AlaskaGirl

We all know it can take years for our bodies to fully recover from the poison that we inflicted on ourselves for years, but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate the positive changes along the way. I'll start:

I've lost 30 pounds since Thanksgiving! Not drinking has allowed me to quit binge eating and make healthy food choices.

My hair has stopped breaking! I've always had long hair. My last two years of drinking my hair became so brittle it was breaking faster than growing. It got up past my shoulders. It's finally getting longer again.

I've stopped snoring!!! My drunk snoring was so bad my poor husband had to wear ear plugs to bed. He just told me last week that I don't snore anymore.

How about you guys? What changes have you seen?

mns1

That's awesome AlaskaGirl!

I've noticed improved mood, energy, and focus

Nowsthetime

Me too: skin, hair and nails!!!

Love it!

least

I wake up feeling good every day.

firstymer

Ah, where to begin. I lost 15 lbs without even trying. My drunken late-night eating binges had left me bloated and fat. Not anymore. I ran 2 full marathons last year.

My morning dry heaves have ended.

My hands have stopped shaking.

My blotchy red skin has cleared up. So have the mysterious itchy, dry skin rashes.

My breath no longer stinks from being dehydrated and hung-over.

Those are the first 5 improvements I can think of. There are many others I am sure. .

Congratulations on your sobriety and your improved health, AlaskaGirl. You are doing GREAT!

ZeldaFan

This topic comes up from time to time and it's always great when it does. It's such a great motivator!

For me, at 25 days so far:

- The whites of my eyes are actually white again
- I sleep soundly with no trouble falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night
- I have way more energy
- My skin complexion is far improved
- My face looks far less bloated
- Normal bowel movements
- Home cooked healthier meals instead of fast food
- Better focus at work and on my hobbies
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced anxiety
- Stable hands
- No more sweating for no reason

The list goes on but those are the big ones I've noticed in the first three weeks. Now I just need to give my liver time to heal up and let my body do its thing free of poison.

Ariesagain

No more acid reflux! No night sweats! And the arthritis in my knees, hips, and feet is much improved...even after a long run I can sleep without the pain waking me up.

Oh, and my respiratory allergies are so much better, it's amazing.

Only 40 days, but much to be grateful for...

Soberwolf

Everyday is a miracle

Fabat50

My libido has started to put in the occasional appearance!!

gettingsmarter

My debilitating heartburn has gone away. In the end it felt like being stabbed with a hot poker every time I took a drink.

AlaskaGirl

I can't believe I forgot those two! I used to eat antacid like candy and I could soak a pillow on the rare nights I didn't drink

BD84

Im only 3 days in from the last binge but the SLEEP was awesome last night! When I made it a week+ no binge in the past I have never been so happy. Though my binges are always 1-3 days the affects can linger.

I have lost 3lbs in 48 hours. Feeling great.

DesertDawg

Off the top of my head, in about 2 months: I've lost about 15-20 lbs without even paying attention to my weight or eating habits. I've had to buy new slacks 4 waist sizes smaller. My constant gas/bloating/stomach cramps/runs are gone (TMI, sorry), my heart rate and blood pressure are now in the normal range, no more low grade chest pain, depression gone, more energy to do stuff on the weekends instead of sitting in front of the tube. No more red, blotchy puffy face and bags under my eyes. There are more, but that's all that comes to mind right now.

ZeldaFan

Same here with the antacids! I forgot that one.

jryan19982

Getting to sleep and staying asleep.
Not feeling like death warmed over in the morning.
No more nervously drinking and driving.
No more alcohol induced anxiety.
Stress levels possibly decreasing.

And just overall being happier, enjoying myself in things...

least

Sleep, yeah, I forgot how good real sleep can be.

Thumpalumpacus

No more heartburn, I wake up refreshed, and I have more energy. I feel revitalized -- a new lease on life.

ccam1973

Ditto on what other's have already said, and for me... no more Fatty Liver!

What an awesome thing sobriety is.

nova84

Not having to take numerous indigestion tablets every day is definitely amazing...not to mention no longer experiencing the discomfort to begin with x

Stang

No more beer farts....those things would take the paint off the walls.