--- title: What Really Happens When You Quit Drinking Alcohol? description: Whether you’re quitting for a little while or you think that you may have a dependency disorder, what really happens when you stop drinking alcohol? image: https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/hubfs/blog/Headers/what-really-happens-quit-alcohol.png --- [Skip to content](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/quit-drinking-alcohol-results#main-content) [![Aquila logo](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AquilaVA_logo_final.png?width=300&height=99&name=AquilaVA_logo_final.png) ![Aquila logo](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AquilaVA_logo_final.png?width=300&height=99&name=AquilaVA_logo_final.png)](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/) [Call Us](tel:703-215-1808) [Get a Free Consultation](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/consultation) - [About Us](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/about-us) - Who We Serve - [For Patients](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/patients) - [For Families](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/families) - [For Medical Pros](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/doctors) - [Mission](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/about-us/mission) - [Staff](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/about-us/staff) - [Career Opportunities](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/careers) - [FAQs](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/faqs) - [Programs and Treatment](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/programs) - [Intensive Outpatient Therapy](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/intensive-outpatient-program-northern-virginia) - [Outpatient Alcohol Recovery](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/alcohol-addiction-treatment) - [Outpatient Drug Rehab](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/drug-treatment-rehab-northern-virginia) - [Dual Diagnosis Treatment](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/dual-diagnosis-addiction-treatment-northern-va) - [Continuing Care Program](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/continuing-care-program) - [ASAP Referrals & Evaluations](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/recovery-journey/vasap-referrals) - [Insurance](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/substance-use-treatment/insurance) - [Additional Resources](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/recovery-journey) - [Addiction Screening Tool](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/brain-science/screen/) - [Community Support](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/recovery-journey/community-support) - [Residential Treatment Partners](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/recovery-journey/residential-treatment-partners) - [External Resources](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/recovery-journey/information) - Testimonials - [Previous Client Testimonials](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/client-testimonials) - [Medical Professional Testimonials](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/about-us/alcohol-drug-rehab-reviews) - [Blog](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/contact) 2 min read # What Really Happens When You Quit Drinking Alcohol? By: [Russ Kallina](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/author/russ-kallina) on Oct 17, 2017 [Addiction](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/topic/addiction) [Alcohol](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/topic/alcohol) [Sober Living](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/topic/sober-living) ![what-really-happens-quit-alcohol.png](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/hubfs/blog/Headers/what-really-happens-quit-alcohol.png) Whether you’re quitting for a little while or you think that you may have a dependency or substance use disorder, renouncing alcohol from your day-to-day life can be hard. The benefits of abstaining from alcohol will outweigh the difficulties, but what really happens when you stop drinking alcohol? ## **Expect better sleep.** We know that [alcohol can cause problems with your nighttime routine](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2778757/) by interfering with brain wave patterns, specifically those that encourage sleep. It’s no wonder many people who drink alcohol often feel overly-tired. Quitting alcohol means you can expect to have more energy during the day and find it easier to go to sleep at night. ![Happiness: what really happens when you quite alcohol](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/what-really-happens-when-you-quit-alcohol.jpg?width=711&name=what-really-happens-when-you-quit-alcohol.jpg "Happiness: what really happens when you quite alcohol") ## **You’ll be happier**. Alcohol affects brain chemistry, interfering with neurotransmitters in your brain and increasing the risk of mental health issues. Quitting alcohol can help balance your brain chemistry while increasing your self-confidence, and quality of life.  ## **You’ll be healthier** The effects of alcohol on the body are widespread. They can include a weakened immune system, ulcers, high blood pressure, heart problems, kidney failure, and more. Quitting alcohol can help you live a healthier life by eliminating additional stress on placed on your body by drinking. In the words of those who have quit you could see a dramatic improvement in physical health. [![A guide to smart recovery](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/705269/3a4514d6-8f72-4291-bfef-6def43465033.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/705269/3a4514d6-8f72-4291-bfef-6def43465033) ## **Your finances could improve dramatically** Social drinking is common, and one of the hardest hurdles to overcome during recovery. [Saying no takes time and practice](http://www.aquilarecovery.com/blog/easter-dinner-how-to-avoid-drinking-in-social-situations). But once you’ve mastered the art of declining social drinks you’ll probably find yourself saving a lot of money – money that could be used on new hobbies or spending time with family and friends. ## **You’ll have a better future** Quitting alcohol will free up your time, giving you the chance to explore new hobbies and rediscover your interests. Alongside general improved health you’ll be more alert, and have more time for the things in life that matter to you. Want to learn more about the long-term effect of alcohol? Follow our [Recovery Blog](http://www.aquilarecovery.com/blog) for inspiration on your [path to recovery](http://www.aquilarecovery.com/alcohol-other-drugs).  - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## [How Can I De-stress Without Drinking Alcohol?](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/how-can-i-de-stress-without-alcohol) Stressful situations are inevitable and real, so how do you keep your calm when you feel... ## [What Happens When You Stop Drinking Alcohol for 30 Days?](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/what-happens-when-you-stop-drinking-for-30-days) What are the benefits of going alcohol-free for 30 days? And what actually happens to your body... ## [What to Expect When Getting Sober](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/what-to-expect-when-getting-sober) The first days and weeks of sobriety can be especially difficult as the body and mind adjust to... ##### About About - [About](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/about-us) - [Mission](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/about-us/mission) - [Contact](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/contact) **Phone:** (202)-288-3023 ##### Resources Resources - [Blog](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog) - [Resources](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/recovery-journey) - [Testimonials](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/client-testimonials) - Respect - [Privacy Policy](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/privacy-policy) ##### Programs Programs - [Intensive Outpatient Program](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/intensive-outpatient-program-northern-virginia) - [Outpatient Alcohol Treatment](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/alcohol-addiction-treatment) - [Outpatient Drug Treatment](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/drug-treatment-rehab-northern-virginia) - [Continuing Care Program](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/continuing-care-program) - [ASAP Referrals and Evaluations](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/recovery-journey/vasap-referrals) ##### Locations Locations **Herndon, VA** 425-B Carlisle Drive, Herndon, VA, 20170 **Mailing Address** 425-B Carlisle Drive, Herndon, VA, 20170 [![White Aquila logo.](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/hubfs/aquila-white.png)](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com) © 2026 Aquila Recovery of Virginia [![Verify Approval for www.aquilarecoveryva.com](https://static.legitscript.com/seals/9366263.png)](https://www.legitscript.com/websites/?checker_keywords=aquilarecoveryva.com)