I stopped drinking after my second pregnancy as a personal choice. Just one glass of alcohol made me feel off, my body rejected it. I later found out I have a lazy liver, which means my liver struggles to process toxins, and alcohol made me sick. But quitting drinking wasn’t just about that. It was about how I felt physically and mentally and the challenges I faced socially and emotionally along the way.
If you’ve ever chosen not to drink at a party or social gathering, you know the pressure. People might look at you funny or say things like, “Come on, just one drink won’t hurt.” It feels awkward, like you don’t quite fit in. I’ve been there.
But what truly made me rethink alcohol was when I realized I suffer from anxiety and how alcohol can actually worsen anxiety over time.
Today, my journey is about resetting my health and finding smart, mindful ways to relax and celebrate, without alcohol. I want to share this with you in case you’re feeling the same.
What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Alcohol?
Alcohol isn’t just a fun way to unwind, it’s a powerful substance that affects your whole body, especially your stress response system.
When you drink, your liver breaks down alcohol, but this process releases stress hormones like cortisol, often called the “stress hormone.” Normally, cortisol helps your body respond to challenges, but too much of it over time can cause serious problems.
Alcohol causes a sharp spike in cortisol levels—meaning your body goes into a heightened stress mode. This leads to:
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Poor sleep and restless nights
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Increased anxiety and mood swings
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Weakened immune system
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Fatigue and “adrenal burnout”
So even if alcohol feels relaxing at first, it actually puts your body on edge behind the scenes.
The Vicious Cycle: Stress, Alcohol, and Anxiety
Here’s the tricky part: When you’re stressed or anxious, it might seem natural to reach for a drink to calm down. But alcohol only temporarily masks those feelings.
After the initial buzz wears off, your cortisol levels remain high, often leading to worse anxiety and stress than before. This can create a loop where stress drives drinking, which then causes even more stress.
Have you ever experienced “hangxiety” that anxious, unsettled feeling after drinking? That’s your body telling you it’s struggling to cope.
What Happens When You Quit Drinking?
When you stop drinking, your body gets a chance to heal and rebalance, but it’s not always easy at first.
Here’s what you can expect:
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First 24–72 hours: You might feel withdrawal symptoms and your cortisol levels may fluctuate wildly. It’s normal to feel anxious or restless.
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1–2 weeks: Your cortisol starts to stabilize, and your sleep improves. Anxiety begins to lessen.
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1 month+: Mood lifts, energy improves, and you start feeling clearer mentally.
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3–6 months: Your stress response system works more like it should, with balanced cortisol levels and reduced anxiety.
This journey takes patience and self-compassion. I use herbal tinctures with ingredients like reishi and lion’s mane to support my mental clarity and calm. Mindfeel’s natural, no-alcohol formulations are designed to help you find balance without the downsides of drinking.
Practical Tips to Support Your Stress Recovery
Quitting alcohol is a big step, and supporting your body and mind makes all the difference. Here are some of the best ways to reset your stress response:
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Try mindfulness and breathwork: Even 5 minutes a day can lower cortisol. I recommend The Shift from Komuso.
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Use natural herbal supports: Adaptogens like reishi, lion’s mane, lemon balm, and kava (ingredients in Mindfeel) help your body handle stress.
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Prioritize sleep hygiene: Keep a regular sleep schedule and create a calming bedtime routine. My go to Relax and Sleep Gummies
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Stay active and get outside: Movement and fresh air are proven stress relievers. Grounding yourself is so helpful.
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Journal or get creative: Writing down your thoughts or engaging in art helps process emotions.
If you’re like me, wanting to celebrate life and relax without alcohol, these strategies can support a healthier, happier you.
Your Journey to a Smarter Celebration Starts Now
Choosing to quit or reduce alcohol isn’t always easy, especially when social pressures are real and anxiety weighs heavy. But understanding how alcohol impacts your stress hormones and mental health can be empowering.
My hope is that by sharing my story and the science behind alcohol and stress, you’ll feel less alone and more motivated to find better ways to relax and celebrate.
If you want to support your journey, try Mindfeel’s natural tinctures designed for mindful living helping you reset your stress response without alcohol.
References:
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National Institutes of Health (NIH) on alcohol and cortisol
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Anxiety and Depression Association of America
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Studies on alcohol’s effect on stress hormones (PMC PubMed)