July 19, 2024 | Sarah Ng

What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Drinking


Is It Time For You To Quit?

The hard truth is that drinking can be extremely detrimental to your health—and when you quit, you will discover the most shocking changes in your body.

Quit-Drinking-Msn

You Lower Your Risks

Unfortunately, alcohol is an influencing factor when it comes to many horrifying situations. This can include extreme injuries and even fatalities.

Unrecognizable Black man showing stop gestureMonstera Production, Pexels

You'll Be Less Prone To Accidents

Drinking has been known to increase one's risk of severe burns, drownings, serious falls, and car accidents. Sometimes, it even plays a role in homicide and suicide cases. 

By quitting or lessening your consumption of alcohol, you can reduce these risks and improve your health.

A young Asian man drives a car on a clear day.GBJSTOCK, Shutterstock

You'll Have A Healthier Heart

Some argue that red wine or other alcoholic beverages may benefit your heart. However, this may only be accurate if you consume less than a single drink daily. That said, when it comes to drinking, the risks always outweigh the benefits.

Portrait, heart and senior man in forest hiking, fitness and health support, self care hands and cardiovascular workoutYuri A, Shutterstock

Advertisement

It Lowers Your Blood Pressure

Quitting drinking is known to reduce your blood pressure and triglycerides. In the long run, your heart will only thank you. Abstaining will lessen the risk of heart failure.

A Healthcare Worker Measuring a Patient's Blood PressureThirdman, Pexels

A Damaged Liver Can Bounce Back

The liver is one big filter, but if someone's a heavy drinker, the organ suffers. For men, having over 15 drinks a week is a recipe for disaster, while women should consume no more than eight.

 A man in trousers and a white shirt holds on to his right sideOlga Pinegina, Shutterstock

Heal Your Fatty Liver

Alcohol is your body's enemy, and long-term addiction can cause cirrhosis and a fatty liver. However, if you choose to quit drinking, your liver will be able to heal.

Relaxed adult man breathing fresh air in a forestAntonio Guillem, Shutterstock

It Can Help You Lose Weight

When you drink alcohol, you're drinking a lot of empty calories. The average serving of beer is around 150 calories, while a single serving of wine is around 120 calories.

Unrecognizable young woman stepping on scales to measure her weightProstock-studio, Shutterstock

You'll Have A Normal Appetite

Additionally, drinking not only increases your appetite but also makes you more uninhibited. Many drinkers find that they shed the pounds after quitting.

Man eating healthy food and drink detox juiceastarot, Shutterstock

You'll Secure A Healthier Future

Many people are social drinkers and like to indulge in alcohol because it relaxes them and makes it easier for them to engage in social situations. But this can also be a double-edged sword.

Young Woman Refusing More Food at Dinner with FriendsRDNE Stock project, Pexels

Advertisement

You'll Dodge The Perils Of A Drinking Disorder

If you're someone who often finds themselves drinking alone—or every day—you may be headed for a very slippery slope. This frequent consumption may lead to alcohol use disorder.

Lonely drunk woman sitting on bar counter feels depressedfizkes, Shutterstock

Your Mental Health Will Improve

Though it may not seem like it in the moment, quitting drinking will benefit your mental health. Drinking is a detrimental way to cope with depression and anxiety.

Man Wearing Blue Shirt Smiling OutsideJean-Daniel Francoeur, Pexels 

You'll Have Better Relationships

Quitting can lead you toward healthier relationships with others—both in your personal circle, as well as at work and in the wider community. On top of that, it will boost your physical and mental health.

Group of cheerful businesspeople discussing strategyAnna Shvets, Pexels

You May Lower Your Risk Of Cancer

Those who drink, especially those with disordered habits, are at a higher risk of developing certain cancers. These can include, breast, mouth, throat, and esophageal cancer.

However, it's important to note that it's not certain whether quitting drinking will actually decrease your chances of getting cancer. Scientists still haven't given a definitive answer to this question.

Happy Woman Smiling At Camera In A FieldNanci Santos Iglesias, Shutterstock

It Benefits Intimacy

Sometimes drinking might help a couple get in the mood for intimacy. However, too much drinking is harmful to the libido. Men may have trouble readying themselves for intimacy, while women may lose their drive.

Portrait Photo of Happy Young Man and Woman Hugging each otherJ carter, Pexels

Your Sleep Cycle Will Improve

Drinking undoubtedly makes you sleepy, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're getting a better sleep. In fact, it actually wreaks havoc on your REM cycle.

Portrait Photo of Sleeping ManAndrea Piacquadio, Pexels 

Advertisement

You'll Sleep Through The Night

Drinking can affect how you breathe while sleeping, and you're also more likely to wake up for bathroom breaks. By not drinking in the evening, you're guaranteed to have a better night's sleep.

Close-up Photo of Woman in White Silk Robe Sleeping on a BedAndrea Piacquadio, Pexels

You'll Reduce Your Chances Of Getting Sick

Alcohol is not your immune system's friend. If you're a heavy drinker, you're just not giving your body a chance to heal. By quitting drinking, you'll be fending off germs and dodging illnesses without even knowing it.

Photography of Woman in Black Jacket and White Knit Cap SmilingAndrea Piacquadio, Pexels

Your Brain Will Function Better

Having an alcohol dependency can be brutal for your brain. It can make it very difficult to focus, and can even affect your memory and perception of the world around you. Even your motor skills can suffer.

Photo of Man in Red Polo Shirt Thought a Good IdeaAndrea Piacquadio, Pexels

You'll Have A Clearer Mind

By quitting drinking, you'll find that your mind will be much clearer. Your brain will function better. Additionally, you'll also be able to read social situations and people's emotions more accurately.

Photography of Men Having Conversation Seating on ChairHelena Lopes, Pexels

You'll Likely Face Withdrawal

If you are dependent on alcohol, you'll likely experience some difficult withdrawal symptoms when you first quit. These can include anxiety, shaking, a racing heart, vomiting, and nausea.

Photo of Man Leaning on Wooden TableAndrew Neel, Pexels

It's Not Easy, But It's Worth It

After quitting, some may even experience extreme physical symptoms like hallucinations or seizures. If you're a heavy drinker, it's wise to consult your doctor about how to manage withdrawal symptoms. They may even provide you with a prescription medication to help you cope.

Doctor consulting senior patient at white table in clinicNew Africa, Shutterstock


READ MORE

September 13, 2024 | Jesse Singer

Simple Tips And Tricks To Keep Your Kitchen Clean

It's the heart of the home—but it's also often the dirtiest. Here are some simple, yet highly effective, tips and tricks to make keeping your kitchen clean just a little easier.
August 29, 2024 | Allison Robertson

20 Foods to Buy Before a Food Shortage

Uncover 20 foods to buy before a food shortage. From canned goods and smoked meats to herbs and spices, these kitchen staples are important to have when food is scarce.
September 13, 2024 | Jesse Singer

Celebrity Chefs' Favorite Meals

You might be surprised to know what these celebrity chef's say are some of their favorite meals.
Blonde woman holding a croissant.
August 23, 2024 | Sarah Ng

Foods You Need To Eat To Live Longer—And What To Stay Away From

Carbohydrates have been demonized by diet culture—but one eye-opening study from 2018 shocked health nuts to their cores.
September 13, 2024 | Jesse Singer

The Most Disgusting Food From Around The World

Whether it's the method of preparation, the smell, the taste—or all three. These foods have earned their disgusting designations.
Tea ceremony
August 22, 2024 | Samantha Henman

The Top 30 Food Traditions From Around The World, According To UNESCO

These gastronomic traditions were deemed to be integral to the cultures they come from—and sadly, many are also in grave danger.