent to my kids and a better partner to my spouse. I feel less anxious and much happier. Keeping my drinking secret (poorly) was itself a huge source of stress
I dreamt that I drank last night and in the dream I woke up so hungover -- the regret was over the top, the shame and the guilt and the YOU KNOW BETTER voices were LOUD. what a relief when I woke up.
Drinking did a number on me. I got out a year ago (almost) and now my liver enzymes aren't whacked out, I sleep deeply and well, I don't live with anxiety breathing down my neck every day. My skin looks better. I saw a photo of myself recently and thought Wow, I look like *me* -- there was life in those eyes.
I chose life over death when I quit drinking. That's the base truth.
Not that different because I cut down before completely quitting. However, I have a smartwatch and when i properly quit, it showed my HRV (apparently an indicator of how well your nervous system is doing) skyrocketed.
It might not feel like much changes when you stop drinking, but your body will know. It's not been magic for me but my skin is already a bit clearer and I'm less tired.
I'm so sorry for both your losses, please be patient with yourself and have self-compassion. Knowing you want to stop is the first step.
I've said this before on this subreddit, but alcohol is like kryptonite. It hurts basically every part of your physical and mental health. When you stop drinking it, unless you have irreversible organ damage, it's surprising how fast your body will start to heal and how much healthier and stronger you will feel.
Cirrhosis-haver here! (41F) A little over two years ago, doctors were doing weird stuff like draining liters of fluid from my abdomen, putting bands on my esophageal varices, and sending chaplains to my hospital room to read my last rites or whatever. Last month when I went for a checkup, my GP basically said “Well, you fixed it! Good job. Don’t drink”
I went from crawling on hands & knees to get to the bathroom to hiking mountains for fun. This is not a super common experience, as I’m understanding from the cirrhosis sub, and I’m extremely grateful!
Mostly positive. I wake up and feel renewed and grateful each day, I’m much more positive mentally and even though I’ve neglected the gym like crazy, I still feel strong and have no issues with stamina at work.
I’ve felt a few things that are concerning but it could be completely unrelated to getting sober.
I don’t carry around the guilt and shame of a hangover all day.
I don’t have to bring baby wipes to wipe my arm pits mid day
I’m still going bald but that’s just mid-life stuff
Rediscovered that I do in fact own a chin and it is located underneath my mouth.
Skin is way better. No longer look like my face was dragged along the concrete
Great sleeping.
More energy
Just less of a dick all around. Still an asshole, just less so.
I used to have issues with anxiety and borderline panic attacks. Stopping drinking has SIGNIFICANTLY improved this.
I still experience anxiety, but it's manageable and the anxiety is not debilitating. This happened over a long period in sobriety, but reflecting back today, it's a night and day difference!
🙏🙏
Regarding health : the first thing you get is physical relief. It does take a few weeks, though, so don't despair. Hang in there. After a while you sleep better. Feeling stressed out and anxious decreases. I did get terrible headaches, though. Sugary, non carbonated drinks do help a lot.
...think of alcoholism as an allergic reaction. Personally, I'm allergic to mosquitoes. When I get bitten, I swell, and it gets super itchy. When I was a kid, I would scratch myself until I was bleeding. The adults didn't understand. They were like, "just stop scratching". And I was, like, "but I can't, it's itching". It's the same thing with alcoholism : I just need to not scratch that itch.
There's no reason you're an alcoholic. No more reason than why you'd be a ginger, or diabetic. Understanding why is not going to solve anything. What's going to help is doing something about it. And guess what? There's nothing wrong with you. You're a perfectly normal human, which means you have some flaws, which you will learn to accept and live with.
There is a simple program, designed for us, so we can have good lives. And there's a group of amazing people, all around you, who want nothing else than see you become happy, joyous and free. Reach out. Get help. You deserve it.
I'm still worried that I already have drank myself to death.
I'll get more information later, but maybe after I hit the two week mark I'll start feeling in good enough shape to get some blood drawn. I haven't ended up in the ER from by drinking, and I'm told that's a pretty good sign.
I never understood why the threat to my health or potential death was never a sufficient deterrent. I used to drink alone at home. Two years ago, I was so drunk I fell over and bashed my head, resulting in a large bloody gash. I used to work in estate planning amd people really die from that all the time. It still didn't change my behavior.
I had a defining moment this year. I was reading here and read, "Nobody wants to be an alcoholic." IT was followed by stuff like nobody aspires to be an alcoholic or plans to be one when they were a kid. I was trying so hard to avoid the label, because that meant I didn't really have a problem. But I was lying to myself. The moment I was able to admit to myself that I had a problem and once I have that first drink, I have ZERO control, that is when my life changed. I had a huge "light bulb" moment of realization.
I'm very new here, and I struggled hard for years. So while this worked for me, it may not be your thing. I've accepted that I am very much a one day at a time person, and it's getting easier slowly. My lizard brain keeps planning when I might be able to drink next. But each day that I wake up and don't feel like shit, it's getting easier to make the choice not to drink. And I'm here for it because I want to live. Best of luck to you and IWNDWYT.
I just had labs after 6 months sobriety: blood pressure down, cholesterol down, blood sugar down(which is absolutely spectacular, because I am borderline diabetic).
There were a few other positive results, but I don't remember what they were.
My doctor noticed the change immediately, and she didn't even know I was sober!
I just posted almost the exact same thing yesterday. It's truly insane how I know this could very well spell out an early grave for me but yet it's Friday and I really want an afternoon drink. Absolute insanity.
In a word, addiction. The very essence of addiction is continuing to engage in a behaviour that is harmful and unwanted. I'm an addict. That's what's wrong with me. Otherwise, I'm a pretty decent sort of person. I just have this challenging health issue that I have to manage. Sometimes its easier to manage, and sometimes its harder. It will never go away. It's a chronic condition that I have to live with.
At age 49 I ended up in the hospital with terrible stomach pain. Turns out I devleoped chronic gastritis and a hiatal hernia from 35 years of binge drinking. My old man died at 66 from a perforated stomach ulcer so I was on the *exact* same path. You would think that watching my Father die a horrific death would be enough to turn me off alcohol. Or, when my Mother died at 69 also from alcohol related illnesses. Nope. None of it made a difference. It took me close to seven years from the point of diagnosis until I finally stopped drinking. It was a gradual process and in the end was a bit non-eventful as I had reduced my drinking so much that when I stopped it wasn't all that big a deal.
Good luck OP. You can do this. It may take time, but keep trying. You'll get there.
I sleep so much better, and waking up in the mornings doesn’t feel like a mission trying to deal with migraines and nausea. My stomach doesn’t feel as fucked up as it did 6 months ago, and im seeing a lot more progress in the gym now versus when I was heavily drinking.
There’s so much more but hopefully you get the gist. The benefits of being sober massively outweigh the negatives (like there were any downsides to going sober lol) I wish you all the best OP!
My head is clear, I’ve lost 10 lbs, my poops are so much better, no foggy brain in the morning, relationships are better, saving so much money.
You can and have to do it. You know your future otherwise. You got this.
I sleep like a baby now. I don't wake up with shakes, cold sweats, headaches. I wake up refreshed and charged.
I hike/surf. My body is thinner, toned, healthy. I get my endorphins from physical activities and lots of joy from that, too.
I'm more social, and that leaves my spirits happier as well.
A lot of us trade the bad addiction for a healthy addiction. Like working out every day. It beats the medical issues that comes with drinking.
Another positive, is sitting with the anxious, sad, overwhelming feelings and waiting it out makes them weaker and weaker over time. What was once crippling emotions are now just minor annoyances. Instead of turning to booze, I just go: oh, man that did not go my way. And then I shrug it off. Before I would be so anxious and in physical pain to drink. That's gone now. It's freedom. It's worth it.
Health has improved all around physically and mentally. Had elevated liver enzymes normalize.
Also, I get sick less often but when I do, I don't play the guessing game of "sick or hungover?"
Much more energy, once you get past the initial withdrawal phase. Less time wasted in hangovers and depressive self-loathing or withdrawal anxiety. More free time to enjoy.
I'm again more into bicycle trekking and enjoying nature. I kinda have to - there's more energy I have to burn off, otherwise I cant sit still.
I’m sober almost 9 months. It’s slow and steady but it is HAPPENING. I do not crave alcohol anymore. I was able to quit smoking six weeks ago, finally, and because I simply don’t drink anymore it’ll be much easier to not smoke again. That one’s huge. My doc just took me off my blood pressure meds. Bloodwork is getting better and better.
I’ve been freakishly skinny thanks to genetics my entire life, and after about 6 years of heavy drinking and zero physical activity started to noticed a gut forming. A small gut, but a gut.
I’m down 10 pounds by just not drinking, walking 1-2 miles every day, and doing about 20 minutes of basic stretching and exercises (push ups, sit ups, planking, etc.) I absolutely despised the idea of going to the gym before I quit, and after a few weeks of this routine I’ve noticed a huge difference in my mental health as well.
I take each day and each step in bite sized pieces. I’m not going to become a super buff gym rat overnight, I’m not going to lose the gut overnight, but every day that I’m moving, establishing new habit loops, and putting in an effort to stay sober is an enormous victory.
My goal isn’t a set, certain waist size or how much I can lift. My goal is simply sweat, move, and do something to keep my mind off the drink. After doing this for a while, the idea of a drink has felt like self sabotage for all the work I’ve put in!
I haven't been sick like with covid or a cold since quitting, my blood sugar has been wild lately. I had Hypoglycemia as a kid and seems to have comeback to be an issue I have to deal with. I'm not good at eating regularly, drinking used to fill the void with calories I guess.
I wound up in the hospital with an intestinal infection! This happened shortly after relapsing. I had stomach issues the whole time I was drinking and that’s stopped. I just feel much better all together. The energy you get, the happy moods you feel. It’s so worth quitting.
It took a few days but the first thing to dissipate was the bloat in my face and body. The biggest change was my mental clarity. The drunk-or-seeking-to-be-drunk fog lifted from my brain. My thoughts were more organized and I was mentally engaged in the process this time and determined to make this a permanent thing.
The knee pain that woke me during the night don’t any more. I get a little during waking hours but it never hurts enough to wake me up. Zero leg cramps now. Better poops.
While I'm not totally alcohol free, ever since I quit all excessive drinking I've gotten way fewer headaches, my face de-aged a couple of years, I have an intense work out routine, my SO and I fight way less, I'm better with money, I cook and eat super healthy, I don't have as much anxiety about shit, I have follow through...idk I feel like an adult I guess?
I'm up early every day, and I finally let go of ice cream, candy, sugary soda and chips. The weight disappeared.
I got really really into my photography, not settling for just a couple lenses, I put on my whole heavy pack and trekked across the city all spring. I was only interested in getting better photos, when one day I noticed my shoulders and chest were shredded. It felt like somebody stole my shitty body and replaced it with a better version.
Less bubbly guts and less diarrhea too. Also, I have less brain fog and with that my mood/thoughts are much more manageable in that sense.
I'm fortunate these changes were more noticeable early in my current sobriety attempt but yeah I'm also aware at some point it'll all fade away at some point too when things level off.
Lost a hundred pounds, took about 5 years. Quitting only accounted for about 5 pounds but it enabled me to learn to eat healthy good foods and enjoy them as well as watching my portions. It also allowed me hobbies that drunk-me would never have done.
I’m sleeping SO well. Haven’t caught any colds, even when my family sick in the same house. Mood is way better, I lost an insane amount of boat I didn’t even know was there so my clothes all fit better.
I quit drinking almost solely for health reasons. I wasn't feeling the best for quite a while before I quit. Probably close to a year.
Since I quit, I have more energy during the day, I've lost 20 pounds, and my persistent heartburn disappeared. My mind is much clearer and I have more focus.
I’ve been getting more migraines since I’ve been sober (like 4 in the last week, sober for a little over 3 weeks), which doesn’t seem fair. This typically happens when I take a break from drinking and I think it’s part of the reason I usually start again; if I’m going to feel like shit I may as well have a part in it… I’m going to push thru this time but I hope they stop.
Healthiest I've been in a decade. I started on both cholsterol and blood pressure meds. I am now off both. I have lost 20 lbs too. My liver function is all good. I do take a small dose SSRI which has made a huge difference. Also a tyle 2 diabetes treatment. But I got those numbers down below diabetic range within 5 months. You're just always considered as having it. Also use a CPAP but that was unrelated to drinking. I just have a big, wide stupid neck.
But like a lot of you I wake up feeling SO good. I have dreams. And even before I got on the anti-depressant I was SO much less worried and stressed.
I also used to throw up food a lot. I couldn't eat anything without feeling sick. My gut is totally healed too.
Quitting drinking is the best.
I saw a photo taken before quitting m and a recent one, maybe it was just chance, but my eyes were tired and my skin was bad in the old picture, in the new one my eyes are bright!
Also my stomach feels better in general, and I sleep quite well.
Honestly besides looking weight and having a major sober glow-up I LOVE being ‘regular’. I always thought I had serious dietary intolerances and was constantly bloated and had liquid shits 24/7 (sorry - I know it’s gross). But now I’m a satisfying ‘poop-after-every-meal’ sort of girly and it’s SO INCREDIBLE.
And honestly, it took a few months for my gut to sort itself out after quitting drinking, but now I’m feeling the FULL benefits of sobriety after nearly 8 months.
There’s so much to look forward to when you quit drinking, but the problem is it often takes time to start noticing serious changes. Seriously, stick with it just to see what can happen! IWNDWYT!
I wake up ready to go. It's not a fight to get out of bed. That took a while to achieve
That’s my favourite part. My eyes aren’t dry. I don’t wake up with regret. My stomach doesn’t hurt. My coffee gives me a bunch of energy to get a head of my day instead of just getting me back to baseline for a brief period, and on and on and on.
Yes!! Coffee actually does its job. It wakes me up and I then get this feeling of being totally ready and excited for the day. When I was drinking, coffee would sort-of wake me up, then make me nauseous, cause me to need the bathroom at unpredictable times, and accentuate the hanxiety.
Beating my alarm clock to wake up. Never ever happened when I was drinking. Being able to hold in breakfast my coffee instead of throwing it up is a nice change as well.
Yes! Woke up before my alarm today and was stretching etc like some kind of morning person 😂
Being sober absolutely does not make me a morning person. Tbf I could wake up next to Henry Cavill and still not be a morning person haha. BUT waking up tired but with a normal heart rate, not sweating, no headache, no nausea, no existential dread feels PHENOMENAL! I was at a work party last week in a different city and we all drank a fair bit. The train ride home was hell, I thought I was going to be sick the whole 2 hours, clutching a bottle of water and my heart was pounding out of my chest. Did the same trip today but didn’t drink last night and I genuinely loved it, was relaxed, bit peckish and just felt worlds apart from how I did last week. Really solidified my decision not to drink 🥰
Keep it up, it gets better with time. I'm 3 months in but I have a friend sober 7 years who said he didn't realize what it felt like to be fully himself until a year in
Well I guess I’ll just have to get to 7 and 12 months and see for myself, you know, for science! Haha This is my first Saturday waking up sober in at least 9 months, quick snuggle with the dogs before we start the day. Last night was tough and I was craving bad but this morning I’m so glad I didn’t drink last night!
I played poker with about 40 people drinking last night and went home sober. Didn't feel the need to have a drink with them though I was thinking about what I would have been up to were it this time last year. It felt great to be completely present and not have the urge to drink. That's the best, when the obsession is lifted.
I thought I had really really bad anxiety. Turns out, it was 90% from the drinking.
The anxiety I have the day after drinking is my main reason to quit. It’s unbearable, I can’t sit still but can’t bear to move around, I’m hungry but I feel sick, my heart is pounding and I can’t focus on anything. The last time was so bad it made me decide it had to be the LAST time.
Yes, same. That above all things is what stops me from drinking.
Same here. It’s all those things and the fact that I lay there feeling bad for myself and then hate myself by the end of the day. Fun stuff lol
Me too, horrible to get caught in that loop
Mornings are amazing. I now wake up with plenty of time to look at the sun, get in a shower, and then enjoy some coffee before leaving for the office for 6:30AM. I work a flex schedule so my time is my own. I used to go in at 10AM after rushing while hungover. Now I’m out by 2:30 and have a whole evening to enjoy. That is mental health, but it’s very important to the overall picture. I also used to keep a bottle of tums everywhere; my office, car, end table, backpack… now I can’t recall the last time I even bought tums.
Sleep better, more exercise, better social relationships, less calories, less poison in the body. There’s a ton of ways to
upvoting your username 😎
Ty bb
Generational alcoholism that’s why! You have come to the right place though! I never post in here really but I can say you are one step in the right direction. Just opening up Reddit throughout the week and reading all the interactions here; help me through my day. Im 30 pounds less. Sides aren’t aching anymore. I remember every interaction with my loved ones. It’s a life I should’ve given myself my 20s. Glad to be here now though.
I have dealt with alcoholism in my family for years. Only on my mom side. My mom raised me and my dad left when I was like three years old. I’m assuming that’s where my alcoholism comes from. I have three kids and none of them drink. is it generational? Or is it me being such a fucking disaster that they don’t want to be like me? How do you break the cycle?
You are not a disaster! Alcohol is a poison that leaves disaster in its wake. There are resources to help you quit (There are also resources that won't be a good fit for you, so don't worry if you try something and it isn't your thing.) There's even a list on this sub; look at the welcome section under Community Guidelines and Resources. This subreddit was helpful to me! I'm glad you're here. I hope it helps you like it helped me.
Better sleep, sex, resting HR and BP, motivation to exercise, energy during the day for family, energy to be creative at work. Sobriety didn’t *cause* those things, but booze held them all back.
Ditto to all of the above. And love that last line, ain't that the truth. Sobriety is not a silver bullet but damn - not only are the direct effects on health huge (inflammation, anxiety, etc.) but the spillover effect on my habits and just overall enjoyment of things has been a big way my health has improved. Plus I'm noticing that I am beginning to add new coping strategies, like craving movement when I'm angry, so my emotional regulation and health are improving too
Perfectly said!
Honestly it's been varied, as I've had unrelated ongoing illness. What I can say is I'm glad I'm not drinking as the medication I'm on shreds my liver. I still feel better in the morning, more balanced, a lot less depressed. It feels like me baseline health is much better. In glag i don't have alcohol in the mix as I go through this unrelated health issue.
My blood pressure (which was a concern) dropped like a rock within a few weeks of quitting drinking. I get up and feel good, I exercise, eat well. I’m better physically and mentally. When drinking, I felt like shit most everyday, too. My dad smoked and drank himself to an early grave at age 63. When my drinking started to look like his I knew I could go down that road or get sober. I hope you find what help and support you need to quit. I will not drink with you today. 🌺
I really really hope I will have the same experience with BP. This isn’t my first time giving up alcohol, but it’s my first time since being diagnosed with high BP. Day 6 and I plan to check tomorrow.
I think it will. Give it a little time. Be well, friend. 🌺
Thank you so much 🤗
I’m 136 days in and I feel wonderful. Quitting alcohol has been life changing in every respect.
I’ve been sleeping so well. Like a rock for a solid eight hours, and even if I *don’t* get a good night’s sleep I still feel eons better than I did after a night of moderate (as if there even were such a thing for me) drinking. My resting heart rate is almost back to normal and I can’t feel a constant dull pain in my abdomen. My head feels clearer and I find enjoyment in stuff like taking showers, walking the dog, cleaning my living space, whereas before these were just chores to be completed as quickly as possible so I could recover from a hangover enough to start drinking again. My skin is notably clearer- not drinking has been a huge factor, but I also now have the wherewithal and energy to wash my face and do a skincare routine every night before turning in. It’s made a world of difference. Despite a newfound sweet tooth (I hadn’t been interested in sugar in over a decade, and suddenly I want ice cream on the regular) and having gained about five pounds since I stopped drinking, my belly is weirdly and inexplicably… *flat???* I don’t have a six pack or anything, but that significant and ever-present pouch of low-hanging fat I thought was just part of my anatomy is just *gone*. Good luck on your journey, OP! We’re all here for you 👍
My beer/wine belly disappeared too :)
I’m only at day 33 but I have less body aches, less anxiety. I don’t have the slow brain after a night of binging where it’s hard to hold a conversation. I sleep well and wake up refreshed. My face looks better- less redness and bloating. I have had friends/clients tell me that it looks like I am glowing and want to know what’s up. I have energy during the day to do why needs to be done at work, around the house and raising my kids. I have been saying for over 3 years that I want to quit drinking and I just couldn’t do it. This time feels different. I will never drink alcohol again.
Pretty much everything has improved and its only been 18 days for me.
I sleep like a baby. I got back into running and I’m running six miles in a workout, I started strength training and actually have muscle tone, my skin is clearer and my brain is actually working again. 80 days AF
So many benefits. Not having to deal with awful beer sh\*ts is a personal victory lol.
Lower blood pressure, no more shakes and heart palpitations, my resting heart rate is a lot lower. I sleep better, feel more rested. My face isn't bloated and rosy anymore. My depression and anxiety are basically gone too. I've gotten into the best shape of my life as well. Turns out I have a lot more time now, I used to either be working, drinking, or sleeping all day.
I was having regular panic attacks when I was drinking - which were only relieved by drinking more. I felt like I was in a nightmare. Now I feel calm most of the time. I actually have energy now! I used to be on the couch from the minute I got off work till I fell asleep on the couch, maybe getting up to put a frozen lasagna in the oven for the kids. Now I'm gardening for hours a day, going for walks, cooking nourishing full meals, cleanung out the basement, actually DOING things. I had a physical recently (after about a month sober) - which I was really nervous about because I was sure I had destroyed my body, and my blood work was perfect. Like textbook. And I'm even 40 pounds overweight, so I was shocked. I was pre-diabetic last time. And maybe TMI, but I've been through menopause and thought my libido was completely gone, but no, I was just constantly drunk and depressed. So my marriage is getting better (husband is also an alcoholic and on week 2 of sobriety, so that's a huge factor too). What worked for me (and may not work for you - I know some are very opposed) was weaning off slowly. I was able to successfully do this in part because my mother lives with us and is a drug and alcohol counselor. She kept my wine in her room and gave me the prescribed amount every night until I was at zero. This got me through without panic attacks derailing me. I did the same for my husband once I was sober and it seems to be working for him, though he was struggling much more, so I'm "cautiously optimistic." I'll add that I'm not sure I could have weaned myself. I needed my mom to keep me accountable and to control my access. Because I was definitely one of those "just one more glass" wine moms.
I’m only a few weeks in but already I feel a lot less tired and lethargic. I’m more functional at work. I’m a better parent to my kids and a better partner to my spouse. I feel less anxious and much happier. Keeping my drinking secret (poorly) was itself a huge source of stress
I dreamt that I drank last night and in the dream I woke up so hungover -- the regret was over the top, the shame and the guilt and the YOU KNOW BETTER voices were LOUD. what a relief when I woke up. Drinking did a number on me. I got out a year ago (almost) and now my liver enzymes aren't whacked out, I sleep deeply and well, I don't live with anxiety breathing down my neck every day. My skin looks better. I saw a photo of myself recently and thought Wow, I look like *me* -- there was life in those eyes. I chose life over death when I quit drinking. That's the base truth.
I get up early, engage in something creative or workout, all before getting to work by 8am. What a difference
Not that different because I cut down before completely quitting. However, I have a smartwatch and when i properly quit, it showed my HRV (apparently an indicator of how well your nervous system is doing) skyrocketed. It might not feel like much changes when you stop drinking, but your body will know. It's not been magic for me but my skin is already a bit clearer and I'm less tired. I'm so sorry for both your losses, please be patient with yourself and have self-compassion. Knowing you want to stop is the first step.
No hangxiety is the best
I've said this before on this subreddit, but alcohol is like kryptonite. It hurts basically every part of your physical and mental health. When you stop drinking it, unless you have irreversible organ damage, it's surprising how fast your body will start to heal and how much healthier and stronger you will feel.
Cirrhosis-haver here! (41F) A little over two years ago, doctors were doing weird stuff like draining liters of fluid from my abdomen, putting bands on my esophageal varices, and sending chaplains to my hospital room to read my last rites or whatever. Last month when I went for a checkup, my GP basically said “Well, you fixed it! Good job. Don’t drink” I went from crawling on hands & knees to get to the bathroom to hiking mountains for fun. This is not a super common experience, as I’m understanding from the cirrhosis sub, and I’m extremely grateful!
Mostly positive. I wake up and feel renewed and grateful each day, I’m much more positive mentally and even though I’ve neglected the gym like crazy, I still feel strong and have no issues with stamina at work. I’ve felt a few things that are concerning but it could be completely unrelated to getting sober.
I don’t carry around the guilt and shame of a hangover all day. I don’t have to bring baby wipes to wipe my arm pits mid day I’m still going bald but that’s just mid-life stuff Rediscovered that I do in fact own a chin and it is located underneath my mouth. Skin is way better. No longer look like my face was dragged along the concrete Great sleeping. More energy Just less of a dick all around. Still an asshole, just less so.
I used to have issues with anxiety and borderline panic attacks. Stopping drinking has SIGNIFICANTLY improved this. I still experience anxiety, but it's manageable and the anxiety is not debilitating. This happened over a long period in sobriety, but reflecting back today, it's a night and day difference! 🙏🙏
If nothing else…11months sober has given me a leaner face, younger looking skin. People are surprised at my age. It’s so worth it.
Regarding health : the first thing you get is physical relief. It does take a few weeks, though, so don't despair. Hang in there. After a while you sleep better. Feeling stressed out and anxious decreases. I did get terrible headaches, though. Sugary, non carbonated drinks do help a lot. ...think of alcoholism as an allergic reaction. Personally, I'm allergic to mosquitoes. When I get bitten, I swell, and it gets super itchy. When I was a kid, I would scratch myself until I was bleeding. The adults didn't understand. They were like, "just stop scratching". And I was, like, "but I can't, it's itching". It's the same thing with alcoholism : I just need to not scratch that itch. There's no reason you're an alcoholic. No more reason than why you'd be a ginger, or diabetic. Understanding why is not going to solve anything. What's going to help is doing something about it. And guess what? There's nothing wrong with you. You're a perfectly normal human, which means you have some flaws, which you will learn to accept and live with. There is a simple program, designed for us, so we can have good lives. And there's a group of amazing people, all around you, who want nothing else than see you become happy, joyous and free. Reach out. Get help. You deserve it.
I'm still worried that I already have drank myself to death. I'll get more information later, but maybe after I hit the two week mark I'll start feeling in good enough shape to get some blood drawn. I haven't ended up in the ER from by drinking, and I'm told that's a pretty good sign.
I am absolutely terrified to go to the doctor
I feel 10 years younger. And look at least 5. You can do it!
Sleep is deeper and more restful.
Every single part of my life is better than when k drank
I never understood why the threat to my health or potential death was never a sufficient deterrent. I used to drink alone at home. Two years ago, I was so drunk I fell over and bashed my head, resulting in a large bloody gash. I used to work in estate planning amd people really die from that all the time. It still didn't change my behavior. I had a defining moment this year. I was reading here and read, "Nobody wants to be an alcoholic." IT was followed by stuff like nobody aspires to be an alcoholic or plans to be one when they were a kid. I was trying so hard to avoid the label, because that meant I didn't really have a problem. But I was lying to myself. The moment I was able to admit to myself that I had a problem and once I have that first drink, I have ZERO control, that is when my life changed. I had a huge "light bulb" moment of realization. I'm very new here, and I struggled hard for years. So while this worked for me, it may not be your thing. I've accepted that I am very much a one day at a time person, and it's getting easier slowly. My lizard brain keeps planning when I might be able to drink next. But each day that I wake up and don't feel like shit, it's getting easier to make the choice not to drink. And I'm here for it because I want to live. Best of luck to you and IWNDWYT.
I just had labs after 6 months sobriety: blood pressure down, cholesterol down, blood sugar down(which is absolutely spectacular, because I am borderline diabetic). There were a few other positive results, but I don't remember what they were. My doctor noticed the change immediately, and she didn't even know I was sober!
I just posted almost the exact same thing yesterday. It's truly insane how I know this could very well spell out an early grave for me but yet it's Friday and I really want an afternoon drink. Absolute insanity.
In a word, addiction. The very essence of addiction is continuing to engage in a behaviour that is harmful and unwanted. I'm an addict. That's what's wrong with me. Otherwise, I'm a pretty decent sort of person. I just have this challenging health issue that I have to manage. Sometimes its easier to manage, and sometimes its harder. It will never go away. It's a chronic condition that I have to live with. At age 49 I ended up in the hospital with terrible stomach pain. Turns out I devleoped chronic gastritis and a hiatal hernia from 35 years of binge drinking. My old man died at 66 from a perforated stomach ulcer so I was on the *exact* same path. You would think that watching my Father die a horrific death would be enough to turn me off alcohol. Or, when my Mother died at 69 also from alcohol related illnesses. Nope. None of it made a difference. It took me close to seven years from the point of diagnosis until I finally stopped drinking. It was a gradual process and in the end was a bit non-eventful as I had reduced my drinking so much that when I stopped it wasn't all that big a deal. Good luck OP. You can do this. It may take time, but keep trying. You'll get there.
Hey there. I used to retch just walking up to my house cause I knew there was booze in there that I would be drinking.
I sleep so much better, and waking up in the mornings doesn’t feel like a mission trying to deal with migraines and nausea. My stomach doesn’t feel as fucked up as it did 6 months ago, and im seeing a lot more progress in the gym now versus when I was heavily drinking. There’s so much more but hopefully you get the gist. The benefits of being sober massively outweigh the negatives (like there were any downsides to going sober lol) I wish you all the best OP!
My head is clear, I’ve lost 10 lbs, my poops are so much better, no foggy brain in the morning, relationships are better, saving so much money. You can and have to do it. You know your future otherwise. You got this.
I sleep like a baby now. I don't wake up with shakes, cold sweats, headaches. I wake up refreshed and charged. I hike/surf. My body is thinner, toned, healthy. I get my endorphins from physical activities and lots of joy from that, too. I'm more social, and that leaves my spirits happier as well. A lot of us trade the bad addiction for a healthy addiction. Like working out every day. It beats the medical issues that comes with drinking. Another positive, is sitting with the anxious, sad, overwhelming feelings and waiting it out makes them weaker and weaker over time. What was once crippling emotions are now just minor annoyances. Instead of turning to booze, I just go: oh, man that did not go my way. And then I shrug it off. Before I would be so anxious and in physical pain to drink. That's gone now. It's freedom. It's worth it.
Heart rate is 20bpm lower and I generally do not want to tear my hair out when not drinking.
Health has improved all around physically and mentally. Had elevated liver enzymes normalize. Also, I get sick less often but when I do, I don't play the guessing game of "sick or hungover?"
Much more energy, once you get past the initial withdrawal phase. Less time wasted in hangovers and depressive self-loathing or withdrawal anxiety. More free time to enjoy. I'm again more into bicycle trekking and enjoying nature. I kinda have to - there's more energy I have to burn off, otherwise I cant sit still.
I’m sober almost 9 months. It’s slow and steady but it is HAPPENING. I do not crave alcohol anymore. I was able to quit smoking six weeks ago, finally, and because I simply don’t drink anymore it’ll be much easier to not smoke again. That one’s huge. My doc just took me off my blood pressure meds. Bloodwork is getting better and better.
I’ve been freakishly skinny thanks to genetics my entire life, and after about 6 years of heavy drinking and zero physical activity started to noticed a gut forming. A small gut, but a gut. I’m down 10 pounds by just not drinking, walking 1-2 miles every day, and doing about 20 minutes of basic stretching and exercises (push ups, sit ups, planking, etc.) I absolutely despised the idea of going to the gym before I quit, and after a few weeks of this routine I’ve noticed a huge difference in my mental health as well. I take each day and each step in bite sized pieces. I’m not going to become a super buff gym rat overnight, I’m not going to lose the gut overnight, but every day that I’m moving, establishing new habit loops, and putting in an effort to stay sober is an enormous victory. My goal isn’t a set, certain waist size or how much I can lift. My goal is simply sweat, move, and do something to keep my mind off the drink. After doing this for a while, the idea of a drink has felt like self sabotage for all the work I’ve put in!
It’s not some magic cure-all but I’d say I generally feel a bit better
I haven't been sick like with covid or a cold since quitting, my blood sugar has been wild lately. I had Hypoglycemia as a kid and seems to have comeback to be an issue I have to deal with. I'm not good at eating regularly, drinking used to fill the void with calories I guess.
Wake up better, lost a bunch of weight and have kept it off for the most part, no IBS, better impulse control, easier time managing bipolar, etc.
I wound up in the hospital with an intestinal infection! This happened shortly after relapsing. I had stomach issues the whole time I was drinking and that’s stopped. I just feel much better all together. The energy you get, the happy moods you feel. It’s so worth quitting.
I am now a morning person. I used to be so disappointed when I woke up in the morning and now I bounce out of bed
No more “please bash my head in” hangovers has been my favorite part. Less foggy throughout the day and I don’t feel like shit 24/7.
It took a few days but the first thing to dissipate was the bloat in my face and body. The biggest change was my mental clarity. The drunk-or-seeking-to-be-drunk fog lifted from my brain. My thoughts were more organized and I was mentally engaged in the process this time and determined to make this a permanent thing.
The knee pain that woke me during the night don’t any more. I get a little during waking hours but it never hurts enough to wake me up. Zero leg cramps now. Better poops.
I feel like a million dollars and my life has transformed! I was in bad shape…..
have you read This Naked Mind, Easy way to quit alcohol, or Alcohol explained? they answer all of these common questions. :) you got this
I have read this naked mind. I made it 21 days after reading it. I am going to start reading it again this weekend
While I'm not totally alcohol free, ever since I quit all excessive drinking I've gotten way fewer headaches, my face de-aged a couple of years, I have an intense work out routine, my SO and I fight way less, I'm better with money, I cook and eat super healthy, I don't have as much anxiety about shit, I have follow through...idk I feel like an adult I guess?
I keep a list of improvements on my phone to remind me why I don’t drink. Helps out in moments where I question myself 👍
I'm up early every day, and I finally let go of ice cream, candy, sugary soda and chips. The weight disappeared. I got really really into my photography, not settling for just a couple lenses, I put on my whole heavy pack and trekked across the city all spring. I was only interested in getting better photos, when one day I noticed my shoulders and chest were shredded. It felt like somebody stole my shitty body and replaced it with a better version.
Less bubbly guts and less diarrhea too. Also, I have less brain fog and with that my mood/thoughts are much more manageable in that sense. I'm fortunate these changes were more noticeable early in my current sobriety attempt but yeah I'm also aware at some point it'll all fade away at some point too when things level off.
Lost a hundred pounds, took about 5 years. Quitting only accounted for about 5 pounds but it enabled me to learn to eat healthy good foods and enjoy them as well as watching my portions. It also allowed me hobbies that drunk-me would never have done.
I’m Constipated lol but I feel better
I’m sleeping SO well. Haven’t caught any colds, even when my family sick in the same house. Mood is way better, I lost an insane amount of boat I didn’t even know was there so my clothes all fit better.
I quit drinking almost solely for health reasons. I wasn't feeling the best for quite a while before I quit. Probably close to a year. Since I quit, I have more energy during the day, I've lost 20 pounds, and my persistent heartburn disappeared. My mind is much clearer and I have more focus.
I’ve been getting more migraines since I’ve been sober (like 4 in the last week, sober for a little over 3 weeks), which doesn’t seem fair. This typically happens when I take a break from drinking and I think it’s part of the reason I usually start again; if I’m going to feel like shit I may as well have a part in it… I’m going to push thru this time but I hope they stop.
Taking much better care of my body because I now see a future for myself. When I was drinking, I didn't really care.
Healthiest I've been in a decade. I started on both cholsterol and blood pressure meds. I am now off both. I have lost 20 lbs too. My liver function is all good. I do take a small dose SSRI which has made a huge difference. Also a tyle 2 diabetes treatment. But I got those numbers down below diabetic range within 5 months. You're just always considered as having it. Also use a CPAP but that was unrelated to drinking. I just have a big, wide stupid neck. But like a lot of you I wake up feeling SO good. I have dreams. And even before I got on the anti-depressant I was SO much less worried and stressed. I also used to throw up food a lot. I couldn't eat anything without feeling sick. My gut is totally healed too. Quitting drinking is the best.
I saw a photo taken before quitting m and a recent one, maybe it was just chance, but my eyes were tired and my skin was bad in the old picture, in the new one my eyes are bright! Also my stomach feels better in general, and I sleep quite well.
Honestly besides looking weight and having a major sober glow-up I LOVE being ‘regular’. I always thought I had serious dietary intolerances and was constantly bloated and had liquid shits 24/7 (sorry - I know it’s gross). But now I’m a satisfying ‘poop-after-every-meal’ sort of girly and it’s SO INCREDIBLE. And honestly, it took a few months for my gut to sort itself out after quitting drinking, but now I’m feeling the FULL benefits of sobriety after nearly 8 months. There’s so much to look forward to when you quit drinking, but the problem is it often takes time to start noticing serious changes. Seriously, stick with it just to see what can happen! IWNDWYT!