Still, abstaining from alcohol — on a short-term basis or longer term — is becoming more common. While that amount is generally thought to be okay for your https://ecosoberhouse.com/ health, having more than that on a regular basis isn’t. The thing is, it’s easy to go above moderate levels of drinking is a mainstay of your social life.

• Quitting can still be tough (if it weren’t, drying out for a month wouldn’t be offered up as a challenge).
• Drinking within the low risk drinking guidelines and having several drink-free days each week can help keep health risks from the effects of alcohol low.
• It can also help you plan for situations where you’d usually be drinking.
• Dasgupta said the best people to avoid alcohol always are those under 21 years old, and not just for legal reasons.
• “For patients who are left with cirrhosis after severe injury to the liver from alcohol, even one drink of alcohol is toxic to the liver,” cautions Dr. Lindenmeyer.

Will I experience withdrawal symptoms if I stop drinking?

If you turn to alcohol to manage emotional distress, the added overwhelm can prompt the urge to drink, making success seem even more out of reach. That said, you don’t need to say anything more than “No, thanks.” Practicing your refusal ahead of time can help you feel more comfortable and confident when you find yourself in a situation that involves alcohol. From month-long sobriety challenges to the Sober Curious movement, more and more people are taking a closer look at the role alcohol plays in their lives. The less you drink, the lower your risk of alcohol-related harm.

• It’s common to want to take a break from booze in the new year.
• It’s not all sunshine and roses when we stop drinking – we can also expect moments where we are triggered to drink and have strong cravings.
• However, keep in mind that these programs are aimed at social drinkers.
• All the same, “a quick drink” often turns into three or four drinks.
• If you turn to alcohol to manage emotional distress, the added overwhelm can prompt the urge to drink, making success seem even more out of reach.

Tips to start reducing alcohol in your life

Now there’s “Dry July” and even “Sober September.” And the movement has spread across the U.S., with people challenging each other to see what life is like without alcohol and share in that experience. With the recent popularization of 30-day challenges like Dry January and Sober October, people are beginning to recognize that there can be benefits to cutting out alcohol for a period of time. But if you’re new to sober curiosity, you may not know where to begin thinking about your relationship with alcohol. “Viruses won’t be caused by alcohol, but you can be more vulnerable to them if you’re drinking,” he says.

Health Categories to Explore

Alcohol use can worsen existing anxiety and depression and lead to new diagnoses. Cutting back can improve symptoms, including “hangxiety” – struggling with hangover-related anxiety, restless sleep, and irritability. It’s easy to lose track of how much alcohol you consume during the week. Craft beers and specialty cocktails may have a higher ABV, and restaurants and bars may add more alcohol or pour drinks in larger glasses. If you are making drinks at home, you likely aren’t measuring each pour.

On a recent Friday night, Rob Zaleski and Kim Daniel walk into Marshall’s bar in Austin. They’re going without alcohol for 30 days, they explain, and are documenting their experience in a podcast and on Instagram at #boozelessATX. Chris Marshall is a certified substance abuse counselor and the founder of Sans Bar, a venue for “the nightlife experience” without the alcohol, in Austin, Texas. They’re part of a sober social club, made up mostly of women in their 30s who want to have fun and make friends without alcohol. 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.

What can you expect within two to three weeks?

Choose a healthier alternative like sparkling water, soft drink or a mocktail. You might hear psychologists refer to something called the “rule violation effect”. This is when you’re working hard to not drink, but one day give in and have a glass of wine or two, then give up on your goals altogether. Relying on intention and willpower to stop drinking, even for a short period, is not usually enough. Resisting temptation takes up a lot of brain power and eventually your brain gets tired and gives in.

If someone chooses not to drink, they are under no obligation to explain their decision. Don’t press them and suggest “one drink won’t hurt you” or ask intrusive questions such as “Are you not drinking because you’re pregnant? You’re likely to be in situations where you’ll be offered a drink.

How much, how often and why are good questions every drinker should ask themselves occasionally. You may have heard the terms “sober curious” or “Dry January” and wondered what it’s all about. Here are some nuggets to think about if you’d like to consider taking a break from drinking. That’s why how to take a break from drinking 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.

• “Not everyone identifies as sober all the time,” Marshall says.
• If you’re having difficulty finding support systems as you experiment with quitting drinking or aren’t sure how to make sober friends, Stewart recommends connecting with sober folks on social media.
• Of course, the new year is also a popular time to take stock of your health and lifestyle choices, press the reset button, and dive into resolutions such as Dry January.
• Even if you don’t experience these symptoms and just want some extra help, it’s worth reaching out.
• But over time, White says, this can lead to escalating levels of anxiety.
• If you take prescription medication, continue to take it as directed.
• On a recent Friday night, Rob Zaleski and Kim Daniel walk into Marshall’s bar in Austin.

Some people may relapse, or drink alcohol again, to relieve the symptoms. If you are sober-curious and looking for a starting point, talk with your primary care provider. We can help you create an effective, sustainable plan to put you in control of your relationship with alcohol.