Wondering what benefits you can expect when you go alcohol-free? In this blog post, we'll cover 10 specific benefits.
While we often see alcohol as a social lubricant or a means to unwind, the reality is that this substance can impact our lives in ways we don't always appreciate. An alcohol-free lifestyle doesn't just mean a life without hangovers. It's a life of clarity, of increased energy, of healthier bodies and minds, and of genuine, meaningful relationships.
Choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle is a personal journey, one that reaps countless rewards. It's about embracing our true selves, without the mask of intoxication. And the best part? This new path is paved with the promise of better health, deeper connections, and a newfound appreciation for life, in all its undiluted, messy glory.
If you’re ready to supercharge your well-being and end your relationship with alcohol for good, then you’re in the right place. At Reframe, we take a compassion-centered, judgment-free approach to helping people transform their lives. From our neuroscience-backed daily activities to our community-driven 24/7 Forum chat, we’ve got plenty of opportunities for you to start changing for the better.
Plus, with our engaging monthly challenges, you’ll receive the support and accountability from other Reframers to build healthy, long-lasting habits. Our team is here to cheer you on and answer your questions 100% of the way, too. So, take that first big step and unlock a healthier, more resilient version of you!
With 2.1 million downloads (and counting!), we’re slowly reframing what an alcohol-free lifestyle means. Head to our app and begin your personalized journey today! We’re excited for you to become a part of our global community!
We've all experienced the thrill of a boozy evening: bright city lights, the sound of clinking glasses, laughter filling the room, and the feeling of camaraderie as we toast to the night. But then comes the dawn — the throbbing headache, the hazy memories, the regret. What if we told you there's a different path? One that's full of mornings without hangovers, evenings of meaningful conversations, and a life of unparalleled clarity.
Sounds too good to be true? We can assure you it’s not! In fact, millions of people just like you have successfully transformed their relationship with alcohol and reclaimed their health and vitality. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, we’ve got plenty for you in this blog post! Let's delve into the wonderful world of an alcohol-free lifestyle.
It's no secret that alcohol has a complex relationship with our mental health. On the one hand, people often reach for a glass of wine or a bottle of beer as a way to unwind after a stressful day, seeking solace in the temporary relaxation it provides. However, the irony lies in the fact that alcohol, a depressant, can actually exacerbate feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression in the long run.
Scientific research supports this counterintuitive relationship. Alcohol alters our brain chemistry, disrupting the balance of neurotransmitters (like GABA, glutamate, dopamine, and serotonin), which regulate our mood and emotions. Over time, frequent alcohol use can lead to a dependence on these artificial boosts of happiness, trapping us in a vicious cycle. The more we drink to cope, the worse our mental health symptoms can become.
But here's the good news: choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle can break this cycle. When we remove alcohol from the equation, our brains can begin to restore their natural balance. This process might take time and patience, but the payoff is immense: less stress, more emotional stability, and a newfound resilience. We might find ourselves better equipped to handle problems, to navigate complex feelings, and to embrace the joys and challenges of everyday life with a clear mind and a steady heart.
Many of us may indulge in a classic "nightcap" — a drink before bed to help us drift off into dreamland. However, while alcohol may initially promote sleepiness, it can severely disrupt our sleep patterns as the night progresses.
Scientifically speaking, alcohol inhibits our REM sleep — the stage of sleep associated with deep, restorative rest, memory consolidation, and learning. This disruption can leave us feeling groggy, unfocused, and fatigued the next day, even after a full night in bed.
Moreover, alcohol can lead to sleep conditions like sleep apnea and insomnia. Alcohol is also a diuretic, which means more nighttime trips to the bathroom, leading to interrupted sleep.
When we choose an alcohol-free lifestyle, we're choosing to prioritize quality sleep. Over time, we may notice a significant improvement in our sleep patterns, leading to more energy during the day, better mood, and enhanced cognitive functioning. We're not just sleeping better; we're waking up to a world that seems a little brighter, a little more vivid, each and every morning.
Alcohol's impact on our cognitive abilities is well documented. This substance slows down the communication between our brain's neurons, leading to impaired thinking and poor judgment. Moreover, the after-effects of drinking, like hangovers, can leave us feeling foggy and unfocused the next day.
The science behind this is quite simple: alcohol affects our brain's prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions like decision-making, attention, and problem-solving. This means that even a single night of heavy drinking can lead to significant cognitive impairment.
When we choose to live alcohol-free, we're giving our brains the chance to operate at their full capacity. We might notice an increase in our concentration, memory for details, and ability to make quick, effective decisions. Moreover, without the brain fog associated with hangovers, we're more present and plugged into what’s happening around us all day long.
This heightened focus can lead to improvements in every sphere of our day-to-day functioning, from our work performance to our relationships. We're not just more efficient; we're more aware, more attuned to the world, and more capable of seizing the opportunities that come our way.
Alcohol has a detrimental impact on our body's innate defense mechanism — the immune system. Regular drinking can weaken this crucial system, making us more susceptible to infections, diseases, and overall poor health.
Alcohol disrupts the immune pathways in complex ways, impairing the body's ability to defend against pathogens. It can harm our body's frontline defense, the white blood cells, reducing their ability to kill germs and increasing our vulnerability to illnesses.
Moreover, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to nutritional deficiencies, further compromising our immunity. Vitamins and minerals, crucial for a healthy immune system, may not be properly absorbed due to alcohol's effects within our digestive tract.
When we choose an alcohol-free lifestyle, we're choosing to bolster our body's natural defenses. Over time, our immune system can recover to its full capacity, becoming more effective at warding off illnesses. This means fewer sick days, more energy, and an overall stronger, healthier body.
Our skin is the largest organ in our body and one that's significantly affected by alcohol. Due to alcohol’s diuretic properties, when we drink, we lose more water than we take in. This can lead to dehydration, which can dry out our skin, making it look dull and lifeless.
Moreover, alcohol can cause inflammation throughout the body, leading to redness, puffiness, and breakouts on our skin. Excessive drinking also hampers the production of collagen, a protein essential for skin elasticity, leading to premature aging and wrinkles.
When we opt for an alcohol-free lifestyle, we give our skin the chance to stay supple and avoid early signs of aging. As our body readjusts, our skin can start to retain its natural moisture balance, reducing dryness and flakiness. Over time, we might notice our complexion becoming clearer, brighter, and more youthful.
Choosing to go alcohol-free is, in many ways, like choosing to provide the best care for our skin. It's a commitment to a healthier, radiant glow that reflects our inner health and well-being.
Alcohol has a way of seeping into our social lives, often blurring the lines between healthy and unhealthy interactions. It can create a false sense of connection, mask our true feelings, and even be a catalyst for conflict.
Drinking can impair our judgment and lead to miscommunication. In some cases, it can make us act in ways we wouldn't normally. These actions can strain relationships, leading to tension and misunderstandings.
The beauty of an alcohol-free lifestyle is that it fosters genuine, meaningful connections. When we remove alcohol from social situations, we engage more authentically, listen more attentively, and express ourselves more honestly. This can lead to deeper relationships, built on understanding and mutual respect rather than on the superficial “bonds” that alcohol often promotes.
Embracing alcohol-free living doesn't mean losing our social life. Instead, it means redefining it — building more authentic relationships, fostering healthier connections, and truly being present with the people we care about.
Alcohol is often referred to as “empty calories” because it provides us with little to no nutritional benefits. A standard glass of wine or a pint of beer can contain as many calories as a slice of pizza. These calories can quickly add up, contributing to weight gain and making it challenging to maintain a healthy weight.
Furthermore, alcohol can interfere with our metabolism, impairing our body’s ability to burn fat efficiently. It can also increase our appetite and lead to poor food choices, further contributing to weight gain.
By choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle, it can be easier to maintain or reach a healthier weight since our metabolism is running more smoothly (and, of course, we’re consuming significantly fewer calories).
Going alcohol-free isn't a quick fix for weight loss — but it is a significant step towards creating a healthier relationship with our bodies. It's about nourishing ourselves in a way that feels good, both inside and out.
The link between alcohol and cancer is well-established in scientific research. Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the same category as tobacco and asbestos. It's associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, and liver cancer.
Alcohol can damage our DNA, proteins, and lipids through a process called oxidative stress, leading to harmful mutations that can trigger cancer. It also hampers the absorption of essential nutrients like folate, which is crucial for cell repair and replication.
Choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle is, therefore, a powerful choice in cancer prevention. It allows our bodies to repair alcohol-induced damage and better absorb nutrients. It also reduces the risk of harmful mutations. It's not just a decision for today, but an investment in our long-term health and well-being.
Alcohol, especially when consumed in excess, can take a significant toll on our heart health. It contributes to several heart-related problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and arrhythmias.
Alcohol can disrupt the heart's rhythm, leading to conditions like atrial fibrillation, in which the heart beats irregularly and often, too fast. This increases the risk of stroke and heart failure. Also, alcohol contains calories that can lead to weight gain, a risk factor for heart disease.
Choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle can lead to substantial improvements in heart health. Reduced alcohol intake can lower blood pressure to healthier levels, reduce the chance of arrhythmia, and facilitate weight loss, thus minimizing the risk of heart disease. In essence, we're giving our hearts a better environment in which to function, reducing strain and promoting longevity.
Money spent on alcohol can accumulate significantly over time. It's not just the cost of a few drinks at the bar or the bottles of wine for home consumption — it’s also the potential health costs associated with excessive drinking.
When we choose an alcohol-free lifestyle, we're choosing to redirect our resources. The money saved from not buying alcohol can be put towards other enriching experiences or saved for future use. It could mean a much-awaited holiday, picking up a new hobby, or building a nest egg for financial security.
Choosing to go alcohol-free doesn't just benefit our health; it also adds to our wealth. It's about making a choice today that our future self will thank us for. It's about investing in a life that's not just longer, but richer in experiences and opportunities.
We've all experienced the thrill of a boozy evening: bright city lights, the sound of clinking glasses, laughter filling the room, and the feeling of camaraderie as we toast to the night. But then comes the dawn — the throbbing headache, the hazy memories, the regret. What if we told you there's a different path? One that's full of mornings without hangovers, evenings of meaningful conversations, and a life of unparalleled clarity.
Sounds too good to be true? We can assure you it’s not! In fact, millions of people just like you have successfully transformed their relationship with alcohol and reclaimed their health and vitality. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, we’ve got plenty for you in this blog post! Let's delve into the wonderful world of an alcohol-free lifestyle.
It's no secret that alcohol has a complex relationship with our mental health. On the one hand, people often reach for a glass of wine or a bottle of beer as a way to unwind after a stressful day, seeking solace in the temporary relaxation it provides. However, the irony lies in the fact that alcohol, a depressant, can actually exacerbate feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression in the long run.
Scientific research supports this counterintuitive relationship. Alcohol alters our brain chemistry, disrupting the balance of neurotransmitters (like GABA, glutamate, dopamine, and serotonin), which regulate our mood and emotions. Over time, frequent alcohol use can lead to a dependence on these artificial boosts of happiness, trapping us in a vicious cycle. The more we drink to cope, the worse our mental health symptoms can become.
But here's the good news: choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle can break this cycle. When we remove alcohol from the equation, our brains can begin to restore their natural balance. This process might take time and patience, but the payoff is immense: less stress, more emotional stability, and a newfound resilience. We might find ourselves better equipped to handle problems, to navigate complex feelings, and to embrace the joys and challenges of everyday life with a clear mind and a steady heart.
Many of us may indulge in a classic "nightcap" — a drink before bed to help us drift off into dreamland. However, while alcohol may initially promote sleepiness, it can severely disrupt our sleep patterns as the night progresses.
Scientifically speaking, alcohol inhibits our REM sleep — the stage of sleep associated with deep, restorative rest, memory consolidation, and learning. This disruption can leave us feeling groggy, unfocused, and fatigued the next day, even after a full night in bed.
Moreover, alcohol can lead to sleep conditions like sleep apnea and insomnia. Alcohol is also a diuretic, which means more nighttime trips to the bathroom, leading to interrupted sleep.
When we choose an alcohol-free lifestyle, we're choosing to prioritize quality sleep. Over time, we may notice a significant improvement in our sleep patterns, leading to more energy during the day, better mood, and enhanced cognitive functioning. We're not just sleeping better; we're waking up to a world that seems a little brighter, a little more vivid, each and every morning.
Alcohol's impact on our cognitive abilities is well documented. This substance slows down the communication between our brain's neurons, leading to impaired thinking and poor judgment. Moreover, the after-effects of drinking, like hangovers, can leave us feeling foggy and unfocused the next day.
The science behind this is quite simple: alcohol affects our brain's prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions like decision-making, attention, and problem-solving. This means that even a single night of heavy drinking can lead to significant cognitive impairment.
When we choose to live alcohol-free, we're giving our brains the chance to operate at their full capacity. We might notice an increase in our concentration, memory for details, and ability to make quick, effective decisions. Moreover, without the brain fog associated with hangovers, we're more present and plugged into what’s happening around us all day long.
This heightened focus can lead to improvements in every sphere of our day-to-day functioning, from our work performance to our relationships. We're not just more efficient; we're more aware, more attuned to the world, and more capable of seizing the opportunities that come our way.
Alcohol has a detrimental impact on our body's innate defense mechanism — the immune system. Regular drinking can weaken this crucial system, making us more susceptible to infections, diseases, and overall poor health.
Alcohol disrupts the immune pathways in complex ways, impairing the body's ability to defend against pathogens. It can harm our body's frontline defense, the white blood cells, reducing their ability to kill germs and increasing our vulnerability to illnesses.
Moreover, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to nutritional deficiencies, further compromising our immunity. Vitamins and minerals, crucial for a healthy immune system, may not be properly absorbed due to alcohol's effects within our digestive tract.
When we choose an alcohol-free lifestyle, we're choosing to bolster our body's natural defenses. Over time, our immune system can recover to its full capacity, becoming more effective at warding off illnesses. This means fewer sick days, more energy, and an overall stronger, healthier body.
Our skin is the largest organ in our body and one that's significantly affected by alcohol. Due to alcohol’s diuretic properties, when we drink, we lose more water than we take in. This can lead to dehydration, which can dry out our skin, making it look dull and lifeless.
Moreover, alcohol can cause inflammation throughout the body, leading to redness, puffiness, and breakouts on our skin. Excessive drinking also hampers the production of collagen, a protein essential for skin elasticity, leading to premature aging and wrinkles.
When we opt for an alcohol-free lifestyle, we give our skin the chance to stay supple and avoid early signs of aging. As our body readjusts, our skin can start to retain its natural moisture balance, reducing dryness and flakiness. Over time, we might notice our complexion becoming clearer, brighter, and more youthful.
Choosing to go alcohol-free is, in many ways, like choosing to provide the best care for our skin. It's a commitment to a healthier, radiant glow that reflects our inner health and well-being.
Alcohol has a way of seeping into our social lives, often blurring the lines between healthy and unhealthy interactions. It can create a false sense of connection, mask our true feelings, and even be a catalyst for conflict.
Drinking can impair our judgment and lead to miscommunication. In some cases, it can make us act in ways we wouldn't normally. These actions can strain relationships, leading to tension and misunderstandings.
The beauty of an alcohol-free lifestyle is that it fosters genuine, meaningful connections. When we remove alcohol from social situations, we engage more authentically, listen more attentively, and express ourselves more honestly. This can lead to deeper relationships, built on understanding and mutual respect rather than on the superficial “bonds” that alcohol often promotes.
Embracing alcohol-free living doesn't mean losing our social life. Instead, it means redefining it — building more authentic relationships, fostering healthier connections, and truly being present with the people we care about.
Alcohol is often referred to as “empty calories” because it provides us with little to no nutritional benefits. A standard glass of wine or a pint of beer can contain as many calories as a slice of pizza. These calories can quickly add up, contributing to weight gain and making it challenging to maintain a healthy weight.
Furthermore, alcohol can interfere with our metabolism, impairing our body’s ability to burn fat efficiently. It can also increase our appetite and lead to poor food choices, further contributing to weight gain.
By choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle, it can be easier to maintain or reach a healthier weight since our metabolism is running more smoothly (and, of course, we’re consuming significantly fewer calories).
Going alcohol-free isn't a quick fix for weight loss — but it is a significant step towards creating a healthier relationship with our bodies. It's about nourishing ourselves in a way that feels good, both inside and out.
The link between alcohol and cancer is well-established in scientific research. Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the same category as tobacco and asbestos. It's associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, and liver cancer.
Alcohol can damage our DNA, proteins, and lipids through a process called oxidative stress, leading to harmful mutations that can trigger cancer. It also hampers the absorption of essential nutrients like folate, which is crucial for cell repair and replication.
Choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle is, therefore, a powerful choice in cancer prevention. It allows our bodies to repair alcohol-induced damage and better absorb nutrients. It also reduces the risk of harmful mutations. It's not just a decision for today, but an investment in our long-term health and well-being.
Alcohol, especially when consumed in excess, can take a significant toll on our heart health. It contributes to several heart-related problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and arrhythmias.
Alcohol can disrupt the heart's rhythm, leading to conditions like atrial fibrillation, in which the heart beats irregularly and often, too fast. This increases the risk of stroke and heart failure. Also, alcohol contains calories that can lead to weight gain, a risk factor for heart disease.
Choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle can lead to substantial improvements in heart health. Reduced alcohol intake can lower blood pressure to healthier levels, reduce the chance of arrhythmia, and facilitate weight loss, thus minimizing the risk of heart disease. In essence, we're giving our hearts a better environment in which to function, reducing strain and promoting longevity.
Money spent on alcohol can accumulate significantly over time. It's not just the cost of a few drinks at the bar or the bottles of wine for home consumption — it’s also the potential health costs associated with excessive drinking.
When we choose an alcohol-free lifestyle, we're choosing to redirect our resources. The money saved from not buying alcohol can be put towards other enriching experiences or saved for future use. It could mean a much-awaited holiday, picking up a new hobby, or building a nest egg for financial security.
Choosing to go alcohol-free doesn't just benefit our health; it also adds to our wealth. It's about making a choice today that our future self will thank us for. It's about investing in a life that's not just longer, but richer in experiences and opportunities.
What exactly happens to your mind, body, and overall lifestyle when you ditch the booze? Read on to find out!
Choosing to quit or limit alcohol consumption is a personal decision that comes with so many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. As the days, weeks, and months progress in your timeline after making this change, you’ll learn how to embrace this journey and enjoy the improvement in your overall well-being. Remember that it is crucial to listen to your body and seek professional support if necessary, especially if you are struggling with alcohol addiction.
The Reframe app is not a treatment method for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), so consult with a medical professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if heavy drinking is causing a significant impact on your life. What Reframe can offer, however, is an opportunity to start cutting back on your alcohol intake with the goal of eliminating it altogether in the long run.
What do you get with a subscription to the Reframe app? We provide you with daily readings on the neuroscience of alcohol along with helpful activities like mindfulness exercises and journal prompts. You also gain access to a 24/7 Forum chat where you can connect with your peers from around the world. There are also daily Zoom check-in meetings where people just like you are sharing their stories for mutual encouragement and support.
If you want to take your learning to the next level, we also have a comprehensive suite of courses on dozens of wellness-related topics. Finally, you can track your drinks, emotions, mood, and appetite with our helpful tracking tools.
The best part is that the Reframe app is free for 7 days, so there’s no risk to try it out! Download the Reframe app today and get started on your journey towards better living. We want you to discover life beyond drinking and start thriving again. We’ve helped millions of people drink less or stop drinking alcohol and we would love to help you do the same!
It's a familiar scene — you're out with friends having a fabulous time, and the drinks are flowing. But the consequences of indulging in alcohol can be undesirable: money lost, weight gained, and judgment impaired, just to name a few of the short-term effects of drinking. That’s not even considering the long-term effects like increased risk of at least seven types of cancer! It's no wonder that a growing number of people consider abstaining from alcohol to lead a healthier life. But what exactly happens when you stop drinking? Read on to explore the various stages of alcohol withdrawal and the general alcohol withdrawal timeline, and discover the unexpected benefits you may experience along your timeline.
The alcohol withdrawal symptoms timeline starts within the first 12 hours after your last drink. Your body begins to process and eliminate alcohol from your system. As your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) decreases, you may start to experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include:
It's essential to stay hydrated during this time, as dehydration can exacerbate these symptoms.
As you approach the 24-hour mark, your body continues to stabilize and it starts to recover from the effects of alcohol. During this time, you may notice the following changes:
It's important to note that the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption, individual body chemistry, and overall health.
Between 48 and 72 hours after your last drink, your body continues to detoxify and if you have been continuing to have withdrawal symptoms, they may peak during this period. You may experience intense cravings for alcohol, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.
In some cases, individuals who have been heavily dependent on alcohol may experience severe withdrawal symptoms known as delirium tremens (DTs). Delirium tremens typically occurs within 48 to 72 hours after the last drink but can appear up to 10 days after stopping alcohol consumption. Symptoms of DTs include severe confusion, hallucinations, fever, seizures, and agitation. This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional when deciding to quit drinking, especially for those with a history of heavy alcohol use, to ensure a safe and monitored withdrawal process.
On the positive side, your body is working hard to repair itself. Your liver function begins to improve, and your blood sugar levels start to stabilize. Your sleep patterns may also start to return to normal, allowing you to feel more rested and alert during the day.
By days 4 to 6 after quitting alcohol, most of the major physical withdrawal symptoms of the early alcohol withdrawal stages should start to subside. Your cravings for alcohol may still be present, but they should be less intense. Your mood should begin to stabilize, and your anxiety levels may decrease.
During this time, your body continues to repair itself. Your liver function should continue to improve, and your immune system may start to strengthen. This can help your body fight off infections and illnesses more effectively.
Additionally, your brain begins to recover from the effects of alcohol. Your cognitive function, memory, and concentration should start to improve. You may also notice an increase in your energy levels and a decrease in fatigue.
Alcohol consumption often affects the quality of our sleep. While it may have been helping us to fall asleep, it basically wrecked the quality of our rest after we lost consciousness. After a week of not drinking, you will probably notice that your sleep pattern is beginning to normalize. This improved sleep — both in terms of quality and duration — will have a domino effect on other areas of your life. As your body undergoes restorative processes during sleep, you will start to feel more energized throughout the day. Better energy levels result in increased productivity and an overall sense of well-being.
Alcoholic beverages are notorious for being high in calories and sugar content. Chances are, when you consume alcohol, you are also prone to binging on unhealthy snacks. In removing alcohol from your diet, you can save yourself so many empty calories and you can also curb unhealthy food cravings. Two weeks after quitting alcohol, many people start to notice a decrease in sugar cravings and some even start experiencing weight loss. Additionally, the liver starts to process carbohydrates more effectively, helping lower blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
After quitting alcohol for a month, one of the most striking benefits is the healing that occurs within the liver. The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol, and heavy drinking can result in fatty liver, inflammation, or worse — potentially cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver tissue, or even liver cancer. A month's break from alcohol allows the liver to start repairing itself, thereby improving liver enzyme levels and reducing inflammation.
During the one-month mark, you will also notice a significant decrease in various health risks associated with alcohol consumption. For example, the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and liver disease reduces as the body starts to heal itself.
As you continue your journey of abstinence, your skin's appearance will improve. This is due to several factors: your body rehydrates, there's better blood circulation, and alcohol no longer hinders nutrient absorption. Given time and patience, you may be pleasantly surprised at your newfound radiant complexion.
A robust immune system is critical for fighting infections and staying healthy. Chronic alcohol use has been known to weaken the immune system, making you susceptible to illnesses. After three months of not drinking, your immune system starts to strengthen as the impact of alcohol on white blood cells diminishes.
Quitting alcohol has profound effects on your mental health, too. After six months without alcohol, many people report an increase in clarity, focus, and memory function. Moreover, studies have shown that continuous alcohol consumption may increase the risk of anxiety and depression. As you take control of your alcohol intake and refrain from drinking, mood improvements and stress management become more manageable, leading to better overall mental health.
Inflammation in the body can cause various health issues, including chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, and even some cancers. After a year of not drinking, the body's inflammation markers significantly reduce, helping bolster your overall health.
Lastly, a healthier heart is something to celebrate one year into your alcohol-free journey. Drinking alcohol excessively can increase blood pressure, weaken heart muscles, and increase the risk of heart diseases. A year without alcohol does wonders in reducing these risks, providing a healthier you for years to come.
When you stop drinking, it’s not just about the benefits for you — your relationships can also get a much-needed boost from the fresh attention and energy you can start investing in them again. Whether it’s reconnecting with a loved one like a spouse or significant other, spending more quality time with your kids, or reestablishing meaningful contact with friends and family, quitting drinking can have some great benefits for our relationships.
If you find yourself struggling with relationships after you stop drinking, then you may want to seek out the support of a professional counselor or therapist. They can help you figure out how to handle the personal and relational issues that you’re experiencing. We know this can be a scary step, but the benefits can really outweigh the initial discomfort of reaching out!
As you consider quitting alcohol, we also encourage you to think about all the money you’ve spent on alcohol in the past week, month, and year. It’s probably a lot more than you realize, or than you want to admit. You’re not alone in this! The good news is that you’ll start saving money as soon as you stop drinking.
Not only will you have more money, but you’ll also have a lot more time to spend on the things that you love doing. This newfound free time can be disorienting for some people after they quit drinking because they might actually feel bored, and this can be challenging if cravings come back. Take some time now to think about and write down what you’ll use your extra money and time for when you stop drinking, and this will help set you up for success later.
Your body, mind, relationships, and bank account all stand to gain so much by quitting alcohol, so we commend you for thinking about taking this important step!
It's a familiar scene — you're out with friends having a fabulous time, and the drinks are flowing. But the consequences of indulging in alcohol can be undesirable: money lost, weight gained, and judgment impaired, just to name a few of the short-term effects of drinking. That’s not even considering the long-term effects like increased risk of at least seven types of cancer! It's no wonder that a growing number of people consider abstaining from alcohol to lead a healthier life. But what exactly happens when you stop drinking? Read on to explore the various stages of alcohol withdrawal and the general alcohol withdrawal timeline, and discover the unexpected benefits you may experience along your timeline.
The alcohol withdrawal symptoms timeline starts within the first 12 hours after your last drink. Your body begins to process and eliminate alcohol from your system. As your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) decreases, you may start to experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include:
It's essential to stay hydrated during this time, as dehydration can exacerbate these symptoms.
As you approach the 24-hour mark, your body continues to stabilize and it starts to recover from the effects of alcohol. During this time, you may notice the following changes:
It's important to note that the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption, individual body chemistry, and overall health.
Between 48 and 72 hours after your last drink, your body continues to detoxify and if you have been continuing to have withdrawal symptoms, they may peak during this period. You may experience intense cravings for alcohol, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.
In some cases, individuals who have been heavily dependent on alcohol may experience severe withdrawal symptoms known as delirium tremens (DTs). Delirium tremens typically occurs within 48 to 72 hours after the last drink but can appear up to 10 days after stopping alcohol consumption. Symptoms of DTs include severe confusion, hallucinations, fever, seizures, and agitation. This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional when deciding to quit drinking, especially for those with a history of heavy alcohol use, to ensure a safe and monitored withdrawal process.
On the positive side, your body is working hard to repair itself. Your liver function begins to improve, and your blood sugar levels start to stabilize. Your sleep patterns may also start to return to normal, allowing you to feel more rested and alert during the day.
By days 4 to 6 after quitting alcohol, most of the major physical withdrawal symptoms of the early alcohol withdrawal stages should start to subside. Your cravings for alcohol may still be present, but they should be less intense. Your mood should begin to stabilize, and your anxiety levels may decrease.
During this time, your body continues to repair itself. Your liver function should continue to improve, and your immune system may start to strengthen. This can help your body fight off infections and illnesses more effectively.
Additionally, your brain begins to recover from the effects of alcohol. Your cognitive function, memory, and concentration should start to improve. You may also notice an increase in your energy levels and a decrease in fatigue.
Alcohol consumption often affects the quality of our sleep. While it may have been helping us to fall asleep, it basically wrecked the quality of our rest after we lost consciousness. After a week of not drinking, you will probably notice that your sleep pattern is beginning to normalize. This improved sleep — both in terms of quality and duration — will have a domino effect on other areas of your life. As your body undergoes restorative processes during sleep, you will start to feel more energized throughout the day. Better energy levels result in increased productivity and an overall sense of well-being.
Alcoholic beverages are notorious for being high in calories and sugar content. Chances are, when you consume alcohol, you are also prone to binging on unhealthy snacks. In removing alcohol from your diet, you can save yourself so many empty calories and you can also curb unhealthy food cravings. Two weeks after quitting alcohol, many people start to notice a decrease in sugar cravings and some even start experiencing weight loss. Additionally, the liver starts to process carbohydrates more effectively, helping lower blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
After quitting alcohol for a month, one of the most striking benefits is the healing that occurs within the liver. The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol, and heavy drinking can result in fatty liver, inflammation, or worse — potentially cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver tissue, or even liver cancer. A month's break from alcohol allows the liver to start repairing itself, thereby improving liver enzyme levels and reducing inflammation.
During the one-month mark, you will also notice a significant decrease in various health risks associated with alcohol consumption. For example, the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and liver disease reduces as the body starts to heal itself.
As you continue your journey of abstinence, your skin's appearance will improve. This is due to several factors: your body rehydrates, there's better blood circulation, and alcohol no longer hinders nutrient absorption. Given time and patience, you may be pleasantly surprised at your newfound radiant complexion.
A robust immune system is critical for fighting infections and staying healthy. Chronic alcohol use has been known to weaken the immune system, making you susceptible to illnesses. After three months of not drinking, your immune system starts to strengthen as the impact of alcohol on white blood cells diminishes.
Quitting alcohol has profound effects on your mental health, too. After six months without alcohol, many people report an increase in clarity, focus, and memory function. Moreover, studies have shown that continuous alcohol consumption may increase the risk of anxiety and depression. As you take control of your alcohol intake and refrain from drinking, mood improvements and stress management become more manageable, leading to better overall mental health.
Inflammation in the body can cause various health issues, including chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, and even some cancers. After a year of not drinking, the body's inflammation markers significantly reduce, helping bolster your overall health.
Lastly, a healthier heart is something to celebrate one year into your alcohol-free journey. Drinking alcohol excessively can increase blood pressure, weaken heart muscles, and increase the risk of heart diseases. A year without alcohol does wonders in reducing these risks, providing a healthier you for years to come.
When you stop drinking, it’s not just about the benefits for you — your relationships can also get a much-needed boost from the fresh attention and energy you can start investing in them again. Whether it’s reconnecting with a loved one like a spouse or significant other, spending more quality time with your kids, or reestablishing meaningful contact with friends and family, quitting drinking can have some great benefits for our relationships.
If you find yourself struggling with relationships after you stop drinking, then you may want to seek out the support of a professional counselor or therapist. They can help you figure out how to handle the personal and relational issues that you’re experiencing. We know this can be a scary step, but the benefits can really outweigh the initial discomfort of reaching out!
As you consider quitting alcohol, we also encourage you to think about all the money you’ve spent on alcohol in the past week, month, and year. It’s probably a lot more than you realize, or than you want to admit. You’re not alone in this! The good news is that you’ll start saving money as soon as you stop drinking.
Not only will you have more money, but you’ll also have a lot more time to spend on the things that you love doing. This newfound free time can be disorienting for some people after they quit drinking because they might actually feel bored, and this can be challenging if cravings come back. Take some time now to think about and write down what you’ll use your extra money and time for when you stop drinking, and this will help set you up for success later.
Your body, mind, relationships, and bank account all stand to gain so much by quitting alcohol, so we commend you for thinking about taking this important step!
Wondering how ditching alcohol can help your weight loss journey? From metabolic marvels to radiant rewards, discover how quickly quitting can reshape your health in our latest blog.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
You've marked your calendar, taken a deep breath, and decided to quit or cut back on alcohol. It's a brave step forward, and your body is already cheering you on from the inside out. Among the many questions circling your mind, one stands out: will I lose weight if I stop drinking?
The short answer is that it’s very likely — losing weight after quitting alcohol is one of the perks. What happens to your body when you stop drinking alcohol is nothing short of amazing, and alcohol often goes unremembered when we think about weight management. But while kicking it to the curb can definitely help you on your weight loss journey, there’s more to it. You might be wondering, how soon will I lose weight after quitting alcohol? How long will it take for hormones to balance after quitting alcohol? What is the connection between alcohol and water retention? And how much weight can you lose by not drinking alcohol? Let's find out!
First, let’s explore the three main reasons alcohol contributes to weight gain:
Ever heard of the term "empty calories"? Alcohol is the textbook definition. It doesn’t offer nutritional benefits, but it sure does contribute to our daily calorie count. And while we're at it, let's not forget the mixers — those sneaky add-ins pile up quickly!
Ever had that sudden craving for midnight snacks post your vino or cocktail hours? It's not just you — there's science behind it!
Alcohol can also stimulate appetite, making you reach for that extra slice of pizza or those deliciously crispy fries you promised yourself you'd resist. Here’s how:
Ever wondered why it's not a salad you’re craving but something greasy or cheesy? Alcohol lowers our inhibitions and impairs our judgment, making us more likely to give in to less-healthy cravings. Plus, fatty foods might momentarily feel like they're absorbing or countering the alcohol (even though they're not truly helping in the ways we think they are).
What’s happening inside when you're sipping on that cocktail or glass of wine? Here’s the scoop:
The timeline can vary. Expecting rapid weight loss after quitting alcohol is probably unrealistic, but with patience you’re likely to see results soon enough! Here's a general idea:
Embarking on our alcohol-free journey can be both exhilarating and anxiety-provoking. As days unfold and we progress through that very first week, our body starts its behind-the-scenes magic. Let's delve into what we might expect during this initial phase when it comes to weight loss:
Remember, everyone's body is unique, and reactions can differ. While these are general observations many experience in the first week, listen to your own body and its signals. Whether you're taking small steps or big leaps, each day is a stride toward better well-being. Keep going, and cherish every victory, no matter how small!
Congratulations on reaching the one-month mark! That’s no small feat. As the days accumulate into weeks and you hit that 30-day milestone, your body continues its transformative journey. Curious about the changes brewing within? Let's dive into the wonders of a month sans alcohol.
Hitting longer milestones in your alcohol-free journey is truly a gift that keeps on giving. As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, the benefits compound. Here’s what you might find as you unwrap the ongoing benefits of your commitment:
As you stay alcohol-free, the long-term benefits compound. Reduced calorie intake, better sleep, more energy for physical activity, and a more efficiently working metabolism can all contribute to weight loss over time!
Everyone's body is different, so your individual results can vary based on these factors:
Finally, here are seven tips to help kickstart your weight loss journey post-booze!
Quitting or cutting back on alcohol is a commendable step toward improved health and well-being. Weight loss can be an added bonus, among other health benefits. Be patient with yourself, stay consistent, and remember that every body is different. You're already on a fantastic journey — keep going!
You've marked your calendar, taken a deep breath, and decided to quit or cut back on alcohol. It's a brave step forward, and your body is already cheering you on from the inside out. Among the many questions circling your mind, one stands out: will I lose weight if I stop drinking?
The short answer is that it’s very likely — losing weight after quitting alcohol is one of the perks. What happens to your body when you stop drinking alcohol is nothing short of amazing, and alcohol often goes unremembered when we think about weight management. But while kicking it to the curb can definitely help you on your weight loss journey, there’s more to it. You might be wondering, how soon will I lose weight after quitting alcohol? How long will it take for hormones to balance after quitting alcohol? What is the connection between alcohol and water retention? And how much weight can you lose by not drinking alcohol? Let's find out!
First, let’s explore the three main reasons alcohol contributes to weight gain:
Ever heard of the term "empty calories"? Alcohol is the textbook definition. It doesn’t offer nutritional benefits, but it sure does contribute to our daily calorie count. And while we're at it, let's not forget the mixers — those sneaky add-ins pile up quickly!
Ever had that sudden craving for midnight snacks post your vino or cocktail hours? It's not just you — there's science behind it!
Alcohol can also stimulate appetite, making you reach for that extra slice of pizza or those deliciously crispy fries you promised yourself you'd resist. Here’s how:
Ever wondered why it's not a salad you’re craving but something greasy or cheesy? Alcohol lowers our inhibitions and impairs our judgment, making us more likely to give in to less-healthy cravings. Plus, fatty foods might momentarily feel like they're absorbing or countering the alcohol (even though they're not truly helping in the ways we think they are).
What’s happening inside when you're sipping on that cocktail or glass of wine? Here’s the scoop:
The timeline can vary. Expecting rapid weight loss after quitting alcohol is probably unrealistic, but with patience you’re likely to see results soon enough! Here's a general idea:
Embarking on our alcohol-free journey can be both exhilarating and anxiety-provoking. As days unfold and we progress through that very first week, our body starts its behind-the-scenes magic. Let's delve into what we might expect during this initial phase when it comes to weight loss:
Remember, everyone's body is unique, and reactions can differ. While these are general observations many experience in the first week, listen to your own body and its signals. Whether you're taking small steps or big leaps, each day is a stride toward better well-being. Keep going, and cherish every victory, no matter how small!
Congratulations on reaching the one-month mark! That’s no small feat. As the days accumulate into weeks and you hit that 30-day milestone, your body continues its transformative journey. Curious about the changes brewing within? Let's dive into the wonders of a month sans alcohol.
Hitting longer milestones in your alcohol-free journey is truly a gift that keeps on giving. As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, the benefits compound. Here’s what you might find as you unwrap the ongoing benefits of your commitment:
As you stay alcohol-free, the long-term benefits compound. Reduced calorie intake, better sleep, more energy for physical activity, and a more efficiently working metabolism can all contribute to weight loss over time!
Everyone's body is different, so your individual results can vary based on these factors:
Finally, here are seven tips to help kickstart your weight loss journey post-booze!
Quitting or cutting back on alcohol is a commendable step toward improved health and well-being. Weight loss can be an added bonus, among other health benefits. Be patient with yourself, stay consistent, and remember that every body is different. You're already on a fantastic journey — keep going!
Going sober for a year has enormous benefits, ranging from better health to more meaningful relationships — and the ability to be your authentic self. Get started and keep the momentum going by checking out our new blog!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Many of us have set a New Year’s resolution to drink less — and maybe you’re doing the Dry January challenge with us this year. Congrats! You’ve taken an important step to living a healthier, more fulfilling life. But why stop there? Why not continue and see where sobriety can take you if you stay with it even longer? We promise, only good things await. There’s absolutely nothing to lose — and so much to gain.
Curious? The timing is perfect — it’s January, and you’ve decided that this is the year. Let’s take a bold leap together into a year of sobriety — yes, a whole 365 days without booze. And guess what? By engaging our curiosity, and with science to back up our goals, we’re well on our way to the healthiest, most enjoyable year yet.
Alcohol is a double-edged sword, and our drinking habits can sneak up on us. On one hand, it creates a powerful illusion: our troubles momentarily fade away, we feel more social and relaxed, and everyone around us suddenly gets more interesting and amusing. And yet, the illusion quickly fades, resulting in misunderstandings, mood swings, depression, sleep disturbances, isolation, and, eventually, dependence and the risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Whether or not the negative effects of alcohol are obvious in our lives, there are many perks that come with pressing pause on the booze. Ah, the beauty of a hangover-free morning! And who doesn’t love to save a little dough? When we’re not dropping regular amounts on cocktails or pints at the bar, we’ll have more cash in our wallet — and this is just the tip of the sober iceberg.
Science shows us that going sober can lead to numerous health benefits:
Now that we know the “why,” let’s get to the “how.” If thinking about a whole sober year at once feels intimidating, don’t worry! Let’s begin by making a sustainable plan that feels right for you.
After setting yourself up for success by making a plan for your sober year, it’s time to put it in motion. Here are some ways to keep the momentum going (and have fun along the way!):
Now it’s time to think about the next phase of your journey as we get closer to another New Year’s Eve. Why not keep the momentum going? There’s so much more to discover in sobriety, since that’s where authentic relationships, lifelong memories, and inspiring realizations happen.
And remember, although we’ve been talking about a year, it’s really a collection of days, hours, and moments. Those moments add up, and the more authentic ones you have, the more meaningful and rewarding the years become. In the words of psychologist Brene Brown, “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” So let your true self be seen — the one underneath the mask of alcohol.
Many of us have set a New Year’s resolution to drink less — and maybe you’re doing the Dry January challenge with us this year. Congrats! You’ve taken an important step to living a healthier, more fulfilling life. But why stop there? Why not continue and see where sobriety can take you if you stay with it even longer? We promise, only good things await. There’s absolutely nothing to lose — and so much to gain.
Curious? The timing is perfect — it’s January, and you’ve decided that this is the year. Let’s take a bold leap together into a year of sobriety — yes, a whole 365 days without booze. And guess what? By engaging our curiosity, and with science to back up our goals, we’re well on our way to the healthiest, most enjoyable year yet.
Alcohol is a double-edged sword, and our drinking habits can sneak up on us. On one hand, it creates a powerful illusion: our troubles momentarily fade away, we feel more social and relaxed, and everyone around us suddenly gets more interesting and amusing. And yet, the illusion quickly fades, resulting in misunderstandings, mood swings, depression, sleep disturbances, isolation, and, eventually, dependence and the risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Whether or not the negative effects of alcohol are obvious in our lives, there are many perks that come with pressing pause on the booze. Ah, the beauty of a hangover-free morning! And who doesn’t love to save a little dough? When we’re not dropping regular amounts on cocktails or pints at the bar, we’ll have more cash in our wallet — and this is just the tip of the sober iceberg.
Science shows us that going sober can lead to numerous health benefits:
Now that we know the “why,” let’s get to the “how.” If thinking about a whole sober year at once feels intimidating, don’t worry! Let’s begin by making a sustainable plan that feels right for you.
After setting yourself up for success by making a plan for your sober year, it’s time to put it in motion. Here are some ways to keep the momentum going (and have fun along the way!):
Now it’s time to think about the next phase of your journey as we get closer to another New Year’s Eve. Why not keep the momentum going? There’s so much more to discover in sobriety, since that’s where authentic relationships, lifelong memories, and inspiring realizations happen.
And remember, although we’ve been talking about a year, it’s really a collection of days, hours, and moments. Those moments add up, and the more authentic ones you have, the more meaningful and rewarding the years become. In the words of psychologist Brene Brown, “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” So let your true self be seen — the one underneath the mask of alcohol.
Wondering how to stop drinking in 2024? These days, it’s easier than ever! Check out our blog for 10 great strategies to say “no more alcohol” with a smile.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
Maybe it’s that one final time you woke up at 3 a.m. in a cold sweat, unable to remember what you said at that office party the night before. Or maybe you’ve noticed that your weekly wine glass turned into a weekly (or even daily) wine bottle. No matter how many times you’ve decided, “No more alcohol tonight!” somehow it just sneaks back in. And now? Well, now you’ve decided to show it the door once and for all.
Whatever your situation, you decided to call it quits and “break up” with booze. Congratulations! It’s a brave step to a healthier and happier version of yourself, and we’re cheering you on wholeheartedly.
But does saying goodbye to booze have to mean checking into rehab or spending Monday nights in a church basement, admitting that you are (yikes!) an alcoholic? Does it mean you have to start a 12-step program and psychoanalyze your childhood traumas with a therapist? Maybe! However, there are many other options nowadays.
Whether your drinking has become a serious problem or you’re just ready to leave it behind for other reasons, let’s explore some ways to stop drinking in 2024!
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s look at the benefits of quitting. Here’s a snapshot of what’s waiting for you:
Before you move on, take a moment to envision what your life will be like without alcohol. What relationships will improve? What health challenges will dissolve? What will you be able to accomplish?
If this new way of living sounds good to you, your next question might be, “But how do I stop drinking?” Here are 10 tried and tested tips:
These days, the “sober-curious” movement is stronger than ever. It’s all about approaching quitting with curiosity — not as something we’re giving up, but as a new lifestyle to explore.
The sober-curious movement shares the spirit of the Dry January challenge, originally aimed at giving New Year’s Eve enthusiasts (and their livers) a much-needed break. The “dry” label quickly caught on as more monthly challenges started cropping up, each adding a unique touch to the idea of trying our life without booze. There’s now “Dry July,” “Sober September,” “Sober October,” and so forth.
Before you know it, the whole year could turn into a “sober-curious” challenge, all in the spirit of exploration and fun!
Tip: Start by joining a challenge, such as Dry January or Sober October. (Make up your own if you want!) Think of it as an opportunity to open a new chapter in your life. What can you discover? Maybe you’re sleeping better, or you have clearer skin. Maybe you’re forming more authentic connections (and actually remembering all those “great conversations” from the night before!). Write down your discoveries and watch the benefits add up.
With our curiosity piqued and judgment banished to the sidelines, we’re ready to take the next step: tracking our drinking habits. Science shows that using a tracking app (more on this in a bit) leads to measurable improvements in reducing alcohol.
Tip: Start by finding a method that resonates with you. Don’t like writing things down? No problem! Take notes on your phone or, better yet, try the tracking feature of the Reframe app!
“Digital sidekicks” such as Reframe are revolutionizing the process of quitting or cutting back. In addition to providing us with an easy way to track our alcohol intake, they are treasure troves of other resources to help us coast through cravings, connect with others on a similar path, and learn more about alcohol’s effects on the mind and body.
According to an Addiction Science & Clinical Practice article, technology can also be a valuable asset for providers, making it easier to personalize treatment, manage data, and offer access to those who might otherwise find it challenging to get help.
Tip: Explore the wealth of digital resources for yourself — and, of course, remember to give Reframe a try!
How can mindfulness help us quit drinking? Science shows that the ability to observe our thoughts without judgment changes the neural landscape of our brain and helps us deal with cravings. Rather than “believing” every thought that floats through our mind, we start to get control over which ones we hold on to and which ones we let go.
Moreover, mindfulness gets us out of focusing on the past and future — two thought traps that can easily lure us back into our old habits. As John Bruna writes in The Essential Guidebook to Mindfulness in Recovery, “Instead of seeing the life you want to live in the distant future, just start living the life you want today. It is really that simple, and that challenging.”
Tip: Start small! There’s no need to join a hardcore yoga practice or spend hours meditating right away (or ever!). Mindfulness is all about becoming more aware of what’s going on at the present moment in your physical, mental, and emotional space. Try a sitting meditation for five minutes each morning, then gradually build up to longer sessions.
Like any other major undertaking, quitting alcohol is much easier if you’ve got a team behind you! In the words of Srinivas Shenoy, “Alcohol is the fuel to your pains. Share your pains and you will see how easy it is to quit alcohol.”
Your support team can include family members and friends, but it doesn’t have to. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your story with your immediate circle — no worries! These days, it’s easier than ever to find a supportive group (such as the Reframe forum!) online.
Tip: In addition to finding a positive support group, you might want to put some distance between yourself and those who tend to pressure you into drinking more.
Diving deeper into exactly what goes on in the brain when alcohol enters the scene is more than just science trivia. In fact, understanding what’s going on behind the scenes can help us separate ourselves from the chemical mechanism behind addiction. The process of doing so can be liberating: when we understand how fleeting and illusory the “pleasure” of drinking really is, alcohol loses some of its appeal.
Even better, learning about the neuroscience behind alcohol’s effects is incredibly motivating once we consider the science of neuroplasticity. Yes, the brain can change — at any age! Studies show that even in cases of severe brain injury, function can sometimes be restored through cognitive therapy, which promotes brain reorganization.
Tip: Learn more about alcohol’s effects on the brain and find science-backed ways to boost neuroplasticity. For example, aerobic exercise is one of the best ways to go!
One of the best ways to stop drinking is going straight for the cause — cravings. Whatever the reasons driving us to drink, the immediate cause is always the “urge” — the persistent idea that tells us we “need” a drink to improve the situation we’re in.
The important thing to realize about cravings is that they’re thoughts — and changeable thoughts at that. (Psychologist Amy Johnson discusses this process at length in The Little Book of Big Change: The No-Willpower Approach to Breaking Any Habit).
By looking at cravings as thoughts, we have the option to dismiss them without believing they’re true. Of course, dismissing urges can sometimes be easier said than done. This is where “urge surfing” comes in! As the name suggests, this practice involves waiting out the craving until it passes — usually about 20 minutes. In the meantime, it can be helpful to find a distracting activity (such as a phone game or an episode of a show). Check out some great urge surfing tools on the Reframe app!
Tip: Next time you have a craving, find an activity that distracts you for at least 20 minutes and see what happens. Chances are, it will get much less intense. Happy urge surfing!
For those who think that “talk therapy” is all about lying down on a dark velvet couch and talking about your mother giving your brother the extra piece of birthday cake back in the day — we’ve got good news. These days, there are plenty of options! (Not that there’s anything wrong with going the traditional route, if that’s your thing.)
For example, cognitive behavioral therapy targets our subconscious beliefs and thought distortions around alcohol. It helps us target cravings at their root. (For instance, we might discover that beliefs such as “I can’t socialize without alcohol” are based on assumptions rather than reality.)
Tip: Try different approaches, and don’t throw in the towel right away if the first one doesn’t work. There’s something out there for everyone!
For more information, check out our blog: “How Can Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Help With Alcohol Misuse?”
Medical science continues to find new ways to help us leave alcohol behind. Whether it’s by targeting the way alcohol is processed by the body or reducing cravings, there are plenty of medications out there that can give us a helping hand when it comes to saying “no more alcohol in 2024.” Here are the main players:
Tip: Always check with your doctor when it comes to medication. What’s right for some folks may not be right for others.
Ready to dig deeper? Take a look at our blog: “Which Medications Are Used To Stop Alcohol Cravings?”
Finally, we can look at saying goodbye to alcohol as a creative process. One way to do so is to tap into our creativity, promoting a state of “flow.” Defined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow is “a state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience is so enjoyable that people will continue to do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.” (Ever seen the Pixar movie Soul?)
Scientists have shown that being in a flow state actually changes the brain, promoting dopamine release and quieting the default mode network (DMN). The result? A natural feeling of reward and a “break” from our usual way of jumping to conclusions or falling into patterns of thought we are used to. Both of these shifts are powerful when it comes to thriving without booze!
Tip: Find your flow. Is it writing a few pages every morning? Gardening? Cooking? If you’re unsure, try new things (or things you haven’t done in a long time) until you find it.
Looking for additional tips to quit drinking? Check out our blog about “Alternatives To Drinking Alcohol: Exploring Life Beyond Booze”
In the end, finding ways to stop drinking alcohol is about carving your own path — and in 2024, there are many options and strategies to choose from and combine in your toolbox! That said, the past has plenty of valuable lessons to offer as well, so let’s end with some inspiring words from 13th-century poet and philosopher Rumi: “Don't be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.”
Maybe it’s that one final time you woke up at 3 a.m. in a cold sweat, unable to remember what you said at that office party the night before. Or maybe you’ve noticed that your weekly wine glass turned into a weekly (or even daily) wine bottle. No matter how many times you’ve decided, “No more alcohol tonight!” somehow it just sneaks back in. And now? Well, now you’ve decided to show it the door once and for all.
Whatever your situation, you decided to call it quits and “break up” with booze. Congratulations! It’s a brave step to a healthier and happier version of yourself, and we’re cheering you on wholeheartedly.
But does saying goodbye to booze have to mean checking into rehab or spending Monday nights in a church basement, admitting that you are (yikes!) an alcoholic? Does it mean you have to start a 12-step program and psychoanalyze your childhood traumas with a therapist? Maybe! However, there are many other options nowadays.
Whether your drinking has become a serious problem or you’re just ready to leave it behind for other reasons, let’s explore some ways to stop drinking in 2024!
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s look at the benefits of quitting. Here’s a snapshot of what’s waiting for you:
Before you move on, take a moment to envision what your life will be like without alcohol. What relationships will improve? What health challenges will dissolve? What will you be able to accomplish?
If this new way of living sounds good to you, your next question might be, “But how do I stop drinking?” Here are 10 tried and tested tips:
These days, the “sober-curious” movement is stronger than ever. It’s all about approaching quitting with curiosity — not as something we’re giving up, but as a new lifestyle to explore.
The sober-curious movement shares the spirit of the Dry January challenge, originally aimed at giving New Year’s Eve enthusiasts (and their livers) a much-needed break. The “dry” label quickly caught on as more monthly challenges started cropping up, each adding a unique touch to the idea of trying our life without booze. There’s now “Dry July,” “Sober September,” “Sober October,” and so forth.
Before you know it, the whole year could turn into a “sober-curious” challenge, all in the spirit of exploration and fun!
Tip: Start by joining a challenge, such as Dry January or Sober October. (Make up your own if you want!) Think of it as an opportunity to open a new chapter in your life. What can you discover? Maybe you’re sleeping better, or you have clearer skin. Maybe you’re forming more authentic connections (and actually remembering all those “great conversations” from the night before!). Write down your discoveries and watch the benefits add up.
With our curiosity piqued and judgment banished to the sidelines, we’re ready to take the next step: tracking our drinking habits. Science shows that using a tracking app (more on this in a bit) leads to measurable improvements in reducing alcohol.
Tip: Start by finding a method that resonates with you. Don’t like writing things down? No problem! Take notes on your phone or, better yet, try the tracking feature of the Reframe app!
“Digital sidekicks” such as Reframe are revolutionizing the process of quitting or cutting back. In addition to providing us with an easy way to track our alcohol intake, they are treasure troves of other resources to help us coast through cravings, connect with others on a similar path, and learn more about alcohol’s effects on the mind and body.
According to an Addiction Science & Clinical Practice article, technology can also be a valuable asset for providers, making it easier to personalize treatment, manage data, and offer access to those who might otherwise find it challenging to get help.
Tip: Explore the wealth of digital resources for yourself — and, of course, remember to give Reframe a try!
How can mindfulness help us quit drinking? Science shows that the ability to observe our thoughts without judgment changes the neural landscape of our brain and helps us deal with cravings. Rather than “believing” every thought that floats through our mind, we start to get control over which ones we hold on to and which ones we let go.
Moreover, mindfulness gets us out of focusing on the past and future — two thought traps that can easily lure us back into our old habits. As John Bruna writes in The Essential Guidebook to Mindfulness in Recovery, “Instead of seeing the life you want to live in the distant future, just start living the life you want today. It is really that simple, and that challenging.”
Tip: Start small! There’s no need to join a hardcore yoga practice or spend hours meditating right away (or ever!). Mindfulness is all about becoming more aware of what’s going on at the present moment in your physical, mental, and emotional space. Try a sitting meditation for five minutes each morning, then gradually build up to longer sessions.
Like any other major undertaking, quitting alcohol is much easier if you’ve got a team behind you! In the words of Srinivas Shenoy, “Alcohol is the fuel to your pains. Share your pains and you will see how easy it is to quit alcohol.”
Your support team can include family members and friends, but it doesn’t have to. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your story with your immediate circle — no worries! These days, it’s easier than ever to find a supportive group (such as the Reframe forum!) online.
Tip: In addition to finding a positive support group, you might want to put some distance between yourself and those who tend to pressure you into drinking more.
Diving deeper into exactly what goes on in the brain when alcohol enters the scene is more than just science trivia. In fact, understanding what’s going on behind the scenes can help us separate ourselves from the chemical mechanism behind addiction. The process of doing so can be liberating: when we understand how fleeting and illusory the “pleasure” of drinking really is, alcohol loses some of its appeal.
Even better, learning about the neuroscience behind alcohol’s effects is incredibly motivating once we consider the science of neuroplasticity. Yes, the brain can change — at any age! Studies show that even in cases of severe brain injury, function can sometimes be restored through cognitive therapy, which promotes brain reorganization.
Tip: Learn more about alcohol’s effects on the brain and find science-backed ways to boost neuroplasticity. For example, aerobic exercise is one of the best ways to go!
One of the best ways to stop drinking is going straight for the cause — cravings. Whatever the reasons driving us to drink, the immediate cause is always the “urge” — the persistent idea that tells us we “need” a drink to improve the situation we’re in.
The important thing to realize about cravings is that they’re thoughts — and changeable thoughts at that. (Psychologist Amy Johnson discusses this process at length in The Little Book of Big Change: The No-Willpower Approach to Breaking Any Habit).
By looking at cravings as thoughts, we have the option to dismiss them without believing they’re true. Of course, dismissing urges can sometimes be easier said than done. This is where “urge surfing” comes in! As the name suggests, this practice involves waiting out the craving until it passes — usually about 20 minutes. In the meantime, it can be helpful to find a distracting activity (such as a phone game or an episode of a show). Check out some great urge surfing tools on the Reframe app!
Tip: Next time you have a craving, find an activity that distracts you for at least 20 minutes and see what happens. Chances are, it will get much less intense. Happy urge surfing!
For those who think that “talk therapy” is all about lying down on a dark velvet couch and talking about your mother giving your brother the extra piece of birthday cake back in the day — we’ve got good news. These days, there are plenty of options! (Not that there’s anything wrong with going the traditional route, if that’s your thing.)
For example, cognitive behavioral therapy targets our subconscious beliefs and thought distortions around alcohol. It helps us target cravings at their root. (For instance, we might discover that beliefs such as “I can’t socialize without alcohol” are based on assumptions rather than reality.)
Tip: Try different approaches, and don’t throw in the towel right away if the first one doesn’t work. There’s something out there for everyone!
For more information, check out our blog: “How Can Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Help With Alcohol Misuse?”
Medical science continues to find new ways to help us leave alcohol behind. Whether it’s by targeting the way alcohol is processed by the body or reducing cravings, there are plenty of medications out there that can give us a helping hand when it comes to saying “no more alcohol in 2024.” Here are the main players:
Tip: Always check with your doctor when it comes to medication. What’s right for some folks may not be right for others.
Ready to dig deeper? Take a look at our blog: “Which Medications Are Used To Stop Alcohol Cravings?”
Finally, we can look at saying goodbye to alcohol as a creative process. One way to do so is to tap into our creativity, promoting a state of “flow.” Defined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow is “a state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience is so enjoyable that people will continue to do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.” (Ever seen the Pixar movie Soul?)
Scientists have shown that being in a flow state actually changes the brain, promoting dopamine release and quieting the default mode network (DMN). The result? A natural feeling of reward and a “break” from our usual way of jumping to conclusions or falling into patterns of thought we are used to. Both of these shifts are powerful when it comes to thriving without booze!
Tip: Find your flow. Is it writing a few pages every morning? Gardening? Cooking? If you’re unsure, try new things (or things you haven’t done in a long time) until you find it.
Looking for additional tips to quit drinking? Check out our blog about “Alternatives To Drinking Alcohol: Exploring Life Beyond Booze”
In the end, finding ways to stop drinking alcohol is about carving your own path — and in 2024, there are many options and strategies to choose from and combine in your toolbox! That said, the past has plenty of valuable lessons to offer as well, so let’s end with some inspiring words from 13th-century poet and philosopher Rumi: “Don't be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.”
Court-ordered rehabilitation is often offered as an alternative to jail time crimes committed while under the influence. Read our latest blog to learn more about how these programs work.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
If you had the chance to attend a recovery program for your alcohol use, would you take it? Mel Gibson, an American actor and film director, was required by a court to go through rehabilitation for his alcohol use after driving under the influence of alcohol. Addiction recovery looks different for everybody, but some of us may be legally required to participate in rehabilitation to break unhealthy patterns.
Many people come out of these programs successfully and continue on the path of recovery, but how do they get there and what are the costs? Continue reading to find out more about the processes and standards behind court-ordered rehab for substance use.
Court-ordered rehabilitation, assigned by a drug court or a different component of the criminal justice system, is addiction therapy in lieu of jail time or other punishments. It may also be given as an option for those already in jail who can be out on parole or pretrial release. Case managers are put in charge of individual defendants for each case.
While it varies among states, here are some general guidelines for what qualifies someone for court-ordered rehab for addiction treatment:
Rehabilitation journeys look different for everyone. Court-ordered rehab treatment is no different. Some defendants may go through group therapy or one-on-one counseling while others may go through assessments and monitoring to help meet therapeutic goals and court-mandated rehabilitation requirements.
The following list, while not exhaustive, can give us a good idea of what to expect from court-ordered rehab:
We know drug courts assign the offenders to court-ordered rehabilitation, but what is a drug court? Let’s explore the history of drug courts and how they differ from their earliest days to the present.
In the 1980s, drug courts gained momentum due to the growing number of drug-related court cases. The “War Against Drugs,” a program of the federal government to ban certain drugs from the U.S., grew into a movement as the federal government and states cracked down on drug users and demanded more than police action.
The first official drug treatment court was created in Miami in 1989. Drug courts were created on the belief that addiction is a disease, and crimes associated with an addiction were outcomes of the disease and thus needed treatment instead of punishment. By 1997, over 300 drug courts were established across the U.S., and today there are more than 1,000 drug courts.
Drug courts bring together professionals from behavioral health, criminal justice, and social services to provide immediate and thorough drug addiction treatment for defendants who become participants. These courts assign treatment and provide alternatives to jail time.
Treatment for alcohol use fits into this category, and defendants who commit crimes due to their alcohol use may have the option to participate in court-ordered rehab instead of incarceration. Drug courts are used to give options to nonviolent offenders who committed crimes.
The primary purpose of court-appointed rehab is to provide a place for rehabilitation and recovery that is individualized and doesn’t involve jail time. Alternatively, an offender may be released from jail early so they can participate in court-appointed rehabilitation. Offenders who are released on parole or probation also can be assigned to court-appointed rehab so they can get the addiction recovery help they need.
Another important component of court-appointed rehab is to treat substance misuse in a safe and structured environment. Judges and other members of a drug court can keep offenders accountable to others and to themselves as they go through the treatment process in rehab. Court-appointed rehab aims to break the cycle of substance use, addiction to substances, and criminal behavior.
No specific time limits are set on court-ordered rehab, so it varies between states, courts, and offenders. Some offenders will find themselves going to programs for years, while others will participate in court-ordered rehab for a few months. There are 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day rehab programs and some even longer.
Rules often apply to court-ordered rehab, and it’s important for offenders to follow them. The offender has to stay in rehab for the entire duration of time assigned by the court unless stated otherwise during the treatment process.
The court has the right to change the rehab treatment time, too, so it’s important to stay in-contact with and up-to-date on the information assigned with a court-ordered rehab program. Typically, the conditions of the agreement for treatment last 12-15 months.
If we leave a court-appointed rehab program early, there will likely be legal consequences. Leaving a treatment program early can lead to, at best, longer rehabilitation time and, at worst, imprisonment for any duration of time the court sees fit. In most cases, termination or abandonment of a court-ordered rehab program before the court-assigned timeline is up will result in jail time.
What if we need to leave our state or want to go on vacation during court-appointed rehab? Regulations are on a state-by-state basis. Some states and courts may be more flexible than others, and travel restrictions may also depend on the type of program. For example, a participant in a court-ordered rehab program may be restricted to their state of rehab, while others may be allowed to leave their state for certain reasons.
Case managers, probation officers, and/or parole officers are usually responsible for holding offenders accountable to their rehab programs and rehab program timelines. Some offenders will also be in contact with the judge or other legal representatives from the initial drug court.
The defendant almost always pays for their court-ordered rehab. The cost of court-ordered rehabilitation treatment varies between addiction treatment centers, the condition being treated, state-by-state regulations, and insurance companies.
Different treatment centers will have different out-of-pocket costs. These also vary by state, county, and even on an individual basis. In the same light, the cost of court-ordered rehab will differ based on the condition being treated. For example, court-ordered rehab for alcohol use disorder could cost between $5,000 and $10,000 before insurance.
Some health insurance companies cover most costs for treatment of alcohol and other substance use. Unfortunately, most insurance companies themselves need to deem substance use treatment “medically necessary” before they will cover it. So, if court-ordered rehab is assigned, but the offender’s health insurance company doesn’t deem the treatment plan medically necessary, the health insurance company will likely not cover the cost (or at least not all of the cost).
For offenders who are part of Medicaid, the government-provided health insurance program, Medicaid is required to cover substance abuse and mental health treatment, but the extent to which this will be applied varies widely between states and individual plans. The fine print doesn’t specify that Medicaid must cover court-mandated alcohol use rehabilitation, only that substance use treatment must be covered to some extent.
If you find yourself fighting with your insurance company over court-ordered rehab coverage, remember the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 requires insurance companies to cover substance abuse treatment. Most insurance companies should have some coverage for alcohol use treatment even if it is a small amount.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has research demonstrating that court-mandated rehab for substance use does, in fact, work for participants who are mandated by the court to seek alcohol addiction treatment and treatment for use of other substances. This applied even to offenders who didn’t want to participate in the program.
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has some statistics on this subject as well:
A common misconception is that the rehab must be voluntary to work, but research shows this is not the case. Even those who don’t want to participate in court-ordered rehab can benefit from the program. However, the longer the treatment program is the less motivated offenders are to complete it, at least initially.
Sometimes the programs don’t work, and offenders go to jail or back to using their substance after rehabilitation treatment. The programs are not perfect, and there is still much research to be done on the best and most effective treatment programs for court-mandated substance misuse rehabilitation.
Court-ordered rehab isn’t a “cure-all” for alcohol use after a crime has been committed, but it can be part of the journey towards curbing alcohol use and recovering from alcohol use. Recovery is a process, and no path is linear.
If you are required to participate in court-mandated rehab, think of this as the beginning of your journey or a step along the way rather than a bump in the road or a hindrance to your goals.
Read this New York Times story by a mother who was worried about her son, who had substance use problems throughout his teenage years and was given the option to go to rehab instead of jail.
His mother wrote, “A sympathetic police officer gave him a choice between rehab or jail. He chose rehab. If he hadn’t been impelled, he says (and I believe), he probably wouldn’t be alive today. There was a time I didn’t think he would make it to 21. He turned 40 this year, after being sober for 11 years.”
Court-ordered rehabilitation can be daunting for those who have to choose between jail time and a rehabilitation program that emphasizes accountability to participants, loved ones, and a drug court. Hope is possible to maintain when participating in mandated addiction treatment!
If you had the chance to attend a recovery program for your alcohol use, would you take it? Mel Gibson, an American actor and film director, was required by a court to go through rehabilitation for his alcohol use after driving under the influence of alcohol. Addiction recovery looks different for everybody, but some of us may be legally required to participate in rehabilitation to break unhealthy patterns.
Many people come out of these programs successfully and continue on the path of recovery, but how do they get there and what are the costs? Continue reading to find out more about the processes and standards behind court-ordered rehab for substance use.
Court-ordered rehabilitation, assigned by a drug court or a different component of the criminal justice system, is addiction therapy in lieu of jail time or other punishments. It may also be given as an option for those already in jail who can be out on parole or pretrial release. Case managers are put in charge of individual defendants for each case.
While it varies among states, here are some general guidelines for what qualifies someone for court-ordered rehab for addiction treatment:
Rehabilitation journeys look different for everyone. Court-ordered rehab treatment is no different. Some defendants may go through group therapy or one-on-one counseling while others may go through assessments and monitoring to help meet therapeutic goals and court-mandated rehabilitation requirements.
The following list, while not exhaustive, can give us a good idea of what to expect from court-ordered rehab:
We know drug courts assign the offenders to court-ordered rehabilitation, but what is a drug court? Let’s explore the history of drug courts and how they differ from their earliest days to the present.
In the 1980s, drug courts gained momentum due to the growing number of drug-related court cases. The “War Against Drugs,” a program of the federal government to ban certain drugs from the U.S., grew into a movement as the federal government and states cracked down on drug users and demanded more than police action.
The first official drug treatment court was created in Miami in 1989. Drug courts were created on the belief that addiction is a disease, and crimes associated with an addiction were outcomes of the disease and thus needed treatment instead of punishment. By 1997, over 300 drug courts were established across the U.S., and today there are more than 1,000 drug courts.
Drug courts bring together professionals from behavioral health, criminal justice, and social services to provide immediate and thorough drug addiction treatment for defendants who become participants. These courts assign treatment and provide alternatives to jail time.
Treatment for alcohol use fits into this category, and defendants who commit crimes due to their alcohol use may have the option to participate in court-ordered rehab instead of incarceration. Drug courts are used to give options to nonviolent offenders who committed crimes.
The primary purpose of court-appointed rehab is to provide a place for rehabilitation and recovery that is individualized and doesn’t involve jail time. Alternatively, an offender may be released from jail early so they can participate in court-appointed rehabilitation. Offenders who are released on parole or probation also can be assigned to court-appointed rehab so they can get the addiction recovery help they need.
Another important component of court-appointed rehab is to treat substance misuse in a safe and structured environment. Judges and other members of a drug court can keep offenders accountable to others and to themselves as they go through the treatment process in rehab. Court-appointed rehab aims to break the cycle of substance use, addiction to substances, and criminal behavior.
No specific time limits are set on court-ordered rehab, so it varies between states, courts, and offenders. Some offenders will find themselves going to programs for years, while others will participate in court-ordered rehab for a few months. There are 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day rehab programs and some even longer.
Rules often apply to court-ordered rehab, and it’s important for offenders to follow them. The offender has to stay in rehab for the entire duration of time assigned by the court unless stated otherwise during the treatment process.
The court has the right to change the rehab treatment time, too, so it’s important to stay in-contact with and up-to-date on the information assigned with a court-ordered rehab program. Typically, the conditions of the agreement for treatment last 12-15 months.
If we leave a court-appointed rehab program early, there will likely be legal consequences. Leaving a treatment program early can lead to, at best, longer rehabilitation time and, at worst, imprisonment for any duration of time the court sees fit. In most cases, termination or abandonment of a court-ordered rehab program before the court-assigned timeline is up will result in jail time.
What if we need to leave our state or want to go on vacation during court-appointed rehab? Regulations are on a state-by-state basis. Some states and courts may be more flexible than others, and travel restrictions may also depend on the type of program. For example, a participant in a court-ordered rehab program may be restricted to their state of rehab, while others may be allowed to leave their state for certain reasons.
Case managers, probation officers, and/or parole officers are usually responsible for holding offenders accountable to their rehab programs and rehab program timelines. Some offenders will also be in contact with the judge or other legal representatives from the initial drug court.
The defendant almost always pays for their court-ordered rehab. The cost of court-ordered rehabilitation treatment varies between addiction treatment centers, the condition being treated, state-by-state regulations, and insurance companies.
Different treatment centers will have different out-of-pocket costs. These also vary by state, county, and even on an individual basis. In the same light, the cost of court-ordered rehab will differ based on the condition being treated. For example, court-ordered rehab for alcohol use disorder could cost between $5,000 and $10,000 before insurance.
Some health insurance companies cover most costs for treatment of alcohol and other substance use. Unfortunately, most insurance companies themselves need to deem substance use treatment “medically necessary” before they will cover it. So, if court-ordered rehab is assigned, but the offender’s health insurance company doesn’t deem the treatment plan medically necessary, the health insurance company will likely not cover the cost (or at least not all of the cost).
For offenders who are part of Medicaid, the government-provided health insurance program, Medicaid is required to cover substance abuse and mental health treatment, but the extent to which this will be applied varies widely between states and individual plans. The fine print doesn’t specify that Medicaid must cover court-mandated alcohol use rehabilitation, only that substance use treatment must be covered to some extent.
If you find yourself fighting with your insurance company over court-ordered rehab coverage, remember the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 requires insurance companies to cover substance abuse treatment. Most insurance companies should have some coverage for alcohol use treatment even if it is a small amount.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has research demonstrating that court-mandated rehab for substance use does, in fact, work for participants who are mandated by the court to seek alcohol addiction treatment and treatment for use of other substances. This applied even to offenders who didn’t want to participate in the program.
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has some statistics on this subject as well:
A common misconception is that the rehab must be voluntary to work, but research shows this is not the case. Even those who don’t want to participate in court-ordered rehab can benefit from the program. However, the longer the treatment program is the less motivated offenders are to complete it, at least initially.
Sometimes the programs don’t work, and offenders go to jail or back to using their substance after rehabilitation treatment. The programs are not perfect, and there is still much research to be done on the best and most effective treatment programs for court-mandated substance misuse rehabilitation.
Court-ordered rehab isn’t a “cure-all” for alcohol use after a crime has been committed, but it can be part of the journey towards curbing alcohol use and recovering from alcohol use. Recovery is a process, and no path is linear.
If you are required to participate in court-mandated rehab, think of this as the beginning of your journey or a step along the way rather than a bump in the road or a hindrance to your goals.
Read this New York Times story by a mother who was worried about her son, who had substance use problems throughout his teenage years and was given the option to go to rehab instead of jail.
His mother wrote, “A sympathetic police officer gave him a choice between rehab or jail. He chose rehab. If he hadn’t been impelled, he says (and I believe), he probably wouldn’t be alive today. There was a time I didn’t think he would make it to 21. He turned 40 this year, after being sober for 11 years.”
Court-ordered rehabilitation can be daunting for those who have to choose between jail time and a rehabilitation program that emphasizes accountability to participants, loved ones, and a drug court. Hope is possible to maintain when participating in mandated addiction treatment!
Alcohol can stay in our hair for a long time. Check out our latest blog for more info on the detection window of hair follicle tests and why it’s important.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
It’s Monday morning, and you’re still feeling the effects of the drinks you had at that wedding Saturday night. You’re no longer drunk, but you still don’t feel quite yourself yet. This is because alcohol stays in our system for longer than we may think.
Because it stays in our system for so long, it lingers in one of the most unsuspecting places — our hair. This makes the alcohol hair follicle test one of the most reliable tests for alcohol consumption. To understand how the test works and how to pass one, let’s first straighten out how alcohol is metabolized in our body and how long it can stay in our hair.
Metabolization refers to how our body breaks down a substance to use or eliminate. We metabolize anything we eat or drink. Alcohol is metabolized in our body through different pathways. When we drink alcohol, it’s absorbed primarily by the veins in our gastrointestinal tract. From there, the portal vein transports alcohol to our liver — which is tasked with over 90% of alcohol metabolization.
Alcohol also travels through our bloodstream to other parts of our body, which help to break down the remaining toxins through a process called non-oxidative alcohol metabolization. Through this process, the remaining alcohol is slowly eliminated through our sweat, urine, breath, and hair growth.
Due to this process, alcohol can be detected through blood tests, urine samples, breathalyzers, saliva, and yes, even hair tests. Alcohol hair follicle tests are one of the most reliable tests available, especially for longer timeframes (more on that later).
How quickly our body metabolizes alcohol can be influenced by several factors, including biological factors, gender, and health. Environmental factors such as the amount and type of alcohol we consume also make a difference.
While alcohol can only be detected in our blood, breath, saliva, or urine for up to 24 hours, it can be detected in our hair for about 6 months. Studies have also found markers that can be detected after years.
Because hair follicle tests span a broader timeframe than other tests, they serve a very specific purpose. But how do they work? How accurate are they? How much alcohol will show up on them? What are they used for? Let’s find out.
Alcohol hair tests require a sample of hair, which is examined by a lab for specific biomarkers that confirm alcohol consumption. The preferred sample is hair from our head, but body hair may also be used if needed.
Hair follicle tests can vary depending on the specific test and what it’s used for. Biomarkers that alcohol hair tests commonly look for include Ethyl Glucuronide (Etg), and Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE). These biomarkers are products of nonoxidizing metabolization, which we know can linger in tissues in our body such as the ones found in our hair follicles.
Even though hair tests are generally reliable, several external factors can influence alcohol hair follicle test results:
If this many factors can influence the results of a hair follicle test, you’re probably wondering how accurate they can possibly be. Let’s take a closer look.
Most hair follicle tests are court-ordered and completed by authorized laboratories. Hair follicle tests are considered an accurate detector of regular or excessive alcohol consumption. A study on the sensitivity of EtG tests found that while the test may not be quantitatively accurate, a positive result is a strong qualitative indicator of alcohol consumption within the last three months. Comprehensive tests not only test for EtG but also FAEE for even greater accuracy.
Home hair follicle testing kits are also available for personal use. At-home kits can be helpful if we have concerns regarding a family member or a friend's alcohol use, or we’d like to test for our own reassurance. While they are usually less costly than laboratory tests, at-home tests can be less accurate. Directions are provided for us to be able to obtain and transport the sample; however, there’s more room for error and other external variables that can affect the results.
While some external influences may impact the detection of alcohol in a hair follicle test, alcohol can still be present in our hair.
The exact amount of alcohol needed to be detected by a hair follicle test is unclear. Hair tests are primarily used to identify regular drinking and are more accurate in identifying high-risk drinkers.
According to the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT), chronic excessive alcohol consumption is defined as having six or more standard drinks over several months. SoHT classifies drinkers into three categories depending on the levels of EtG detected in a hair follicle test:
Alcohol hair follicle tests provide an average rate of alcohol consumption over a given timeframe. However, due to the many variables that can influence the concentration of EtG and other markers — including the amount of alcohol, type of alcohol, and when it was consumed — we don’t know exactly how much alcohol can be detected in a sample.
That being said, it’s safe to assume that any amount of alcohol can be detected in a hair follicle test. While the test isn’t able to provide an exact snapshot of someone’s drinking habits, it’s often used in conjunction with other evidence for different purposes.
Hair follicle alcohol tests help identify drinking patterns within a specific timeframe. They are used for four main purposes:
Hair follicle alcohol tests are reliable but expensive because they require lab analysis. The tests provide an accurate picture of our drinking habits but aren't a sustainable tracking method or strategy to reduce consumption. Let’s look at some alternatives.
Alcohol is deeply ingrained in our social culture — making it challenging for some of us to cut back or quit. While it can be difficult, several strategies can help us to work toward a healthier relationship with alcohol:
Quitting alcohol can seem like a castle in the sky, but small steps we take to cut back can help us reach our end goal.
Alcohol hair follicle tests are a valuable tool to get an idea of our average alcohol consumption over a given timeframe. While detection ranges only go up to about 90 days, alcohol can linger in our hair for much longer. The exact detection window and minimal alcohol consumption have yet to be identified. However, as hair follicle tests are used primarily in important legal situations, it’s best to assume that any amount of alcohol during the given timeframe can be detected in a test. For those of us looking to get a clearer snapshot of our drinking habits, tracking and mindful drinking practices are more realistic tools to help us quit or cut back on alcohol. When drinking, we can be more aware that alcohol can linger in our hair!
It’s Monday morning, and you’re still feeling the effects of the drinks you had at that wedding Saturday night. You’re no longer drunk, but you still don’t feel quite yourself yet. This is because alcohol stays in our system for longer than we may think.
Because it stays in our system for so long, it lingers in one of the most unsuspecting places — our hair. This makes the alcohol hair follicle test one of the most reliable tests for alcohol consumption. To understand how the test works and how to pass one, let’s first straighten out how alcohol is metabolized in our body and how long it can stay in our hair.
Metabolization refers to how our body breaks down a substance to use or eliminate. We metabolize anything we eat or drink. Alcohol is metabolized in our body through different pathways. When we drink alcohol, it’s absorbed primarily by the veins in our gastrointestinal tract. From there, the portal vein transports alcohol to our liver — which is tasked with over 90% of alcohol metabolization.
Alcohol also travels through our bloodstream to other parts of our body, which help to break down the remaining toxins through a process called non-oxidative alcohol metabolization. Through this process, the remaining alcohol is slowly eliminated through our sweat, urine, breath, and hair growth.
Due to this process, alcohol can be detected through blood tests, urine samples, breathalyzers, saliva, and yes, even hair tests. Alcohol hair follicle tests are one of the most reliable tests available, especially for longer timeframes (more on that later).
How quickly our body metabolizes alcohol can be influenced by several factors, including biological factors, gender, and health. Environmental factors such as the amount and type of alcohol we consume also make a difference.
While alcohol can only be detected in our blood, breath, saliva, or urine for up to 24 hours, it can be detected in our hair for about 6 months. Studies have also found markers that can be detected after years.
Because hair follicle tests span a broader timeframe than other tests, they serve a very specific purpose. But how do they work? How accurate are they? How much alcohol will show up on them? What are they used for? Let’s find out.
Alcohol hair tests require a sample of hair, which is examined by a lab for specific biomarkers that confirm alcohol consumption. The preferred sample is hair from our head, but body hair may also be used if needed.
Hair follicle tests can vary depending on the specific test and what it’s used for. Biomarkers that alcohol hair tests commonly look for include Ethyl Glucuronide (Etg), and Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE). These biomarkers are products of nonoxidizing metabolization, which we know can linger in tissues in our body such as the ones found in our hair follicles.
Even though hair tests are generally reliable, several external factors can influence alcohol hair follicle test results:
If this many factors can influence the results of a hair follicle test, you’re probably wondering how accurate they can possibly be. Let’s take a closer look.
Most hair follicle tests are court-ordered and completed by authorized laboratories. Hair follicle tests are considered an accurate detector of regular or excessive alcohol consumption. A study on the sensitivity of EtG tests found that while the test may not be quantitatively accurate, a positive result is a strong qualitative indicator of alcohol consumption within the last three months. Comprehensive tests not only test for EtG but also FAEE for even greater accuracy.
Home hair follicle testing kits are also available for personal use. At-home kits can be helpful if we have concerns regarding a family member or a friend's alcohol use, or we’d like to test for our own reassurance. While they are usually less costly than laboratory tests, at-home tests can be less accurate. Directions are provided for us to be able to obtain and transport the sample; however, there’s more room for error and other external variables that can affect the results.
While some external influences may impact the detection of alcohol in a hair follicle test, alcohol can still be present in our hair.
The exact amount of alcohol needed to be detected by a hair follicle test is unclear. Hair tests are primarily used to identify regular drinking and are more accurate in identifying high-risk drinkers.
According to the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT), chronic excessive alcohol consumption is defined as having six or more standard drinks over several months. SoHT classifies drinkers into three categories depending on the levels of EtG detected in a hair follicle test:
Alcohol hair follicle tests provide an average rate of alcohol consumption over a given timeframe. However, due to the many variables that can influence the concentration of EtG and other markers — including the amount of alcohol, type of alcohol, and when it was consumed — we don’t know exactly how much alcohol can be detected in a sample.
That being said, it’s safe to assume that any amount of alcohol can be detected in a hair follicle test. While the test isn’t able to provide an exact snapshot of someone’s drinking habits, it’s often used in conjunction with other evidence for different purposes.
Hair follicle alcohol tests help identify drinking patterns within a specific timeframe. They are used for four main purposes:
Hair follicle alcohol tests are reliable but expensive because they require lab analysis. The tests provide an accurate picture of our drinking habits but aren't a sustainable tracking method or strategy to reduce consumption. Let’s look at some alternatives.
Alcohol is deeply ingrained in our social culture — making it challenging for some of us to cut back or quit. While it can be difficult, several strategies can help us to work toward a healthier relationship with alcohol:
Quitting alcohol can seem like a castle in the sky, but small steps we take to cut back can help us reach our end goal.
Alcohol hair follicle tests are a valuable tool to get an idea of our average alcohol consumption over a given timeframe. While detection ranges only go up to about 90 days, alcohol can linger in our hair for much longer. The exact detection window and minimal alcohol consumption have yet to be identified. However, as hair follicle tests are used primarily in important legal situations, it’s best to assume that any amount of alcohol during the given timeframe can be detected in a test. For those of us looking to get a clearer snapshot of our drinking habits, tracking and mindful drinking practices are more realistic tools to help us quit or cut back on alcohol. When drinking, we can be more aware that alcohol can linger in our hair!
Is it possible to have fun at parties and stay sober? Totally. It may take some getting used to, but partying without drinking can be more fun than you may think.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
You’re committed to doing a sober challenge, and it’s been going great so far — until you get invited to a party. And a baby shower. And then there’s a work event. And your sister-in-law’s birthday brunch. And the family dinner with your crazy aunt. Your first response is an internal “ugh.” You can’t imagine these events sober, but you also don’t want to be antisocial and avoid going out. So what do you do?
We’re here for you! Whether you’re doing a dry challenge or navigating the sober lifestyle, social events, particularly parties, can take some getting used to now that you’re choosing not to drink alcohol. Even the idea of fun, for many of us, has gotten so tied up with drinking alcohol that we may have forgotten what fun can look like without it!
The good news is that yes, it’s 100% possible to party sober! Sure, Friday nights might look a bit different than they used to, but in time, you may even find that you have more fun than you did when partying sober vs. drunk. Read on for more on how to have fun at parties without alcohol.
When we think about the word “partying,” what automatically comes to mind? For many of us, it’s friends, music, and alcohol. Why do we often think of partying and alcohol as the perfect couple? First of all, alcohol’s immediate effects include sedation, relaxation, a quick mood boost, and decreased inhibition. This sets the stage for light, jovial socialization.
Unfortunately, these effects are short-lived. Alas, the idea of alcohol as a “social lubricant” is only true in the short term, but studies show that this effect quickly wanes as our body metabolizes alcohol and those “positive” effects rebound.
But wait, many of us have had tons of fun while drinking at parties … right? In her song “Last Friday Night,” Katy Perry recalled a wild party by singing, “It’s a blacked out blur, but I’m pretty sure it ruled.” This is an example of the peak-end rule, which explains that we remember the emotional peak of an event and the ending, or how it turned out.
When it comes to alcohol and fun parties, our peak emotion is often a sense of happiness and togetherness. Unfortunately, we are much less likely to remember the end due to alcohol’s detrimental effects on memory. As Katy Perry goes on to say, “Think we kissed, but I forgot.”
Fortunately, there are way better ways to have fun than whatever Ms. Perry was doing in “Last Friday Night!”
The first step to reframing the idea of “partying” is to shift our mindset around partying and redefine what a “fun” party looks like. If we’re going into a party atmosphere or situation assuming we won’t have a good time because we aren’t drinking alcohol, chances are we’ll ruin our chances of having fun because we’re already setting ourselves up to be disappointed. In other words, it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. We think we won’t have fun, so we don’t! So why not shift that mentality?
If we change our mindset around the idea of “fun” and instead take on a positive outlook to partying sober, chances are we’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results. We can try saying something like this to ourselves before going into it: “Well, this might be different from the parties I’m used to going to, but I’m ready for a new experience!” Decide to have a good time, and our guess is that will end up happening.
Partying sober has many benefits — emotional, mental, physical, and even financial. Here are some of the top reasons sober partying can be super rewarding.
These are only some of the many benefits of sober partying. To learn more about how the benefits of sober living can extend beyond the party scene, check out our article on the many benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle.
Even if we’re gung ho on all the benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle, it can still be tough to navigate parties and social events when we’re sober or taking a break from drinking. Here are some tips to keep the party fun when we’re not drinking.
It’s certainly possible to enjoy a party while staying sober, though if you feel like it’s not the right thing for you, don’t push yourself! You can always plan a sober party yourself to ensure the setting will be more inclusive to you — and show your friends and family how fun it can be partying sober vs. drunk.
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So now that we’re pros at being sober party attendees, what about when we’re the ones hosting? Even better! Hosting a sober party is a great way to show others that being sober can be lots of fun. Plus, as the host, we’re the ones in control to make sure it’s fun for everyone.
With so many fun and memorable things to do, people will be talking about the hilarious game of Cards Against Humanity — not how Nick drank too much and started a fight at the end of the night.
If you were doubtful about sober partying being possible before, we hope this article helped change your mind and gave you the confidence to party sober! Partying sober can take some getting used to, but it can definitely be a welcome change of pace from the mornings of hangovers and headaches. In fact, it may be so much fun that you won’t ever want to go back.
You’re committed to doing a sober challenge, and it’s been going great so far — until you get invited to a party. And a baby shower. And then there’s a work event. And your sister-in-law’s birthday brunch. And the family dinner with your crazy aunt. Your first response is an internal “ugh.” You can’t imagine these events sober, but you also don’t want to be antisocial and avoid going out. So what do you do?
We’re here for you! Whether you’re doing a dry challenge or navigating the sober lifestyle, social events, particularly parties, can take some getting used to now that you’re choosing not to drink alcohol. Even the idea of fun, for many of us, has gotten so tied up with drinking alcohol that we may have forgotten what fun can look like without it!
The good news is that yes, it’s 100% possible to party sober! Sure, Friday nights might look a bit different than they used to, but in time, you may even find that you have more fun than you did when partying sober vs. drunk. Read on for more on how to have fun at parties without alcohol.
When we think about the word “partying,” what automatically comes to mind? For many of us, it’s friends, music, and alcohol. Why do we often think of partying and alcohol as the perfect couple? First of all, alcohol’s immediate effects include sedation, relaxation, a quick mood boost, and decreased inhibition. This sets the stage for light, jovial socialization.
Unfortunately, these effects are short-lived. Alas, the idea of alcohol as a “social lubricant” is only true in the short term, but studies show that this effect quickly wanes as our body metabolizes alcohol and those “positive” effects rebound.
But wait, many of us have had tons of fun while drinking at parties … right? In her song “Last Friday Night,” Katy Perry recalled a wild party by singing, “It’s a blacked out blur, but I’m pretty sure it ruled.” This is an example of the peak-end rule, which explains that we remember the emotional peak of an event and the ending, or how it turned out.
When it comes to alcohol and fun parties, our peak emotion is often a sense of happiness and togetherness. Unfortunately, we are much less likely to remember the end due to alcohol’s detrimental effects on memory. As Katy Perry goes on to say, “Think we kissed, but I forgot.”
Fortunately, there are way better ways to have fun than whatever Ms. Perry was doing in “Last Friday Night!”
The first step to reframing the idea of “partying” is to shift our mindset around partying and redefine what a “fun” party looks like. If we’re going into a party atmosphere or situation assuming we won’t have a good time because we aren’t drinking alcohol, chances are we’ll ruin our chances of having fun because we’re already setting ourselves up to be disappointed. In other words, it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. We think we won’t have fun, so we don’t! So why not shift that mentality?
If we change our mindset around the idea of “fun” and instead take on a positive outlook to partying sober, chances are we’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results. We can try saying something like this to ourselves before going into it: “Well, this might be different from the parties I’m used to going to, but I’m ready for a new experience!” Decide to have a good time, and our guess is that will end up happening.
Partying sober has many benefits — emotional, mental, physical, and even financial. Here are some of the top reasons sober partying can be super rewarding.
These are only some of the many benefits of sober partying. To learn more about how the benefits of sober living can extend beyond the party scene, check out our article on the many benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle.
Even if we’re gung ho on all the benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle, it can still be tough to navigate parties and social events when we’re sober or taking a break from drinking. Here are some tips to keep the party fun when we’re not drinking.
It’s certainly possible to enjoy a party while staying sober, though if you feel like it’s not the right thing for you, don’t push yourself! You can always plan a sober party yourself to ensure the setting will be more inclusive to you — and show your friends and family how fun it can be partying sober vs. drunk.
So now that we’re pros at being sober party attendees, what about when we’re the ones hosting? Even better! Hosting a sober party is a great way to show others that being sober can be lots of fun. Plus, as the host, we’re the ones in control to make sure it’s fun for everyone.
With so many fun and memorable things to do, people will be talking about the hilarious game of Cards Against Humanity — not how Nick drank too much and started a fight at the end of the night.
If you were doubtful about sober partying being possible before, we hope this article helped change your mind and gave you the confidence to party sober! Partying sober can take some getting used to, but it can definitely be a welcome change of pace from the mornings of hangovers and headaches. In fact, it may be so much fun that you won’t ever want to go back.
You’ve probably heard of Al-Anon and Alateen, but what are they all about, exactly? And what goes on at the meetings? Find out by reading our latest blog!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
In Truly Madly Guilty, author Liane Moriarty paints in poignant detail the inner world of a child growing up with parents who misused alcohol:
“When he was a kid, it used to feel like his parents disappeared when they got drunk. As the levels of their glasses went down, he could sense them pulling away from him, as if they were together on the same boat, slowly pulling away from the shore where Oliver was left stranded … and he'd think, Please don't go, stay here with me, because his real mother was funny and his real father was smart, but they always went. First his dad got stupid and his mum got giggly, and then his mum got nasty and his dad got angry, and so it went until there was no point staying and Oliver went to watch movies in his bedroom.”
If you’ve ever been close to someone struggling with substance misuse, you know what a lonely road it can be. Luckily, there’s help out there for people who find themselves in this difficult situation. One of the main forms of group support for loved ones struggling with alcohol in particular is Al-Anon (and its counterpart, Alateen). But what is the idea behind Al-Anon, and what’s the difference between Al-Anon and AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)? What are Al-Anon meetings and Alateen meetings like, and what are the pros and cons of both? Let’s find out!
Alcohol misuse doesn’t just affect the person who is doing the drinking — it has a ripple effect that can leave a long-lasting, painful mark on families, friend groups, and communities. It can be heartbreaking to watch someone we know and love turn into a person we barely recognize.
And then there are the day-to-day struggles. Living with someone who is misusing alcohol can be unpredictable, exhausting, and often scary. Maybe they don’t realize they have a problem, and their loved ones are left wondering where they are spending their nights (and days). Maybe they’re trying to change their patterns but finding themselves slipping back over and over again. Either way, the days can start to blend together, and it can feel like there’s no end in sight.
Supporting someone in recovery or someone struggling with alcohol misuse can quickly turn into a full-time job (or even more). Trying to help a relative, romantic partner, or close friend can be a daunting task.
A recent Geriatric Medicine paper titled “‘I Can't Live Like That’: The Experience of Caregiver Stress of Caring for a Relative with Substance Use Disorder” found a strong link between stress and caring for someone with substance use disorder. It goes on to explore the unique stressors caregivers face, focusing on marriage problems, violence, economic hardships, and emotional distress that can cause deep rifts within the family.
The paper identifies four common themes among the study participants that highlight the unique pain of those who find themselves in these difficult circumstances, and it goes on to identify ways people have been able to find a light at the end of the tunnel. (Rest assured, there’s hope!)
For children growing up around alcohol misuse, the problem is a bit different, but just as (if not more) challenging. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, as many as 1 in 5 Americans grew up around alcohol misuse. That’s an enormous burden! It’s hard to imagine if we haven’t experienced firsthand what it’s like to face such a serious problem so early in life.
The AACAP explains that children growing up in alcoholic households experience a number of physical and psychological effects:
As a result of this heavy burden, many children are at risk of turning to substances themselves, while others find themselves dealing with problems such as depression and anxiety. Some might even turn to delinquency and end up in trouble with the law.
Not all of the struggles that have to do with someone else’s addiction are necessarily in the present. Trauma left over from the past — for example, growing up with a parent who struggled with alcohol misuse — can leave wounds that feel just as fresh. Dealing with past trauma, in turn, is key to being the best, healthiest, and happiest versions of ourselves.
Thankfully, those of us who have watched loved ones struggle with substance misuse are not alone. In fact, there are many others who have gone through similar experiences, and there are a variety of ways to connect with others who have gone through a similar situation. Connecting with others validates our experience and gives us a roadmap for growth. Let’s explore a few.
Al-Anon’s origins go way back to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its famous (or infamous, depending on your viewpoint) founder, Bill W. Or, more precisely, they go back to Bill W.’s wife, Lois W., and her close friend Anne B. The women found themselves waiting in their cars while their partners attended AA meetings. They soon realized that they actually had quite a bit to talk about and found that this time was much better spent having a chat of their own — and these chats gave rise to the very first Al-Anon meeting in 1948.
The name “Al-Anon” was coined in 1951 from the first syllables of “Alcoholics Anonymous,” which served as the template for the new group’s meeting structure and core philosophy based on the “12 Steps” of the AA program. Like its parent organization, Al-Anon values the concept of anonymity: as they say in AA, “What you hear here stays here.”
The 12 Steps form the core philosophy of AA and have since been used to help those struggling with a host of other issues, including helping a drinker in their lives. In the case of Al-Anon, the 12 Steps are all about recognizing what is and isn’t our responsibility in order to help someone without enabling them. Here’s a brief summary:
Al-Anon meetings address challenges unique to parents, siblings, romantic partners, and children of those struggling with alcohol misuse. This takes place during free, anonymous meetings that can have a variety of formats. They fall into a few basic types:
These days, online Al-Anon meetings are also an option! These virtual gatherings became more popular during the height of the pandemic, and it seems online meetings are here to stay. They help break down geographical barriers, offering a space for those who may not be able to attend in person due to distance, health, or time constraints.
Al-Anon online meetings can take various forms, including video conferences, phone calls, chat rooms, or forums. They stick to the same principles as their in-person counterparts, ensuring confidentiality and a supportive environment with an added element of flexibility — they allow us to stay engaged from the comfort of our own home via text-based chat, phone call, or video call. The format is the same as in-person meetings, so members feel right at home wherever they go.
While Al-Anon has helped many people, it’s certainly not for everyone and has its pros and cons. Considering them can help you decide if Al-Anon is right for you.
A study in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors titled “Social Processes Explaining the Benefits of Al-Anon Participation” talks about the mechanisms behind Al-Anon’s wins and narrows them down to “support, goal direction, provision of role models, and involvement in rewarding activities.” According to the authors, these social processes account for a number of benefits for newcomers and “old-timers” alike, including better quality of life, more self esteem, less depression, and a greater ability to handle problems related to the drinker.
Let’s look at a few other benefits of Al-Anon.
Of course, everything has its caveats. Let’s look at some common criticisms of Al-Anon.
A study in Addictive Behaviors titled “Newcomers to Al-Anon Family Groups: Who Stays and Who Drops Out?” talks about this issue in more detail. The authors analyzed dropout rates of Al-Anon newcomers and found that often “philosophical differences” were the reason the group wasn’t the right fit for a prospective member.
Specifically, those who ended up leaving were worried about the psychological fallout for their drinker if they were to dive into the group’s approach head-on. For example, the concept of powerlessness and the emphasis on the need for lifelong attendance were often cited as the reason Al-Anon was ultimately a no-go for some.
Some have suggested outright that Al-Anon may be dangerous. While it’s unlikely to pose an actual threat, it makes sense to use basic caution when we’re still unfamiliar with a new situation. It’s always completely fine to opt out of a meeting if we’re feeling uncomfortable in any way — there should be no pressure to stay or to share anything we’re not ready to.
Unlike Al-Anon, Alateen focuses on teenagers dealing with a family member's alcohol misuse. It was established in 1955 when challenges unique to children growing up around alcohol misuse came up during the AA International Convention in St. Louis. It took another couple of years of planning, but in 1957 the first Alateen group was started in California by a teenager whose parents were members of AA and Al-Anon. By 1962, there were 203 similar groups going in full swing around the world!
Like AA and Al-Anon, Alateen is based on the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, which are the same as the original but are presented in a form that’s geared toward younger folks.
Alateen meetings follow the same general format as other 12-Step programs but with teenagers in mind. Sharing and listening to others plays an important role, as do confidentiality and safety. Many participants are, unfortunately, coming from homes where safety is not a given, so creating a nurturing and supportive environment is crucial.
Like Al-Anon, Alateen has pros and cons, and it’s not for everyone.
If you decide that Al-Anon or Alateen isn’t the right fit for you, there are other options available!
Finally, here are some tips for those who are on an alcohol journey of their own. Often the best support can be provided by those who have faced the same struggle themselves, but that doesn’t mean your own needs should be neglected, even if you’re doing well when it comes to your own recovery.
In the end, we have to recognize that life is a series of choices, and ultimately we have to make our own. We can’t change someone else (as much as we would sometimes love to), but we do have a lot of control over how we choose to see the situation and our role in it. As writer Kami Garcia says in Beautiful Darkness, “We don't get to choose what is true. We only get to choose what we do about it.”
In Truly Madly Guilty, author Liane Moriarty paints in poignant detail the inner world of a child growing up with parents who misused alcohol:
“When he was a kid, it used to feel like his parents disappeared when they got drunk. As the levels of their glasses went down, he could sense them pulling away from him, as if they were together on the same boat, slowly pulling away from the shore where Oliver was left stranded … and he'd think, Please don't go, stay here with me, because his real mother was funny and his real father was smart, but they always went. First his dad got stupid and his mum got giggly, and then his mum got nasty and his dad got angry, and so it went until there was no point staying and Oliver went to watch movies in his bedroom.”
If you’ve ever been close to someone struggling with substance misuse, you know what a lonely road it can be. Luckily, there’s help out there for people who find themselves in this difficult situation. One of the main forms of group support for loved ones struggling with alcohol in particular is Al-Anon (and its counterpart, Alateen). But what is the idea behind Al-Anon, and what’s the difference between Al-Anon and AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)? What are Al-Anon meetings and Alateen meetings like, and what are the pros and cons of both? Let’s find out!
Alcohol misuse doesn’t just affect the person who is doing the drinking — it has a ripple effect that can leave a long-lasting, painful mark on families, friend groups, and communities. It can be heartbreaking to watch someone we know and love turn into a person we barely recognize.
And then there are the day-to-day struggles. Living with someone who is misusing alcohol can be unpredictable, exhausting, and often scary. Maybe they don’t realize they have a problem, and their loved ones are left wondering where they are spending their nights (and days). Maybe they’re trying to change their patterns but finding themselves slipping back over and over again. Either way, the days can start to blend together, and it can feel like there’s no end in sight.
Supporting someone in recovery or someone struggling with alcohol misuse can quickly turn into a full-time job (or even more). Trying to help a relative, romantic partner, or close friend can be a daunting task.
A recent Geriatric Medicine paper titled “‘I Can't Live Like That’: The Experience of Caregiver Stress of Caring for a Relative with Substance Use Disorder” found a strong link between stress and caring for someone with substance use disorder. It goes on to explore the unique stressors caregivers face, focusing on marriage problems, violence, economic hardships, and emotional distress that can cause deep rifts within the family.
The paper identifies four common themes among the study participants that highlight the unique pain of those who find themselves in these difficult circumstances, and it goes on to identify ways people have been able to find a light at the end of the tunnel. (Rest assured, there’s hope!)
For children growing up around alcohol misuse, the problem is a bit different, but just as (if not more) challenging. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, as many as 1 in 5 Americans grew up around alcohol misuse. That’s an enormous burden! It’s hard to imagine if we haven’t experienced firsthand what it’s like to face such a serious problem so early in life.
The AACAP explains that children growing up in alcoholic households experience a number of physical and psychological effects:
As a result of this heavy burden, many children are at risk of turning to substances themselves, while others find themselves dealing with problems such as depression and anxiety. Some might even turn to delinquency and end up in trouble with the law.
Not all of the struggles that have to do with someone else’s addiction are necessarily in the present. Trauma left over from the past — for example, growing up with a parent who struggled with alcohol misuse — can leave wounds that feel just as fresh. Dealing with past trauma, in turn, is key to being the best, healthiest, and happiest versions of ourselves.
Thankfully, those of us who have watched loved ones struggle with substance misuse are not alone. In fact, there are many others who have gone through similar experiences, and there are a variety of ways to connect with others who have gone through a similar situation. Connecting with others validates our experience and gives us a roadmap for growth. Let’s explore a few.
Al-Anon’s origins go way back to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its famous (or infamous, depending on your viewpoint) founder, Bill W. Or, more precisely, they go back to Bill W.’s wife, Lois W., and her close friend Anne B. The women found themselves waiting in their cars while their partners attended AA meetings. They soon realized that they actually had quite a bit to talk about and found that this time was much better spent having a chat of their own — and these chats gave rise to the very first Al-Anon meeting in 1948.
The name “Al-Anon” was coined in 1951 from the first syllables of “Alcoholics Anonymous,” which served as the template for the new group’s meeting structure and core philosophy based on the “12 Steps” of the AA program. Like its parent organization, Al-Anon values the concept of anonymity: as they say in AA, “What you hear here stays here.”
The 12 Steps form the core philosophy of AA and have since been used to help those struggling with a host of other issues, including helping a drinker in their lives. In the case of Al-Anon, the 12 Steps are all about recognizing what is and isn’t our responsibility in order to help someone without enabling them. Here’s a brief summary:
Al-Anon meetings address challenges unique to parents, siblings, romantic partners, and children of those struggling with alcohol misuse. This takes place during free, anonymous meetings that can have a variety of formats. They fall into a few basic types:
These days, online Al-Anon meetings are also an option! These virtual gatherings became more popular during the height of the pandemic, and it seems online meetings are here to stay. They help break down geographical barriers, offering a space for those who may not be able to attend in person due to distance, health, or time constraints.
Al-Anon online meetings can take various forms, including video conferences, phone calls, chat rooms, or forums. They stick to the same principles as their in-person counterparts, ensuring confidentiality and a supportive environment with an added element of flexibility — they allow us to stay engaged from the comfort of our own home via text-based chat, phone call, or video call. The format is the same as in-person meetings, so members feel right at home wherever they go.
While Al-Anon has helped many people, it’s certainly not for everyone and has its pros and cons. Considering them can help you decide if Al-Anon is right for you.
A study in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors titled “Social Processes Explaining the Benefits of Al-Anon Participation” talks about the mechanisms behind Al-Anon’s wins and narrows them down to “support, goal direction, provision of role models, and involvement in rewarding activities.” According to the authors, these social processes account for a number of benefits for newcomers and “old-timers” alike, including better quality of life, more self esteem, less depression, and a greater ability to handle problems related to the drinker.
Let’s look at a few other benefits of Al-Anon.
Of course, everything has its caveats. Let’s look at some common criticisms of Al-Anon.
A study in Addictive Behaviors titled “Newcomers to Al-Anon Family Groups: Who Stays and Who Drops Out?” talks about this issue in more detail. The authors analyzed dropout rates of Al-Anon newcomers and found that often “philosophical differences” were the reason the group wasn’t the right fit for a prospective member.
Specifically, those who ended up leaving were worried about the psychological fallout for their drinker if they were to dive into the group’s approach head-on. For example, the concept of powerlessness and the emphasis on the need for lifelong attendance were often cited as the reason Al-Anon was ultimately a no-go for some.
Some have suggested outright that Al-Anon may be dangerous. While it’s unlikely to pose an actual threat, it makes sense to use basic caution when we’re still unfamiliar with a new situation. It’s always completely fine to opt out of a meeting if we’re feeling uncomfortable in any way — there should be no pressure to stay or to share anything we’re not ready to.
Unlike Al-Anon, Alateen focuses on teenagers dealing with a family member's alcohol misuse. It was established in 1955 when challenges unique to children growing up around alcohol misuse came up during the AA International Convention in St. Louis. It took another couple of years of planning, but in 1957 the first Alateen group was started in California by a teenager whose parents were members of AA and Al-Anon. By 1962, there were 203 similar groups going in full swing around the world!
Like AA and Al-Anon, Alateen is based on the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, which are the same as the original but are presented in a form that’s geared toward younger folks.
Alateen meetings follow the same general format as other 12-Step programs but with teenagers in mind. Sharing and listening to others plays an important role, as do confidentiality and safety. Many participants are, unfortunately, coming from homes where safety is not a given, so creating a nurturing and supportive environment is crucial.
Like Al-Anon, Alateen has pros and cons, and it’s not for everyone.
If you decide that Al-Anon or Alateen isn’t the right fit for you, there are other options available!
Finally, here are some tips for those who are on an alcohol journey of their own. Often the best support can be provided by those who have faced the same struggle themselves, but that doesn’t mean your own needs should be neglected, even if you’re doing well when it comes to your own recovery.
In the end, we have to recognize that life is a series of choices, and ultimately we have to make our own. We can’t change someone else (as much as we would sometimes love to), but we do have a lot of control over how we choose to see the situation and our role in it. As writer Kami Garcia says in Beautiful Darkness, “We don't get to choose what is true. We only get to choose what we do about it.”
