Sober-curious? This is what happens when you stop drinking alcohol
The rise of whooping cough is proof we’re getting vaccine-lax
Know your breast cancer risk: Tips for self-checks and prevention
Drinking (for many of us) has become a staple of the parenting experience. Jokes are made about needing a glass to get through the after-school crazy, drinks are squeezed in after their bedtime, and you might lean on a little champagne buzz at the parent meet-up.
It’s kind of seen as ‘the norm.’
But if you’re questioning it, that’s ‘normal’ too. We like to think of it as being sober-curious. Peeking through the window and wondering what’s on the other side.
Like, what happens to your body when you stop drinking alcohol? There’s the obvious and the not-so-obvious, and we’re running through it all.
Immediate effects on your body when you go booze-free
Drinking alcohol, like any liquid, causes some immediate changes in your body. It’s normal to feel a sudden urge to indulge in the french fries on the table due to a heightened appetite or feel a bit nauseous because of stomach irritation.
You might visit the bathroom frequently after a few glasses of red wine.
These are some of the common immediate impacts, and now let’s learn about other immediate effects.
Improved physical and mental health
Did you know that alcohol is a diuretic?
Diuretics are substances that make you pay frequent visits to the loo. In other words, diuretics promote urine production, leading to increased urination. As a result of being a regular visitor of the loo, you also lose tons of fluids. And, when you go booze-free, you will start to rehydrate, which can improve your overall well-being.
We all know that familiar feeling when you’ve had a couple of drinks, and your mind isn’t as sharp. You may forget where your house keys are and be ‘off with the fairies’ as your concentration levels drop. Don’t worry—this happens to all of us, and it’s pretty common when you drink.
Taking a break from drinking can help you experience a clearer mind, higher concentration, and greater memory.
Better ZZZ
Raise your hand if you recall that disorienting feeling after drinking, when it seemed like you were on a rollercoaster, only to find yourself lying in bed. Or you were awake all night and had difficulty staying asleep, suddenly turning into Count Dracula (we’ve all been there).
When we consume alcohol, we see a reduction in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (yep, that’s the stage where you see dreams), creating interrupted sleep. You may also have frequent awakenings during your sleep, looking for a glass of water like a bedouin looking for a water source in a desert.
But, when you stop drinking alcohol, all these things we have pointed out above disappear. Like your little one, you’ll sleep uninterrupted and enjoy better sleep.
Losing some weight
Your favourite red wine or negroni sbagliato has empty calories that can sneakily add some softness. That, and the fact that wine without a charcuterie board or beer without amazing french fries just doesn’t hit the same.
If you’re looking to lose a little bit of weight, pulling back on your alcohol intake can be a good place to start.
Sign up
Get tailored content based on your week of pregnancy
By signing up, you agree to receiving our Newsletters. Cancel anytime.
Medium-term effects (within weeks to months)
Seeing the benefits of quitting or reducing alcohol doesn’t always centuries. You could start noticing the benefits of quitting alcohol or cutting back in just weeks to months.
You might notice changes like:
Enhanced mood
Without uninterrupted sleep, empty calories and concentration issues, you’re more likely to have an enhanced mood. Alcohol consumption might (if you drink heavily) cause anxiety and decreased mood after a hangover.
Once you go alcohol-free, you may find yourself happier and have an additional boost to spend quality time with your children – and yourself.
Stronger immune system
Heavy drinking can lower the white blood cells, making it harder for your body to fight infections.
As a result, you might get sick often as your body’s ability to fight the bad guys (infections) weakens. So, you’re more likely to take these sick leave days more often than others.
Reducing alcohol consumption could be a beneficial option for maintaining a healthy immune system (and keeping your sick leave days!)
Improved liver function
Think of your liver as the BFF of your immune system; they’re pretty much inseparable. The liver plays a huge role in supporting the immune system. Drinking regularly can damage your liver as well as its ability to support it.
But if you opt for an alcohol-free lifestyle, you can boost your liver function and strengthen your immune system (🎶 harder, better, faster, stronger 🎶)!
Long-term effects (from months to years)
Suppose you decide to transition from a lifestyle that includes cocktails to one that focuses on mocktails or even full-on sobriety.
These changes can have financial, physical, and mental health benefits that go the distance.
Saving heaps of $$$
Drinking is expenny. Just because you love a cheeky beverage doesn’t mean you can afford it.
How much does it cost you? We’ve done the math for you.
Imagine drinking twice a week in Australia: once at home with your partner and once at a bar with friends. On average, 2 glasses of wine at a bar cost approximately $15 each, totalling $30 per bar visit. At home, a bottle of wine typically costs around $25. Therefore, weekly alcohol consumption would cost you $55 ($30 for a bar visit and $25 for home consumption). Monthly, this adds up to $220, and annually it totals approximately $2,860.
With that same amount of money, a family of three can enjoy a domestic holiday in Australia, upgrade their household, buy annual passes to theme parks or celebrate their kid’s birthday in an unforgettable way.
Lower risk of cancer and heart disease
Alcohol increases your blood pressure, leading to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. When you experience high blood pressure, your blood pumps more than usual. In the long run, unfortunately, this can lead to cardiovascular diseases like heart disease and stroke.
Cutting on alcohol consumption or even quitting alcohol can reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and certain cancers.
Longer and healthier life
Who doesn’t want a long and healthy life with their loved ones? We all dream of seeing our kids get married, have little ones of their own, and become active grandparents who love spending time at the park with their grandkids.
Sure, a casual drink here and there isn’t going to take those things away from you. But it might be one more reason that swings you pro-sobriety.
Wrapping it up
You don’t have to go full cold turkey to get some of these alcohol-free perks. Just find a balance that makes you feel good (body, mind, and soul) and able to enjoy every part of life.
Practising sobriety or even cutting back on your alcohol intake has many benefits, from immediate effects to long-term ones.
These include mental clarity, more energy to foster better relationships with your loved ones, and a healthier body to do all the things you love.
So if you’re sober-curious, dip your toe in and see how your body responds.
Frequently asked questions
- How can going booze-free can benefit you in the long run?
There are physical, psychological, and financial benefits to going booze-free in the long run. Some physical benefits are a healthier immune system, better skin, reduced risk of heart disease and improved metabolic health.
It can also affect your mental health as you have uninterrupted sleep quality and a lower risk of anxiety (plus, fewer hangover headaches).
Living alcohol-free not only benefits your health but also your wallet. You can save money to achieve your financial goals faster, whether it’s a family trip to Japan, your dream lounge set, your children’s education plan, or creating an emergency fund.
- How much alcohol is too much alcohol for women and men?
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends that for a healthier lifestyle, healthy adults should aim to have no more than 10 standard drinks weekly. The guideline also suggests that adults should consume less than 4 standard drinks daily to decrease the risk of harm.
- What are some practical strategies to stay social and off the booze?
Who says you can’t have fun without alcohol? There are some terrific ways to stay social and alcohol-free at the same time. How about treating yourself to a fancy alcohol-free mocktail instead of a cocktail? It looks great and is full of delicious, healthy ingredients like juice and herbs.
You can also be that awesome friend and volunteer as the designated driver.
Sources
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Alcohol, 2024.
Alcohol think again, Cardiovascular disease, 2023.
Health Direct, How can sober curiosity help you to reduce or stop drinking? 2023.
Related Articles
Loved this article?
Share with a friend
