A woman who has been sharing her journey to recovery online has revealed the transformative effects of giving up alcohol on her body, just 50 days into her sobriety.
Jade took to TikTok to share an intimate look at her improved wellbeing since she stopped drinking. She began by discussing how her anxiety levels have “decreased” in such a short period. “I was extremely anxious the first few weeks after quitting, which is normal – but I’ve noticed a huge decrease now,” she confessed. “I was always in a constant state of ‘hangxiety’ and brain fog when I was drinking.”
Jade also revealed that she’s managed to lose weight in just over seven weeks. “I’ve always struggled to keep weight off not realising how calorific booze was (especially wine),” she admitted. “But now I’m officially a healthy weight and 8lbs down since my last drink.”
She also noted significant changes in her mood, particularly in her temper. “Most days I was short-tempered, irritable with no patience and [I was] super argumentative,” she said. “It takes a while for booze to leave your system and my body never had time to recover. Me and my partner hardly fight anymore and I don’t feel so angry at the world.”
Jade also candidly detailed her unexpected “sugar cravings” she’s experienced as her body adjusts to the absence of sugar previously consumed through wine. “I’d never had a sweet tooth before, but since quitting I’ve not stopped craving chocolate and sweet treats as my body was so used to high levels of sugar from wine,” she said.
Now, Jade feels she has become “more present” in her roles as a mother, partner, and friends. “Most of all I’m present with myself, recognising and understanding my emotions and triggers so much more and listening to my body,” she explained.
And the transformative work has also enhanced her approach to “self care and love”. She reflects on how she used to spend her free time drinking: “Bottles of wine in the evenings, boozy weekends – and the rest of the time I was hungover. Now I use my time for the things that bring me joy and I’m able to take better care of myself.”
Jade closed by acknowledging the emotional challenges of recovery, advising others to be patient with themselves. “It’s not easy and all the emotions we suppress with years of alcohol slowly start to come to the surface, so try to remember to give yourself grace,” she explained, before cautioning: “Not every day is love and light in recovery, but through pain and discomfort comes growth.”
Jade’s progress has been met with support from her followers, with one commenting: “Yes! Yes and more yes! All of this… I’m on day 165 and I promise you, it only gets better and better – congratulations on choosing life over poison.”
Another chimed in: “Well done, most importantly keep going. It only gets better!” Wilst a third person shared their own experience: “So happy for you. I’ll be a year in December booze free so can relate. Best thing I ever did, well done.”
The NHS recommends that adults limit their weekly alcohol intake to 14 units or less. For those concerned about their own drinking or that of someone else, Drinkline offers confidential support and can be reached at 0300 123 1110 (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm, and weekends, 11am-4pm).
