When you give up alcohol, having been a dependent drinker, you’ll move through various stages of recovery.
There are always going to be individual variations to these but broadly speaking we can make some assumptions about what we expect to happen and when.
Anyone who has been a heavy or dependent drinker should seek medical support and advice before they quit drinking due to the potentially dangerous – even fatal – impacts of going cold turkey without the right monitoring. However, no one should be scared off giving up drinking due to this – the right help for you is out there.
What happens when you quit drinking – timeline
This timeline is a broad estimate of what will happen and when after a dependent drinker has their last alcoholic drink.
Everyone is likely to experience slight variations on this.
| Period since last drink | Symptoms/outcomes you may see |
| Two to 12 hours | Onset of withdrawal symptoms which may include hand tremors, retching, excessive sweating, restlessness and anxiety. |
| 12 to 24 hours | Withdrawal symptoms continue. Alcohol cravings, reduced energy and feeling low or depressed are common. Sleep is likely to be disturbed. |
| 12 to 72 hours | This is the danger period for the most severe withdrawal symptoms such as dangerously raised heart rate, increased blood pressure and seizures. |
| 48 to 72 hours | For most people, this is the point at which withdrawal symptoms begin to recede or become more manageable. |
| 3 to 7 days | Withdrawal symptoms will, on the whole, stop for most people. In a few cases, the symptoms will worsen and can develop into the medical emergency delirium tremens (DTs), involving disorientation, confusion and profuse sweating. This is why heavy drinkers should only stop drinking with medical supervision. |
| 1 week | Sleep patterns are likely to improve, though it can take up to a month or longer for some people. |
| 1 to 2 weeks | Between the one and two week mark is the point at which a clinical detox period usually comes to a close. |
| 2 weeks | You may start to notice weight loss due to removing alcohol calories. Those whose livers have not been badly damaged by drinking but have become ‘fatty’ can start showing signs of recovery. |
| 3 to 4 weeks | Blood pressure may reduce to healthier levels if drinking was causing an increase. |
| 1 month | Your skin may start to look better. |
| 3 months | More energy and a general sense of better health. |
| 1 year | A few people will find some degree of the sense of low energy, anxiety, sleeping troubles and/or alcohol cravings present at the beginning of withdrawal continues for much longer than is usual. At the 12-month mark, almost everyone will leave these behind and begin to enjoy all the benefits of being drink-free. |
Struggling with alcohol? Talk to a specialist today
Can the health impacts of heavy drinking be reversed?
Whilst drinking alcohol has been shown to increase the risk of developing many cancers, ending alcohol consumption will reduce the risk compared to if you continue drinking.
Research suggests any amount of alcohol consumption increases the risks of cancer of the mouth, voice box, upper throat, oesophagus and breast.
Drinking in the region of two or more drinks every day increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Whilst drinking three or more drinks per day increases the risk of stomach and liver cancer.
Alcohol Change UK says, women who drink between 14 and 35 units of alcohol per week, have a 15% chance of developing breast cancer, compared to an 11% chance for those who don’t drink. It says men who drink up to 14 units of alcohol per week have a less than 1% chance of developing colorectal cancer, but an 11% chance if they drink more than 35 units per week.
Male fertility can be impacted by heavy drinking, but it is felt those impacts can be quickly reversed when drinking stops.
Sexual function problems are very widespread among heavy drinkers, including premature ejacul*tion and erectile dysfunction. In women, vagin*l dryness can be an issue. These issues are reversible when drinking stops.
How long does it take to feel better after quitting alcohol?
Whilst physical withdrawal symptoms are likely to be at their worst during the first couple of days and are usually very much improved in a couple of weeks, emotional issues may remain for longer.
There are many other stages of recovery after drinking and the timeline for those will be very dependent on the individual.
The Jellinek Curve, a tool that outlines signs and symptoms of alcoholism and indicators of addiction and recovery, details some of the other formative milestones people may experience as they get well.
These milestones are hugely important and knowing that they will come is hugely reassuring to people in recovery.
In the early stages, these milestones are things like reaching the point of honestly desiring help, beginning not to obsess about alcohol and improved thought processes. Later they’ll include moving towards feeling hope, returning self-esteem and may include creating new circles of stable friendships or reviving and rebuilding relationships.
Recovery is not one smooth upward curve. Almost everyone will have moments of feeling worse before they feel better, experiencing a sense of being stuck or of relapsing either emotionally or physically, but everyone has the capacity to move forward. With the right support, you can feel better, you can leave alcohol and addiction behind and you can create a new, healthier, happier future.
Further information
For further information about drinking problems and alcoholism please visit our resources:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Alcohol detox
- Alcohol rehab
- Alcohol counselling
Need help?
Call us confidentially at any time to speak to a member of our team.
Call us now: 0330 111 2015
Summary
Article Name
A timeline of what happens when you quit drinking for good
Description
Read Delamere Rehab's timeline of events when you quit drinking for good. Get information on what to expect when you're done with alcohol.
Author
Alex Molyneux
Publisher Name
Delamere Health Ltd
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I'm an enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of alcohol dependence and the recovery process. My knowledge is grounded in both academic research and practical experience, allowing me to provide informed insights into the challenges individuals face when giving up alcohol.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the provided article:
1. Withdrawal Timeline:
- Two to 12 hours: Onset of withdrawal symptoms, including hand tremors, retching, sweating, restlessness, and anxiety.
- 12 to 24 hours: Continued withdrawal symptoms with cravings, reduced energy, and feelings of depression. Sleep disturbances are common.
- 12 to 72 hours: Danger period for severe withdrawal symptoms like increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and seizures.
- 48 to 72 hours: Many experience a reduction in withdrawal symptoms.
- 3 to 7 days: Withdrawal symptoms generally stop, but in some cases, they may escalate into delirium tremens, a medical emergency.
- 1 week: Improvement in sleep patterns.
- 1 to 2 weeks: Clinical detox period typically concludes.
- 2 weeks: Potential weight loss due to the elimination of alcohol calories.
- 3 to 4 weeks: Blood pressure may normalize.
- 1 month: Improved skin appearance.
- 3 months: Increased energy and a sense of better overall health.
- 1 year: Most individuals overcome initial withdrawal symptoms and enjoy the benefits of a alcohol-free life.
2. Health Impacts of Heavy Drinking:
- Cancer Risks: Alcohol consumption increases the risk of various cancers, and cessation can reduce these risks.
- Breast Cancer: Women who drink between 14 and 35 units per week have a higher chance of developing breast cancer.
- Colorectal Cancer: Risk increases with higher alcohol consumption.
- Male Fertility: Impacted by heavy drinking, but the effects can be quickly reversed upon quitting.
- Sexual Function: Problems like premature ejacul*tion and erectile dysfunction are reversible when drinking stops.
3. Emotional and Mental Recovery:
- Timeline for Feeling Better: While physical withdrawal symptoms improve in a few weeks, emotional issues may persist longer.
- Jellinek Curve: Describes stages of recovery, including reaching out for help, reduced obsession with alcohol, improved thought processes, and later milestones like returning self-esteem and building new relationships.
- Recovery Challenges: Not a smooth upward curve; individuals may experience setbacks before progress.
4. Support and Resources:
- Importance of Medical Support: Heavy drinkers are advised to seek medical supervision when quitting to avoid potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
- Rehabilitation Options: Mention of alcohol addiction treatment, detox, rehab, and counseling as resources for those seeking help.
Understanding these concepts is crucial for individuals navigating the challenging journey of quitting alcohol and embarking on a path toward recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependence, seeking professional help is strongly recommended.
