Stop Drinking | Why The First Week Is So Hard

The first week of quitting alcohol is the hardest. This is something that almost everyone who has ever quit drinking will tell you.

Why is it so hard during the first week? Old Habits die hard.

"Change before you have to." -Jack Welch

During the first week, your body is going through withdrawal from alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can be a difficult and dangerous process.

While the timeline for withdrawal varies from person to person, there are some general patterns that can be observed.

Within 6 to 12 hours after the last drink, most people will experience mild symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and nausea. These symptoms can often be managed with at-home treatments and over-the-counter medications.

However, between 24 and 72 hours after the last drink, more severe symptoms may develop, including tremors, hallucinations, and seizures. This is when medical intervention is often necessary to help stabilize the individual and prevent further health complications.

In addition to physical and mental withdrawal symptoms, you may also find yourself facing a lot of temptations during the first week.

If you have been used to drinking every day, you may now find yourself with a lot of free time on your hands. It can be tempting to fill this time by drinking alcohol. You may also be tempted by people who are still drinking or by places where you used to drink.

For many people, alcohol is a way to numb the pain of life. It can be used to forget about problems, avoid awkward social situations, or simply to relax after a long day. However, this numbing effect comes at a cost.

When you drink alcohol, you are suppressing your emotions, blocking out the good and the bad alike.

This may provide temporary relief, but it ultimately prevents you from dealing with the underlying issues in your life.

If you want to truly deal with your problems, you need to be willing to feel all of your emotions, both the good and the bad. This can be scary, but it is also essential for growth. When you eliminate alcohol from your life, you are taking an important step towards emotional sobriety.

The very first week is going to be tough. You'll experience uncomfortable withdrawals and cravings. You may feel nauseous and shaky. You may have trouble sleeping.

But it's important to remember that none of this is permanent.

With each passing day, the symptoms will become less and less intense. Eventually, they will disappear entirely. So hang in there - the worst is only temporary.

The first week is definitely the hardest, but it is also the most critical. If you can make it through the first week without drinking, you will be well on your way to success. Remember to take things one day at a time and to reach out for support if you need it. You can do this!

Withdrawal from alcohol is a serious matter and should always be overseen by a medical professional.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, please call the National Alcohol Hotline at 1800-662-HELP (1800-662-4537).