Do you smell different?
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 1
Do you smell different?
I am a binge / problem drinker who stopped drinking six weeks ago.
After about four weeks sober I started noticing that I feel like I smell different. Not so much less of an alcohol smell, but a change in the smell of my sober body's chemistry, if that makes any sense. Cleaner, clearer. Less acidy or something? Is this possible?
In any case, it's nice.
After about four weeks sober I started noticing that I feel like I smell different. Not so much less of an alcohol smell, but a change in the smell of my sober body's chemistry, if that makes any sense. Cleaner, clearer. Less acidy or something? Is this possible?
In any case, it's nice.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Toronto
Posts: 318
I know what you're saying. There is a certain smell that heavy drinkers give off. I notice it on one of my friends who continues to drink quite a bit.
I also remember many years ago at an office I worked at, there was a client who was an alcoholic and when he would come into the office he had this certain smell. It would linger for a long time after he left, and we would have to spray air freshener and keep the door open to air the place out so that clients wouldn't think it was one of us who was causing the smell.
I also remember many years ago at an office I worked at, there was a client who was an alcoholic and when he would come into the office he had this certain smell. It would linger for a long time after he left, and we would have to spray air freshener and keep the door open to air the place out so that clients wouldn't think it was one of us who was causing the smell.
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
Welcome to our recovery community.......
Congratulations on chooseing a sober future
Yes....I too noticed a better smell from my skin
and I contribute it to sober healthy chemical changes.
Also....my sense of smell is way more acute
not always a good thing....
All my best....glad to see you here
Congratulations on chooseing a sober future
Yes....I too noticed a better smell from my skin
and I contribute it to sober healthy chemical changes.
Also....my sense of smell is way more acute
not always a good thing....
All my best....glad to see you here
Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: New England
Posts: 5,285
There is definitely an odor that a heavy drinker gives off...it doesn't matter how many showers you take. I could actually smell it on myself at times...now I djnt although my sense o smell is also much better, which isn't always a good thing...and it seems I can smell alcohol a mile off and it reeks to high heaven. Another benefit in the odor department is that I no longer sweat heavily, even in the heat...I'm sure that helps in the odor dgepartment:-)
Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lomita, California
Posts: 200
Originally Posted by mayim 
After about four weeks sober I started noticing that I feel like I smell different. Not so much less of an alcohol smell, but a change in the smell of my sober body's chemistry, if that makes any sense. Cleaner, clearer. Less acidy or something? Is this possible?
In any case, it's nice.
In any case, it's nice.
12-Step Recovered Alkie
Join Date: May 2010
Location: West Bloomfield, MI
Posts: 5,797
I've never noticed it - I didn't ever date anyone that was a big-time drinker who eventually quit & I never noticed that I smelled any different after I quit. When I quit though, my girlfriend used to say I smelled different all the time. I thought she was just patronizing me and it used to irritate me when she'd say it (lol.....early in recovery, EVERYthing bothered me....) but I've heard it enough and from so many different ppl that I don't question it anymore - many/most alcohol abusers DO smell differently when they stop.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Central, La.
Posts: 422
I smell different for sure: I don't stink anymore! I would go days without bathing, consuming large amounts of alcohol and other things.
My senses were so numbed, it was a wonder I could notice any odor, aroma, scent....... When I quit using, my senses returned, smell, and touch in particular. Now, my senses are fairly balanced.
But, yes, I do smell differently, in a good way!
My senses were so numbed, it was a wonder I could notice any odor, aroma, scent....... When I quit using, my senses returned, smell, and touch in particular. Now, my senses are fairly balanced.
But, yes, I do smell differently, in a good way!
Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 107
The smell from alcoholics is all the toxins coming out through your pores, especially during night sweats and usually hangs around for three to four days after quitting and having a regualar shower schedule.
I , on the other hand, belived I didnt smell when I was drunk, because I couldnt smell. and thought noone would notice the alcohol on my breath. My hygiene is nothing short of disgusting when I drink.
When I was drinking, I wore the same clothes for days, the house was a pigsty, I rarely did dishes and rarely did laundry. My wife had to force me to shower and she usually did all the chores after work.
sick, sick sick
I , on the other hand, belived I didnt smell when I was drunk, because I couldnt smell. and thought noone would notice the alcohol on my breath. My hygiene is nothing short of disgusting when I drink.
When I was drinking, I wore the same clothes for days, the house was a pigsty, I rarely did dishes and rarely did laundry. My wife had to force me to shower and she usually did all the chores after work.
sick, sick sick
Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 711
Not sure about the smell, but finally the redness on my face has nearly gone away and I can actually taste everything now. That was something so strange - it seemed like my taste buds were totally shot, like my tongue was nearly numb. Plus i don't have to worry about my breath anymore.
I remember that I could wake up in the early morning hours and still have a smell of alcohol on my breath even thought it had been a good 8 hours of no drinking. I'm glad that is all gone now.
I remember that I could wake up in the early morning hours and still have a smell of alcohol on my breath even thought it had been a good 8 hours of no drinking. I'm glad that is all gone now.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: South Dakota, USA
Posts: 1,429
I don't smell like a dirty pirate anymore. And I probably don't smell like a mixture of cologne, mouthwash, gum, and stale alcohol. 
That was my morning routine every day. UGH, how sick. Plus Visine and a bottle of gatorade. How depressing.
Congrats on your sober time.
That was my morning routine every day. UGH, how sick. Plus Visine and a bottle of gatorade. How depressing.Congrats on your sober time.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Michigan
Posts: 758
I smell different for sure: I don't stink anymore! I would go days without bathing, consuming large amounts of alcohol and other things.
Steve
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