What happens when you go 2 weeks no Alcohol?
What can 2 weeks of no alcohol do for your health? Two weeks of no alcohol can begin to heal your body both physically and psychologically. Alcohol. It is one of the most commonly used substances for many reasons. It is often associated with social, cultural and historical references. It is legal. It is accessible. And it is not stigmatized. All of these factors make it appealing to use.
However, research continues to show us that alcohol use remains the leading risk factor for disability and premature death. Chronic drinking can worsen issues of self-esteem, worsen relationships and hinder concentration, focus and motivation. The consumption of alcohol is linked to at least 60 acute and chronic diseases. Even low to moderate drinking can cause risky consequences.
Signs you should be cutting back on Alcohol
- You frequently drink more than you plan on drinking
- You feel guilty after drinking alcohol
- You experience black out embarrassment when you drink alcohol
- You drink in hazardous situations
- You often downplay or lie about your drinking habits
- You frequently miss work or obligations due to hangovers from alcohol
- You research ways to get sober faster
- You tend to drink alone when you are feeling sad, anxious or lonely
- You choose to drink alcohol over engaging in other activities or relationships
- You have been told by others that you drink too much alcohol
Physical changes from 2 weeks no Alcohol
- Improved sleep. One of the most noticeable changes you can feel once you go 2 weeks of no alcohol is a better quality of sleep. Alcohol is a depressant that can slow down your nervous system temporarily and also throw off your natural sleep cycle. When your body begins to metabolize the alcohol, it speeds up your nervous system, which can cause you to wake up again and more frequently during the night. When you remove alcohol, you will be able to go back into a healthy sleep cycle and get the rest your mind and body need to function properly. You feel better in the morning because you get better quality sleep. You feel better throughout the day because you get enough sleep. And you have more energy.
- Liver. Alcohol damages your liver, causing fatty liver, liver cirrhosis and other types of liver damage. It causes scar tissue in your liver. The more scar tissue you have, the more damaged your liver can become. When you stop alcohol intake, your liver will have the time to regenerate and heal itself.
- Better skin. Alcohol is a diuretic and will dehydrate your body, including your skin. It can leave you looking dull, dry and make fine lines and wrinkles more prominent. Alcohol also releases histamines, which can dilate your capillaries, turning your skin red and irritated, which can also lead to the development of skin issues like acne. Cessation of alcohol can clear up your skin issues.
- Improved digestion. Alcohol abuse can make gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux worse. Alcohol can mess up your microbiome, which is an integral part of a properly functioning digestive tract. An imbalance in the gut can cause an upset stomach, bloating and gas.
- Healthier weight. Alcohol contains all kinds of hidden sugars that can lead to the development of belly fat. This is also known as visceral fat. This type of fat is deep inside your abdomen, it surrounds your organs and can impact your organ function. A glass of wine is about 110-150 or so calories. A pint of beer can have around 220 calories. Drinking regularly adds up empty calories that do not contribute to any sort of nutrition. Drinking less alcohol can help you avoid empty calories and lose unhealthy weight.
- Immune System. Drinking causes all kinds of inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation happens when the immune system sends cells to fight off bacteria or an injury. Inflammation can cause harm to organs and tissues. By cutting out alcohol for 2 weeks or more, it can give your body time to strengthen your immune system back to working condition.
- Decreased risk for heart disease and cancer. Drinking alcohol drastically increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer. Cutting out alcohol even for 2 weeks can decrease these health risks that can dramatically impact overall wellness.
Check Your Insurance Coverage for FREE
Find out if your insurance covers addiction treatment in minutes. We accept most insurance!
Psychological and emotional changes from 2 weeks no Alcohol
- Improved mood. Most people are naturally inclined to get a beer or drink at the end of a workday. It is a social and cultural norm. Alcohol can provide a temporary and short-term dopamine trigger. But as soon as the alcohol is metabolized and those levels of dopamine drop, it can leave you feeling anxious and depressed. Excessive alcohol intake only intensifies the feelings of anxiety and depression. Cessation from alcohol for 2 weeks can help improve your overall mood.
- Balanced hormones. Drinking alcohol can mess with your endocrine system (hormone system). It can affect the system’s ability to cope with changes in its environment. For example, hormones can be disrupted by side effects from hangovers and alcohol withdrawal. Severe hormone dysregulation can also be caused by excessive alcohol intake, which can then contribute to behavioral disorders, reproductive issues or thyroid problems. Two weeks of no alcohol can give your body some time to naturally balance out necessary hormones.
- Improved cognitive function. Heavy drinking can often negatively impact cognitive functions such as impeding your reflexes, motor control, ability to make decisions and ability to focus. It can also improve how you behave in your relationship with others. By cutting out alcohol, you can clear the brain fog and make healthier choices.
- Financial stability. Alcohol can add up. If you are constantly purchasing and obtaining alcohol, it can soon become a burden on you financially. Ending alcohol use for a few weeks can offer some sort of financial respite so that you are not struggling with your finances. Over time, the money adds up.
Timeline for two weeks of no Alcohol
The first day after quitting alcohol is commonly referred to as having a hangover. It is also known as alcohol withdrawal. You can experience mild symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting or shaking. This is a common experience for many people who drink alcohol. More severe symptoms can include elevated blood pressure, upset GI, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, tremors and hallucinations. Ultimately, withdrawal can occur for up to 2 weeks after you stop drinking alcohol.
During the next few days, your symptoms of withdrawal should start to improve. Although you may still experience headaches and feel fatigued, it is nothing compared to the initial withdrawal symptoms. The first week of no alcohol is when your body begins to adjust to the absence of alcohol. You will experience withdrawal and might even have cravings.
By the second week, you will begin to feel profound changes in your mind and body. Your nervous system will continue to adjust to no alcohol and you can find yourself sleeping better, having more energy, and feeling overall physically better. You might still experience some cravings, but they are much easier to manage. You will begin to see physical improvements like better skin, less bloating and lowered blood pressure. By the second week, your cognitive thinking will be clear and you will have fewer impeding mental health issues.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions affecting society on a global scale. And going two weeks of no alcohol can have a profound effect on a person who is an addict or even a person who drinks occasionally. Hotel California by the Sea is a professional behavioral health treatment program that specializes in alcohol use disorder.
We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based treatment methods such as CBT, group therapy, and family therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals of sobriety. We offer the tools, resources and support needed to help clients overcome their addiction.
References:
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/benefits-of-quitting-alcohol
https://www.vogue.com/article/what-happens-when-you-stop-drinking
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-quit-alcohol-for-30-days
https://betterme.world/articles/2-weeks-without-alcohol-weight-loss/
https://www.hussle.com/blog/what-happens-after-2-weeks-no-alcohol/