I really like this thread - so much information!
Things haven't immediately improved for me but my perception of things has. I'm currently unemployed and it's causing me a lot of stress, however when I was drinking, I was convinced that I couldn't cope with being unemployed and that was my reason for continuing. However once I stopped, it's got rid of that brain fog and not only am I more proactive, I sort of see things as they are rather than my brain putting a spin on it that causes me more shame and sadness.
During drinking, my health anxiety was through the roof. I constantly checked if my eyes or skin were going yellow, was convinced that I had a terminal disease, thought that every single pain in my stomach was a sign of organ failure...it was horrendous. Three days after stopping drinking, my body started feeling better and I can honestly say that the health anxiety is 100% better. It's amazing how much trouble the booze caused me.