Summer was a (boozy) blast! 🍻
Summer, for my husband and I, involved lots of fun trips, including our first journey across the pond since COVID. We went to the lands where whisky flows like water and beer is a national treasure. So the blast could also be described as a boozy bar-hopping extravaganza. Now don’t get me wrong (and don’t judge me), I’m not taking this out on booze in general, but when you say authentic Scottish pub crawl I’ll find my way to the front of the line (& the karaoke mic) every time - so it was really me and the booze that got along a little too well the last weeks of summer. By the time kids returned to school my cells were more like a pickled sea cucumber than a functioning human. I needed a reset, stat.
I Quit Alcohol (for 30 days).
I’ve thought about doing dry January a few times but never committed. Well, this year I decided to do a “dry September”. And it was a game changer. Let me tell you what I learned …
📊 The Science (What I Already Knew But Needed Reminding Of)
Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, and while it’s doing that job, everything else—fat burning, hormone regulation, sleep quality—gets put on the backburner. Even moderate drinking can disrupt sleep architecture, raise cortisol (the stress hormone), interfere with estrogen and testosterone balance, and deplete critical nutrients like magnesium, B vitamins, and zinc.
And then there’s inflammation. Alcohol triggers an inflammatory response in the gut. Over time? That contributes to a whole host of chronic issues. 🍎
💫 What I Actually Experienced
Week 1: rough. Not because of cravings—I honestly didn’t have many—but because of social situations. The first few days without a glass of wine in my hand at dinner felt oddly uncomfortable. I didn’t realize how much I used it as a social prop.
Weeks 2–4: the magic. My sleep quality improved dramatically. I was falling asleep faster, staying asleep longer, and waking up actually feeling rested. My skin—which I battle with constantly—started clearing up. The puffiness around my eyes and face subsided. I had more energy by 3pm (my witching hour). I lost 5 lbs without changing anything else. And my mood… stable. Calm. Clear.
🥂 The Social Piece
Here’s what surprised me most: nobody cared as much as I thought they would. I had a non-alcoholic drink in my hand at every event. Sparkling water with a lime—social camouflage at its finest. I didn’t announce it, I didn’t make it a thing, and 95% of the time nobody noticed or asked. The 5% who did were mostly curious and supportive.
A few social anxiety moments, sure. But nothing that a good conversation and a bubbly water couldn’t handle.
🌿 What I’m Doing Now
I’m back to drinking—but differently. I’m not drinking mindlessly. I’m choosing quality over quantity. I’m noticing how I feel the next day more acutely. And I’m giving myself more alcohol-free stretches throughout the week and month because I now know—experientially—how good I feel without it.
If you’ve been curious about a dry month, I’m here to tell you: do it. Even if it’s just to prove to yourself that you can, and to reset your relationship with alcohol. Your liver, skin, sleep, and mood will thank you.
And if you need a fun drink in your hand to get through it—I’ve got you. 😉
Written by: Dana Grinnell, Founder of Free Living Co
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to your body when you quit alcohol?
Within the first week, sleep improves, inflammation decreases, and your liver begins to repair. Within a month, most people notice better skin, more energy, reduced bloating, and improved mental clarity. Long-term sobriety significantly lowers risk of liver disease, cancer, and metabolic disorders.
How long does it take to feel better after quitting alcohol?
Many people notice positive changes within days—better sleep and less puffiness. By 30 days, energy, skin clarity, and mood often improve noticeably. Full systemic benefits continue building over months as the liver, gut, and hormonal systems recover.
Is it hard to quit drinking socially?
It can feel challenging at first, especially in environments where alcohol is central. Strategies like having a fun non-alcoholic drink in hand, being upfront with close friends, and reframing social events help. Many people find the social pressure fades quickly once they commit.
What can I drink instead of alcohol at social events?
Sparkling water with citrus, mocktails, kombucha, or non-alcoholic spirits are great options. Holding a drink in hand removes the social awkwardness of being “the one not drinking” and lets you enjoy the social energy without the alcohol.
What are the wellness benefits of a sober month?
A sober month—like Dry January or any 30-day break—typically results in better sleep, weight loss, improved skin, sharper focus, reduced anxiety, and a reset of your relationship with alcohol. Many people choose to extend or make the break permanent after experiencing these benefits.
