Summer was a (boozy) blast! š»
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 donāt get me wrong (and donāt judge me), Iām not taking this out on booze in general, but when you say authentic Scottish pub crawl Iāll 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).
Iāve thought about doing dry January a few times but never committed. Well, this year I decided to do a ādry Septemberā. And it was a game changer. Let me tell you what I learned ā¦
š The Science (What I Already Knew But Needed Reminding Of)
Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, and while itās doing that job, everything elseāfat burning, hormone regulation, sleep qualityāgets 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 thereās inflammation. Alcohol triggers an inflammatory response in the gut. Over time? That contributes to a whole host of chronic issues. š
š« What I Actually Experienced
Week 1: rough. Not because of cravingsāI honestly didnāt have manyābut because of social situations. The first few days without a glass of wine in my hand at dinner felt oddly uncomfortable. I didnāt realize how much I used it as a social prop.
Weeks 2ā4: the magic. My sleep quality improved dramatically. I was falling asleep faster, staying asleep longer, and waking up actually feeling rested. My skināwhich I battle with constantlyāstarted 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 moodā¦ stable. Calm. Clear.
š„ The Social Piece
Hereās 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 limeāsocial camouflage at its finest. I didnāt announce it, I didnāt 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 couldnāt handle.
šæ What Iām Doing Now
Iām back to drinkingābut differently. Iām not drinking mindlessly. Iām choosing quality over quantity. Iām noticing how I feel the next day more acutely. And Iām giving myself more alcohol-free stretches throughout the week and month because I now knowāexperientiallyāhow good I feel without it.
If youāve been curious about a dry month, Iām here to tell you: do it. Even if itās 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 itāIāve got you. š
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 daysābetter 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 āthe one not drinkingā and lets you enjoy the social energy without the alcohol.
What are the wellness benefits of a sober month?
A sober monthālike Dry January or any 30-day breakātypically 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.
