Quitting alcohol

Ethanol counts in all alcoholic beverages

After ingestion, ethanol passes into the blood and is mainly metabolized by the liver. Its effects depend in particular on the quantity, speed of consumption and context. Red wine does not have an ethanol different from that of spirits. The polyphenols present in certain drinks do not neutralize the effects of alcohol and can also be provided by food.

Calories that can be added to meals

Ethanol provides around 7 kcal per gram: a sugar-free drink can therefore remain high in calories. Cocktails and certain other drinks add further sugar to this intake. Quitting can facilitate an energy deficit if those calories aren't replaced elsewhere. This does not guarantee weight loss: the overall dietary balance remains decisive, and rapid variations in weight do not all represent fat.

Falling asleep faster does not mean sleeping better

Alcohol can promote initial drowsiness while affecting the rest of the night. A recent meta-analysis notably found a reduction in paradoxical sleep, including with low doses in the included studies. The dose and schedule influence the effects. Using alcohol to sleep therefore risks confusing falling asleep with a restful night and reinforcing a habit that is difficult to maintain without drinking.

After stopping, sleep can improve when the intake no longer disturbs it. In case of dependence, difficult nights may also persist at the beginning and require support. The deadline is not the same for everyone. If sleep continues to be poor, look for other causes instead of concluding that alcohol was necessary to get you some rest.

Recovery after exercise

A trial in eight active men observed a decrease in muscle protein synthesis after exercise with a high dose of alcohol, even when protein was consumed. The dose studied, 1.5 g of ethanol per kilogram, is high: this result does not quantify the effect of a single drink. However, it shows why heavy consumption after the session goes against the desired recovery.

Visible effects do not follow a single timeline

Dilation of the vessels may contribute to redness during consumption. Disturbed nights, associated meals and variations in hydration can then modify the appearance of fatigue. Stopping removes this factor, but does not treat all causes of redness, dark circles or swelling. Potential fat loss depends on other changes and generally takes longer than a water change.

Long-term risk and dependence

Alcohol increases the risk of several diseases and certain cancers. For cancer risk, no completely risk-free consumption threshold has been established. Reducing heavy consumption already represents progress, while stopping eliminates exposure linked to alcoholic beverages. The risks and benefits must be distinguished from the idea that a single drink would necessarily cause illness in every person.

With repeated consumption, the nervous system can adapt to the presence of alcohol. In a physically dependent person, its sudden reduction can cause a withdrawal syndrome, sometimes severe. This adaptation explains why the stop must then be medically prepared. It does not mean that the person lacks willpower: the organization of weaning is part of the path towards lasting abstinence.