600 Days Sober: How It Shaped My Body & Mind

Does it get easier?

I was asked a question last week that caused me to stop in my tracks:

"Jasmine, do you think you were an alcoholic?

The answer was SO complex and brought up emotions I forgot I had. Looking back, I can see that my drinking habits were more than just occasional social indulgence.

At the time, I never considered myself someone with a problem because I didn’t understand the long-term impact.

It wasn’t until I stepped away from drinking and started reflecting that I began to recognize how much it was affecting my life—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

I was justifying my actions and didn’t see the bigger picture, but now I realize that alcohol had become a way of coping.

When Does Sobriety Get Easier?

Sobriety is a journey, and for many like myself, it can feel like a constant uphill battle. While each person’s experience is unique, there are general stages that most individuals go through.

The first few weeks and months are often the hardest as your body detoxes from alcohol. But with time, sobriety will get easier.

Early Stages: The Struggle (0-6 Months)

During the first few months of sobriety, people often face the toughest physical and emotional challenges. The body is detoxing, and you may experience symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and even depression.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) notes that the withdrawal symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks.

For me, the first 30 days felt like an eternity. People kept asking me to take a drink, and I had to constantly firm a boundary that I wasn't sure I even needed.

But as the days went on and I was at home trying to justify why one glass of wine would be "no big deal," I began to realize I was experiencing withdrawal.

Withdrawal Symptoms:

• Physical symptoms: Fatigue, headaches, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

• Mental challenges: Cravings, irritability, depression, and emotional instability.

• Statistics: According to NIAAA, nearly 50% of people will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking alcohol.

The first 6 months were when I realized that even though I was able to keep a job and maintain friendships/relationships, I had a negative relationship with alcohol.

Calling myself an alcoholic was very difficult but it was the truth.

Long-Term Sobriety: A New Normal (1+ Year)

For those of us who stick with it for over a year, the benefits of sobriety are undeniable. Your body has healed, and you’ve developed healthier coping mechanisms for stress and emotions.

It’s no longer about fighting cravings but rather about maintaining a balanced, sober and mindful lifestyle.

Individuals who’ve been sober for a year or more often feel more empowered, with a better understanding of themselves and their motivations.

Key Health Benefits:

• Health improvements: Lower risk of heart disease, better sleep, and improved mental health.

• Mindset shift: Sobriety becomes a lifestyle rather than a battle.

• Statistics: According to a report from the Recovery Research Institute, people who stay sober for at least one year have a significantly higher chance of maintaining sobriety long-term.

Getting beyond the one year mark was what I needed to realize that I will never drink again. And people who knew me before sobriety were shocked. They knew me and alcohol synonymously. And I know if I can make the change, then anyone can.

How Sobriety Affects Your Body: The Science

When you stop drinking, your body goes through a variety of changes. Alcohol disrupts the central nervous system, so when you stop, your body has to adapt to functioning without it.

Over time, you’ll notice liver, heart, and overall health improvements. A study by the University of London found that alcohol-free months could significantly reduce blood pressure and improve liver function.

Additionally, your sleep improves as alcohol no longer disrupts your sleep cycles.

Key Facts:

• Liver recovery: The liver begins to heal after just a few weeks of sobriety, with significant improvement in liver function after several months.

• Better sleep: Alcohol disrupts REM sleep, so staying sober helps you achieve a deeper, more restorative sleep cycle.

• Improved skin: Alcohol dehydrates the skin, so staying sober results in clearer, more hydrated skin.

Women vs. Men: Sobriety Differences

While both men and women face similar challenges during the sobriety journey, women tend to experience certain differences. Women typically metabolize alcohol differently, meaning that the physical and emotional effects of drinking may hit harder and last longer.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), women are more likely to develop alcohol-related health issues like liver disease and breast cancer than men.

Sobriety may take longer for women to feel the full benefits due to these differences.

Key Differences:

• Metabolism differences: Women process alcohol slower than men, leading to more pronounced effects.

• Health risks for women: Women are at higher risk for alcohol-related health issues, including liver damage and certain cancers.

• Emotional effects: Women may experience more intense emotional withdrawal symptoms, making the first few months of sobriety particularly challenging.

Sobriety is a deeply personal journey, but it’s a journey worth taking. Whether it’s the physical recovery of your body or the mental clarity that comes with breaking free from alcohol, the rewards are tangible.

While the first few months are often the hardest, with time, you’ll find strength and resilience you never knew you had.

Breaking free from alcohol led me to live in my purpose. I was able to listen to myself and not drown out the pain. I thank my sobriety every day for saving me.