In August 2023, I made a decisive choice to stop drinking alcohol altogether. My health had been deteriorating, and I could see that alcohol was only making things worse. Just weeks after quitting, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease causing inflammation and ulcers in my large intestine and rectum.
My symptoms were severe—intense abdominal cramps, exhaustion, weight loss, and bloody diarrhea. Notably, these symptoms worsened when I drank alcohol, especially the stomach pain. Realizing alcohol was triggering my flare-ups, I committed to sobriety until my body was stronger.
Now, almost 16 months later, I rarely miss drinking. Sure, there have been moments—Christmas gatherings or cozy evenings by a fire—when I craved a glass of wine or bubbly, but overall, I’ve adapted well. I don’t judge others who drink responsibly; it can be enjoyable and social. However, my own sobriety has revealed three major improvements in my wellbeing.
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First, my anxiety has diminished. I’m someone who’s struggled with anxiety for years, often rehearsing conversations to avoid awkward moments. Surprisingly, I hadn’t connected this with drinking. After nights out with friends, drinking would leave me waking up anxious and riddled with worry over what I might have said or done. Since quitting, I wake up calm, without that uneasy ‘hangover’ anxiety.
Alcohol might initially reduce nervousness by depressing the central nervous system, but this relief is temporary. According to Drinkaware, alcohol and anxiety often form a vicious cycle: as alcohol’s effects wear off, anxiety resurfaces, sometimes stronger, prompting more drinking to cope. Over time, this pattern can heighten anxiety symptoms when alcohol leaves the body.
Second, my skin has improved markedly. While I still see occasional breakouts and dryness—especially in winter—my complexion is far healthier and more radiant. Before quitting, my skin often looked dull, puffy, and dehydrated. Alcohol’s diuretic effect flushes fluids and nutrients from the body, causing these skin issues.
Dr. Anatalia Moore explains that alcohol accelerates water loss, which leads to dehydration that dulls the skin, worsens fine lines, and inflames sensitive skin. This dehydration triggers excess oil production, contributing to acne in prone individuals. Additionally, alcohol converts to sugar in the body, releasing hormones that increase oiliness. Quitting alcohol allowed my skin to retain moisture and clarity like never before.
Third, my sleep quality has improved dramatically. I used to rely on alcohol to fall asleep quickly, but it was deceptive. Although I fell asleep fast, the sleep was fragmented and of poor quality due to reduced REM sleep, which is vital for memory and emotional health. This left me tired and unfocused the next day.
After stopping drinking, I now enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep. Given my chronic health issues often leave me exhausted, this improvement has been a game changer, allowing me to wake refreshed and more capable.
One unexpected side effect of quitting is how addictive sobriety has become—not in a negative way, but in terms of how rewarding and empowering it feels. Though my health motivated me at first, now a stronger sense of self-confidence drives me to stay alcohol-free. With each passing month, my commitment grows stronger, and I have little desire to return to drinking.
For anyone considering quitting alcohol, know this: the benefits extend far beyond what you might expect. For me, the physical and mental changes have been profound—and the journey continues.