Finding the motivation this winter to build new routines, let alone participate in Dry January (where you cut out alcohol and other substances for an entire month), can seem impossible. For some, taking a break from substances could feel like a much-needed reset. But for others struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), quitting could spark an avalanche of cravings, emotional distress, and physical pain that can cause you to question it all.
If that’s your case, you deserve support.
If you live in Iowa or find yourself looking here for residential recovery services, the care team at St. Gregory is here. And rather than pushing through or pretending it’s easy, understanding what your body and mind may be doing during your first month in residential treatment can help.
Going Substance-Free for 30 Days When You Have SUD
Going substance-free for a full month can feel very different when you live with SUD. According to the National Institute on Drug Use, long-term substance use changes how your brain manages stress, motivation, and the feelings that come with reward, which can make quitting substances an intense physical and emotional journey.
Your body may react first. You might feel anxious, exhausted, restless, low, or emotionally raw as your system adjusts. However, research published by NIDA shows that these early, seemingly negative reactions often indicate that the brain is recalibrating after repeated exposure to substances—a positive shift.
When Medical Support Is Necessary
Some substances trigger severe and even risky withdrawal symptoms. NIDA’s research on treatment and recovery tells us that alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines (benzos) often require medical detox services during early withdrawal. Other substances may not require medical supervision, but they can still cause emotional swings, sleep disruption, or strong cravings. And since everybody reacts differently, talking with our treatment team in Bayard can help you understand what your specific situation may need.
The following substances often need closer monitoring:
- Alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can conjure anxiety, shaking, sleep trouble, and mood swings, so treating withdrawal with medical supervision is the best route.
- Opioids. Opioid withdrawal can mean body aches, restlessness, nausea, and intense cravings, but approved medications and monitoring can help you manage.
- Benzos. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can affect the nervous system and sleep in serious ways, so gradually tapering off with supervision is best.
How You May Feel After The First Month
After the initial detox phase, even though you may start to feel more clear-headed, you may also feel bored and exhausted. You could feel totally stumped over how to fill up your days after months or years under the influence of substances. At St. Gregory Recovery Center, we make sure your day includes time for exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, skill-building, and supportive routines that make abstinence feel more productive.
Going Substance-Free for 30 Days Without SUD
Going substance-free doesn’t always require treatment, and not everyone who stops using alcohol or drugs feels distressed. Many people choose a substance-free month simply to see how their body responds or to support their health. According to a large review shared by AARP, many people report noticeable physical and emotional changes after just one month without alcohol.
Just keep in mind that if you drink daily, experts recommend checking with a healthcare professional before stopping suddenly.
- Better sleep. Alcohol disrupts REM sleep and circadian rhythm, so you may get deeper, more rewarding rest after a few weeks without drinking.
- Improved hydration. Alcohol dehydrates you, and removing it allows your body to retain more water—supporting better brain function, mood, and skin health.
- Liver recovery. Alcohol can cause liver damage, but it can begin repairing itself during a month with no drinking, especially if the damage is mild.
- Less inflammation. Alcohol can inflame the liver, pancreas, and digestive system, and a break may help calm those systems.
- Weight changes. Since alcohol slows down your metabolism and adds empty calories to your diet, cutting it out can reduce calories and promote gradual weight loss.
- Immune support. Drinking weakens your immune system, but a month without it can help your immune function rebound.
- Lower blood pressure. The American Heart Association links alcohol use to increased blood pressure. Reducing how much of it you drink may help stabilize yours.
- Stabler mood. Alcohol raises stress hormones over time, which may explain why many people report steadier moods after stopping.
Enter Treatment for Substances in Iowa with St. Gregory
If winter has you taking a closer look at your habits and your health, we’re ready to help you take the next step into a substance-free chapter of your life with detox and residential services in Bayard.
