Education & FAQs

What happens when you stop drinking alcohol?

Written by Karen May, DC, CCSP, CCIP | Jan 24, 2025 5:54:00 PM

Intro
We all know that drinking alcohol has devastating effects on your body. From cancers to a weakened immune system, alcohol can impact every aspect of your health and well-being. What exactly happens when you decide to stop drinking, and how does it affect your body over time?

Let’s start with the basics.
Many people think that a few drinks here and there won’t significantly affect their health. But alcohol impacts nearly every system in your body. Over time, even moderate drinking can lead to issues like liver damage, inflammation, and impaired nervous system function.

If you are suffering from neuropathy, or any nerve pain, alcohol can increase the already painful symptoms that you experience day in and day out. 

 

What Happens When You Stop Drinking?

Within 24 Hours:
Your body begins to detoxify. You may notice clearer thinking and less bloating.

Within 1 Week:
Sleep quality improves significantly. Alcohol disrupts your sleep cycle, and without it, you will experience deep, high-quality sleep. Your energy levels and mood will also see a boost.

Within 1 Month:
Your liver begins to repair itself. You’ll notice better digestion, clearer skin, weight loss, and improved metabolism.

Within 3–6 Months:
Your cardiovascular health improves with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. 

Within 1 Year:
Your risk for alcohol-related diseases like liver cirrhosis and certain cancers decreases dramatically. And if you are suffering from neuropathy, the reduction in inflammation and improved circulation can lead to significant symptom relief.

Health Benefits of Not Drinking Alcohol

1. Enhanced Nervous System Function

Alcohol damages your peripheral nervous system, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain. By avoiding alcohol, you give your body the chance to repair nerve damage and improve your overall health.

2. Reduced Inflammation

Chronic alcohol use promotes inflammation, which can worsen neuropathy. Cutting alcohol from your life can help reduce inflammation and ease your pain and discomfort.

3. Improved Circulation

Alcohol constricts blood vessels, which will reduce your circulation. Better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients reach your nerves and tissues.

4. Better Sleep and Energy

Alcohol disrupts your natural sleep patterns. Without it, your body can get the deep sleep it needs to repair and restore, leading to higher energy levels during the day.

5. Liver Repair

Your liver is a powerhouse for detoxification, but alcohol puts it under significant strain. Giving up alcohol allows your liver to heal and perform its vital functions more effectively.

Alcohol and Neuropathy

Neuropathy, or damage to the peripheral nervous system, can be caused by alcohol consumption, known as alcohol-induced neuropathy. Even if your neuropathy is from other causes, alcohol will increase your neuropathy symptoms, so refraining from alcohol is essential in your healing journey. 

Get treatment for diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a chronic condition that worsens over time. Without treatment, any symptoms you have will progressively get worse.

While there is no cure or quick fix for diabetic neuropathy, our proven Neuropathy Relief Program has seen success time and time again:

  • Reducing pain and numbness
  • Improving balance and mobility
  • Improving quality of life and overall health
  • Helping clients to regain their freedom and independence

 

To connect with a relief expert today and see what relief options are available to you, give us a call today at 517-883-2291 - or click the button below to learn more about our program.