‘Sober Curious’? Taking A Break From Booze Is Trendy And Helps Health : Shots Health News : NPR

Even if you don’t experience these symptoms and just want some extra help, it’s worth reaching out. “If you find that you are trying to stop repeatedly without success, getting professional help from a therapist or outpatient program may give you the best chance of wide-reaching recovery,” adds Mehta. Just as you might think how to take a break from alcohol to yourself, “maybe I should get more sleep this week,” you can think, “maybe I should check in with myself about my alcohol consumption.” Here’s how to start. Maybe you’ve never been interested in logging your innermost thoughts, but journaling can be a great tool to track your feelings as you work on quitting alcohol.

Make a list of reasons for quitting — and refer to it often

In particular, conversations with friends tend to be more in depth when we’re not drinking – and we can find ourselves talking about a broader range of topics than before. Many people drink that glass of wine before bed thinking it will help them fall asleep, but in reality it’s probably causing more harm than good. That’s why many of us wonder if a month of avoiding drinking is enough to “reset” your liver back to normal. It’s true that taking a break from alcohol for any amount of time will be beneficial overall, with some research showing that liver function begins to improve in as little as two to three weeks. But a full detox is needed for the most benefit, and how much time that takes depends on a variety of personal factors.

What happens when you stop drinking for 30 days

Events like FebFast can encourage and support these good intentions. But around 30% of people who start FebFast don’t get through the whole month alcohol-free. When your body breaks down alcohol, your liver has to clear the metabolic byproducts, Dr. Leavey says. “As a result, the liver has to work harder and longer to recover from the effects of alcohol,” he says. Alcohol can also cause inflammation in your liver, which keeps it from doing its job well—which is clearing out toxins from your body and turning fat into energy to keep you fueled, Dr. Galligan says.

Want a Week’s Worth of Healthy Trader Joe’s Recipes?

It’s OK — and, in fact, very normal — if you’re feeling ambivalent about changing your relationship with alcohol, says Ellinwood. If you feel comfortable doing so, discuss your challenges with your primary healthcare professional. Finding a therapist can also be a great starting point if you’re uncomfortable opening up to your healthcare professional. It’s common to have a difficult time when making big changes, but good self-care practices can help you manage overwhelming feelings and take care of your mind and body. Research shows that most people believe that drinking can make them feel better. However, when alcohol makes up part of your typical routine, drinking can become something of an automatic response, especially when you feel stressed or overwhelmed.

And, for some people, the financial savings could be substantial. Research has also shown that taking a month-long break from alcohol can be good for the liver. For many people, quitting drinking revolves around hitting the proverbial “rock bottom” and seeking recovery through peer-support groups or in-person treatment centers. At least that’s how many used to think about recovery from alcohol use disorder. But these days, you don’t have to lose it all or label yourself an “alcoholic” in order to re-evaluate whether your relationship with alcohol is having a positive impact on your life.

• “[The bottom line] is, protect the heart with [a] low amount of alcohol, but increase the risk of cardiovascular disease with high amount of alcohol,” Dasgupta said.
• As it breaks down, a by-product called acetaldehyde is produced.
• I order a mocktail when I meet people for drinks because it feels good to sip a drink that has an air of indulgence to it.
• “Alcohol is high in calories and often contributes to weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area,” Dr. Church explained.
• However, you won’t regret your decision once you come through withdrawal.
• For most people, if they have a bottle of wine in the house, they’re going to to drink that bottle of wine.

• That’s why Mehta recommends being kind to yourself and thinking about this as an experiment.
• It can also be helpful to focus on activities that don’t usually involve alcohol.
• Identify the benefits of quitting and write them down as a reminder of why you’re doing this.
• Drinking alcohol in excess can deprive the skin of vital vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin A, which is essential for cell renewal and turnover.
• So far, they’ve discovered archery lessons, played flag football, checked out motorcycles at a biker rally and joined a free improv class.
• Dr. Robin Berzin is the Founder and CEO of Parsley Health, America’s leading holistic medical practice designed to help women overcome chronic conditions.

Likewise, if you were essentially self-medicating, you might fear what is going to happen without your usual way of coping. Whatever your motivation, these tips are a great place to start in your quest to go alcohol-free, be it for a week, a month, or life. He welcomes to Sans Bar people who are in recovery and those just curious about the sober life, as long as they are substance free when they arrive and while they’re there. Over the past 12 years, Marshall has seen a lot of changes in the way people view sobriety. Back when he was getting sober, you either drank — or you didn’t, he says.

• On a recent Friday night, Rob Zaleski and Kim Daniel walk into Marshall’s bar in Austin.
• Sans Bar has become so popular that Marshall took the concept on the road this year.
• Dr. Dasgupta said for social and moderate drinkers, participating in a month break won’t make much difference to their bodies.
• According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, even one occasion of heavy drinking slows your body’s ability to ward off infections for 24 hours.

Reach out for support

But if you’re new to sober curiosity, you may not know where to begin thinking about your relationship with alcohol. The irony of alcohol is that we often drink to feel relaxed, to tamp down anxiety. But over time, White says, this can lead to escalating levels of anxiety.

It’s also a good way to communicate to your friends your choice to quit drinking, so they can better support you. Before your planned break from alcohol, spend a week or two monitoring the amount you drink and when. For some people, heart damage from alcohol overuse isn’t reversible after any amount of time. The good news is that the sooner you lower your intake, the better it will be for the health of your heart.

How Taking a Break from Alcohol Benefits Your Health

If you’re having difficulty sticking to your goal or just want some extra guidance, consider reaching out for professional support. Feeling at your best physically can boost resilience and emotional strength, equipping you to weather challenges that trigger the desire to drink. Letting others know about your choice to stop drinking may help motivate you to stick with your decision. Dasgupta said the best people to avoid alcohol always are those under 21 years old, and not just for legal reasons.