If you're wondering what happens when you stop drinking alcohol, you've probably already read a list somewhere.

Better sleep, glowing skin, more energy, weight falls off, life is wonderful.

Some of that is true. Some of it is true for some people. And some of it takes a lot longer than the lists suggest.

I've been supporting women to reduce and stop drinking for nearly 20 years, first in national treatment services and now through Women Who Don't Drink. So this is the honest version: what changes, roughly when, and what can take a bit of work.

Because if you know what's coming, you're far less likely to give up in week three thinking "this isn't working for me".

Let's take it in three parts: physical changes, emotional changes and lifestyle changes.

Prefer to watch rather than read?

I've also talked through what happens when you stop drinking alcohol in this video:

Watch: What Happens When You Stop Drinking Alcohol?

About the author

Written by Stephanie Chivers, Founder of Wo...