Over 25 million Americans struggle with an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), according to data from a 2023 survey on drug and alcohol use by the NIAA, with many reporting using alcohol to relieve stress, cope with anxiety, and fall asleep [1].
Alcohol addiction is characterized by excessive drinking, cravings for alcohol, and the inability to stop use despite harmful consequences. Quitting can seem impossible as alcohol withdrawal can cause intense physical symptoms such as nausea or even seizures, but with supervised detox, it is achievable. And after making it past the withdrawal phase, it offers many health benefits, including a lower risk of disease, saved money, and improved relationships.
Read on to understand what happens after you stop drinking, including what to expect during withdrawal and the benefits that follow.
Understanding Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol is easy to access, normalized in many cultures, and one of the most common substance use disorders. A family history of alcoholism, trauma, underlying mental health problems, and life stress, such as divorce or work pressure, can all increase the risk of developing a problem with alcohol. Research has also identified two genes: ADH1B and ALDH2, that affect alcohol metabolism and tolerance, and influence the development of alcohol addiction [2].
Alcohol increases the neurotransmitter GABA, which calms activity in the central nervous system, leading to feelings of relaxation, euphoria, or a buzz. It also increases activity in the basal ganglia and prefrontal cortex regions that play a role in reward processing, pleasure, and eventually addiction [3].
Long-term alcohol use can damage major organs, including the liver, kidneys, and stomach. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, chronic alcohol abuse also increases blood pressure and the risk of stroke [3].
What Happens During Alcohol Withdrawal?
For those who drink regularly, for long-term, or mix alcohol with other substances such as opioids, alcohol withdrawal often causes intense and sometimes life-threatening symptoms. Supervised detox is often recommended to monitor vitals and prescribe medication to alleviate withdrawal pain or cravings.
Effects on The Brain
Alcohol addiction impacts several regions of the brain and neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and most significantly, GABA. This can cause several cognitive effects during withdrawal, including:
- Cravings
- Increased tolerance
- Reduced impulse control
- Trouble decision-making
- Mood swings, irritability
- Emotional dysregulation
- Anxiety, depression
- In severe cases, paranoia, hallucinations, psychosis
Effects on The Body
During withdrawal, many experience physical symptoms from the sudden drop in GABA and other neurotransmitters, throwing the body and nervous system into “fight or flight mode” and causing symptoms such as sweating, shaking, and nausea. Other physical effects of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Insomnia
- Increased blood pressure
- Nausea, vomiting, headaches
- In severe cases seizures, fever, and dangerous shifts in heart rate or blood pressure
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
The timeline for alcohol withdrawal looks different for everyone and is based on several factors, including the amount of alcohol consumed, frequency, and duration of use. As well as the presence of physical health conditions, polysubstance use, or co-occurring mental health disorders. However, the general timeline is as follows:
- 6-12 Hours After Last Drink: Headache, mild anxiety or shakiness, stomach discomfort.
- 24 Hours After Last Drink: Symptoms often become more intense, nausea, vomiting, severe shaking, mood swings; individuals may have visual or auditory hallucinations.
- 24-72 Hours After Last Drink: For some, symptoms have already peaked and begin to decrease in intensity. However, for others, especially with a long history of alcohol abuse, this is when the risk of complications such as Delirium Tremens and seizures is highest.
Benefits of Stopping Drinking
Many report several physical and mental health benefits after they quit drinking and make it past the withdrawal phase. Most people also see an improvement in social functioning and relationships. The top 5 benefits of quitting alcohol include:
- Improved Physical Health: Reduces risks of liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and certain cancers such as stomach, liver, or esophageal.
- Better Mental Health: Decreases anxiety, depression, and brain fog and can improve memory, focus, and overall stability.
- Saving Money: Quitting alcohol can save an average of about $3,000 per year in the U.S. This includes money spent on purchasing alcohol and related costs such as Uber, drunk food orders, and bar or club admission fees [4].
- Higher Quality Sleep: Alcohol disrupts sleep cycles and melatonin levels. Many report more restorative sleep and improved energy levels after quitting drinking.
- Stronger Relationships: Sobriety from alcohol supports healthier relationships by reducing harmful or impulsive behavior, aggression, and mood swings. Many individuals report more meaningful relationships after giving up alcohol.
Evidence-Based Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Albuquerque
At Anchor Behavioral Health, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based substance abuse and co-occurring mental health treatment to the Albuquerque community.
We combine clinical excellence with lived experience to empower individuals on their path of recovery from alcohol addiction. Through resilience, personal growth, and a path to a healthier future, we stand by you every step of the way.
Our empathetic team provides a combination of behavioral interventions, psychiatric services, and holistic healing activities to help you find lasting recovery. Contact our admissions team to begin your healing journey today.
Sources
[1] National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. 2025. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics.
[2] Edenberg H. J. (2007). The genetics of alcohol metabolism: role of alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase variants. Alcohol research & health: the journal of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 30(1), 5–13.
[3] National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. 2025. Alcohol’s Effects on the Body.
[4] Newsweek. 2023. How Much Could You Save By Giving Up Alcohol?