Here at Blush and Barbells, we’re passionate about maintaining a healthy body and mind. Part of that is promoting a healthy and safe level of alcohol consumption. We are all about moderation. Now, we know the Christmas period is coming up, and we all like to drink a little more than usual! However, let’s take a second to think about the very real health problems associated with drinking too much. We’re talking about both physical and mental health problems, and how alcohol affects all parts of our bodies.
Alcoholism is a huge problem in our country. Not only that, but it’s a sleeping giant. It’s impossible to know how far the extent of the problem goes. We’ve been chatting with the experts at an alcohol rehab facility to find out more. Specifically, what happens when we take the decision to stop drinking. This is a hard challenge for anyone with an addiction, so let’s find out more about the process.
The first few hours
For many of us, the first few hours after drinking is a tough hangover. We’ve all had some bad ones over the years. But, it’s nothing compared to the full effects of a withdrawal. When you quit alcohol after months or years of addiction, something very different happens. You don’t just get a sore head and nausea. You experience severe sweating and body tremors. Your blood pressure soars, and insomnia kicks in. The body is trying to force every last drop of alcohol out of your system, and it’s simply awful. This is the single hardest aspect of giving up.
1-2 weeks later
It takes two full weeks to completely detox the body of alcohol and its effects. Over this period, you’ll start to feel a sense of clarity coming to your brain. The cloudiness will disappear, and it’s time to take advantage. The best thing to do is get straight into healthy new habits. Eat a healthy diet, get some exercise, and find plenty to keep you busy. This is the moment to make a quick life turn-around. If it gets the better of you, then depression and anxiety can take over instead.
1 month sober
The first month is an enormous milestone. It’s one of the most important benchmarks, so use this chance to celebrate. A large proportion of addicts don’t make it this far. Your body is finally settling into this new, cleaner state. Your liver is jumping for joy, and will have shed a lot of fat. Your blood pressure begins to stabilize, and you’ll be enjoying the best sleep you’ve had in years. Again, make sure you’re keeping up those healthy new routines.
1 year sober
By now, your body is fully recovered. The only thing that you’ll battle with is your mind. Those urges will still work their way into your head. But now, you’re well equipped to deal with them. This is a major point on the timeline, and the chances of relapse drop to less than 50%. Make it to five years, and that percentage drops to 15%.
That’s all for now, folks! Now you know exactly what the body goes through after alcohol addiction.
