Making the decision to stop drinking can be overwhelming. But the physical and mental health improvements can be immediate and long lasting.
Whether this is your first time trying to quit drinking or not, understanding what can happen to your body is important in helping you find motivation during your most challenging moments.
At Texas Recovery Centers, people in the Dallas and Fort Worth area can discover tried and true ways to find sobriety.
What Happens in the First 24 Hours After You Stop Drinking
The first 24 hours of sobriety are a period of significant physiological transition. As alcohol leaves your bloodstream, your central nervous system begins to wake up.
Here is a typical timeline for the first day:
Phase 1: The Initial 6–12 Hours
As the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) drops toward zero, your body enters a state of mild hyper-excitability. You may experience:
- Increased Anxiety: A feeling of “edginess” or restlessness.
- Physical Tremors: Often referred to as “the shakes.”
- Gastrointestinal Distress: Mild nausea or a lack of appetite.
- Sleep Disturbances: While you may feel tired, falling into a deep, restorative sleep may be difficult during this first night.
Phase 2: 12–24 Hours (The Peak of Early Withdrawal)
During this window, symptoms typically become more pronounced. Alcohol is a powerful diuretic. By the 24-hour mark, your body begins the process of rehydration and cellular repair.
- Brain Fog & Headaches: Caused by the dehydration.
- Improved Hydration: As your kidneys resume normal function, your body starts retaining necessary fluids, which can lead to clearer thinking by the end of the day.
- Vital Sign Fluctuations: You may notice a slight increase in heart rate or blood pressure as your system adjusts.
The First Week: Physical Recovery Begins
By day seven, physical withdrawal typically peaks and subsides.. While this is often the most challenging week physically, the rewards are immediate as you gain restorative sleep, digestive healing and a reset of your liver.
Two Weeks Without Alcohol: Momentum Builds
After two weeks, the positive changes become more pronounced. Sleep continues to improve as your body reestablishes its natural rhythms. You wake up feeling genuinely rested rather than groggy. Energy levels rise throughout the day, and productivity increases at work and home.
Blood pressure also begins to drop for some people, helping to reduce heart disease and stroke.
Adjusting to Life Without Alcohol
The psychological adjustment during these first two weeks can be challenging. Having a plan becomes important.
Three to Four Weeks: Major Systems Reset
Between weeks three and four of sobriety, your body undergoes several significant changes:
- Liver Health Recovery: Liver function continues to improve dramatically, allowing it to process nutrients.
- Cardiovascular Benefits: Blood pressure reduces and cholesterol levels also begin to improve as the liver regains its ability to properly regulate lipids.
- Clearer Skin: After a month of sobriety, many people notice their skin looks clearer, more radiant, and better hydrated. Alcohol-related skin conditions like acne and rosacea often show marked improvement.
Two to Three Months: Brain Repair and Mental Clarity
Within three months of quitting drinking, you will start to see brain recovery and improvement as mental clarity reaches new levels. You will see improvements in concentration, the ability to handle complex tasks and your mood will stabilize.
The gastrointestinal system continues healing. Ulcers that developed from alcohol use can take several months to fully heal, but by the three-month mark, most people experience substantial improvement. Nutrient absorption returns to normal, which benefits overall health.
Six Months to One Year: Sustained Recovery
After six months of sobriety, the body has made remarkable progress. The liver function has largely normalized for most people, though severe damage can take longer to reverse. The organ even returns to its normal, healthy size if it had been enlarged from alcohol use.
Alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to produce new bone tissue, leading to decreased bone density over time. After several months without alcohol, bone growth resumes, and density improves. This reduces the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
While alcohol use increases the risk of several cancers, stopping drinking reduces this risk compared to continuing.
By the one-year mark, many people report feeling fundamentally different. Happiness and life satisfaction increase. Relationships improve as trust rebuilds and communication becomes clearer. Financial stability grows. Physically, you may see better overall physical fitness.
Why You Can Benefit From Quitting Alcohol
People who binge drink or have developed alcohol use disorder gain the most dramatic benefits. However, even moderate drinkers notice positive changes when they stop.
Certain populations face higher risks from alcohol and stand to benefit significantly from quitting. People with family histories of addiction, those with co-occurring mental health conditions, and individuals with medical problems like liver disease or diabetes all see substantial improvements. Women face increased breast cancer risk from even moderate drinking, making abstinence particularly beneficial.
Signs That Quitting Will Help
- Frequent hangovers that interfere with daily life.
- Using alcohol to manage stress or difficult emotions.
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school due to drinking.
- Experiencing blackouts or memory gaps.
- Consistently drinking more than you intended (loss of control).
- Relationship problems directly connected to alcohol use.
Managing Withdrawal Safely
Withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous for people with severe dependence. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications. The most serious risk is delirium tremens (DTs), which causes confusion, seizures, hallucinations, and severe autonomic instability. This condition can be fatal without medical intervention. Never attempt to quit drinking cold turkey as the risks are too high.
Medical detoxification provides a safe environment for withdrawal. Healthcare providers monitor vital signs, manage symptoms with medications, and intervene if complications develop. Medications like benzodiazepines reduce seizure risk and ease the discomfort of withdrawal. Other medications may be used to support specific symptoms.
Treatment Options and Levels of Care
1. Medical Detox
The essential first step for those with physical dependence. Medical supervision ensures a safe withdrawal process, managing symptoms and preventing life-threatening complications.
2. Residential Inpatient Treatment
The most intensive level of care. Patients live on-site to focus entirely on healing, away from daily triggers. This is ideal for:
- Severe Addiction: Requiring 24/7 accountability.
- Dual Diagnosis: Treating co-occurring mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, PTSD).
- Unstable Home Environments: Providing a safe, sober sanctuary.
3. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
PHP offers high-level structure during the day (therapy, medical monitoring, and group sessions) while allowing you to return home at night. This “step-down” approach bridges the gap between inpatient care and independent living.
4. Evidence-Based Therapies
Effective treatment relies on clinically proven modalities to rewire thought patterns and behaviors:
- CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy): Identifies triggers and builds healthy coping mechanisms.
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Focuses on emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
- Motivational Interviewing: Strengthens your internal commitment to change.
- Family Therapy: Heals relationship dynamics to create a supportive home environment.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Several medications support recovery from alcohol use disorder. Naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol and reduces cravings. Acamprosate helps manage the discomfort that can persist after acute withdrawal ends. Disulfiram creates unpleasant reactions if you drink, which can deter alcohol use. These medications work best when combined with counseling and behavioral therapies.
The Importance of Aftercare and Continuing Support
Treatment doesn’t end when you complete a formal program. Aftercare planning is essential for maintaining long-term sobriety. This includes ongoing therapy, support group participation, and connection to community resources. Many people continue individual counseling for months or years after completing primary treatment.
Building a sober lifestyle takes time. You’re not just stopping drinking; you’re creating new patterns for managing stress, socializing, and finding joy. Peer support groups provide valuable connections and accountability.
Insurance Coverage and Treatment Costs
Paying for treatment after quitting drinking should not stand in your way of getting sober. Texas Recovery Centers accepts most commercial insurance that covers inpatient and outpatient services.
The center allows you to verify insurance to help you know what is covered before admission.
Texas Medicaid covers addiction treatment services for eligible individuals. This includes detox, residential treatment, outpatient care, and medication-assisted treatment.
Finding Quality Addiction Treatment
Not all treatment programs are equal. When evaluating your options for quality addiction treatment, focus on key criteria to ensure the best path to recovery:
- Accreditation and Licensing: Look for facilities that are licensed by the state and accredited by national organizations such as The Joint Commission or CARF.
- Evidence-Based Methods: Effective programs rely on clinically proven modalities. Ask about the types of evidence-based therapies offered, such as CBT, and whether the facility provides Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
- Individualized Treatment Plans: Programs should conduct thorough assessments to develop a customized plan, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Qualified Staff: Look for programs staffed by licensed professionals, including addiction counselors, therapists, nurses, and physicians. Inquire about staff-to-patient ratios and medical oversight.
- Treatment Outcomes Data: While sometimes hard to obtain, ask facilities about their completion rates, follow-up practices, and long-term sobriety rates for clients who complete treatment. This outcome data can help you compare programs.
Why Dallas and Fort Worth Families Choose Texas Recovery Centers
Texas Recovery Centers offers comprehensive addiction treatment designed to support long-term recovery. The facility provides a full continuum of care, from medical detox through residential treatment and partial hospitalization programs.
Treatment at Texas Recovery Centers incorporates evidence-based therapies proven effective for alcohol use disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and other modalities help clients develop skills for lasting sobriety. The facility also offers specialized programs, including men’s rehab, women’s rehab, and treatment specifically designed for veterans and professionals.
Co-occurring disorder treatment addresses mental health conditions that often accompany addiction. Many people with alcohol use disorder also struggle with depression, anxiety, or trauma. Treating both conditions simultaneously leads to better outcomes than addressing them separately.
Getting Started With Treatment
Taking the first step toward sobriety can feel daunting, but you don’t have to figure everything out alone. Start by calling Texas Recovery Centers at 214-295-6503 to speak with an admissions specialist. They can answer questions about treatment options, discuss your specific situation, and explain the admission process.
Texas Recovery Centers is located at 6950 Shady Lane, Scurry, Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quitting Drinking
How Long Do Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Acute withdrawal symptoms typically last two to eight days. Mild symptoms start within six to 12 hours after your last drink and peak around 24 to 72 hours. Physical symptoms usually resolve by the end of the first week, though mood changes and cravings can persist for weeks or months.
Can I Quit Drinking on My Own?
Light or moderate drinkers without physical dependence can often stop independently. However, heavy drinkers should seek medical supervision. Severe withdrawal can cause dangerous complications including seizures and delirium tremens. If you’ve been drinking heavily for an extended period, consult a healthcare provider before stopping.
Will I Lose Weight When I Stop Drinking?
Many people lose weight after quitting alcohol. Six glasses of wine per week equals roughly 960 calories, while six pints of lager contain about 1,080 calories. Beyond caloric reduction, stopping alcohol improves sleep quality and increases energy for physical activity. Most people notice changes within the first month.
How Do I Handle Cravings?
Cravings are normal and typically pass within 15 to 30 minutes. Strategies include avoiding triggers, using distraction techniques like exercise, calling a supportive friend, practicing mindfulness, and attending support group meetings.
Do I Need Inpatient Treatment or Can I Do Outpatient?
Inpatient treatment is typically recommended for severe alcohol dependence, dangerous withdrawal risk, co-occurring mental health conditions, or unstable home environments. Outpatient programs work well for mild to moderate addiction, stable housing, and strong support systems. Your healthcare provider can help determine the right level of care.
What Happens If I Relapse?
Relapse is common and doesn’t mean you’ve failed. If you relapse, return to your recovery efforts quickly. Contact your therapist, attend a support group meeting, and identify what triggered the relapse. Each attempt at sobriety provides learning opportunities that strengthen your recovery skills.
Crisis Resources
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7. Call or text 988 to reach trained crisis counselors. The service is available to everyone, and you don’t need to be actively suicidal to call. More information is available at https://988lifeline.org.
In medical emergencies, call 911 immediately. This includes severe withdrawal symptoms, chest pain, difficulty breathing, seizures, or any situation requiring immediate medical intervention.
Helpful Links
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Alcohol’s Effects on The Body
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help
- Alcohol Use and Your Health
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline
- Recovery Research Institute: Reducing or Quitting Drinking
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
