A sobriety coach has shed light on the transformative effects of ditching alcohol, stating that while the changes are beneficial, it takes a year for the body to “recover”. Veronica Valli, a former psychotherapist with nearly two decades of experience in her current role, took to TikTok to discuss the damaging impact of booze.
“It takes a full year for your body, brain, gut, and health to recover from how toxic alcohol is,” she wrote in a caption before expanding on this in a video. “The first thing you need to know is alcohol is really, really bad for your brain and how your brain functions,” Veronica began. “So the first thing that’s going to happen to it when you stop drinking it’s going to start to heal – and the things that need to heal are serotonin and dopamine.”
She continued to explain how alcohol disrupts your brain’s ability to produce the chemicals that make you feel good. “We need our brains to create them organically – that’s what our brains are designed to do,” she added. “They’re designed to create chemicals so that we just feel good – but alcohol interferes with that, so your brain needs to heal and you need to give it time.”
The expert went on to emphasise the importance of physical activity in recovery, advising: “Just moving your body – you don’t need to be crazy and do an Iron Man or anything like that,” Veronica explained. “Going for walks – that kind of stuff – will actually heal your brain. You’re going to get improved clarity, improved brain functioning, and you’re going to make better decisions.”
Veronica concluded with a call to action for those affected by alcohol, adding: “Your brain will finally be able to function the way it was designed to. What’s a better gift than that?” Supporting her guidance, meanwhile, one follower commented: “Four years with no alcohol and will never touch it again. I sleep much better and my mind is sharp.”
Another shared their experience: “Sober three months now. Feeling better already. Good luck to those struggling. Three words to remember: Better days ahead.” A third added: “I am absolutely 100% happier. Nothing in my life changed – I still have same problems, but the heavy weight on my mind that I’ve experienced daily – gone.”
And echoing those sentiments, a fourth TikTok user declared: “100% true, I’m speaking from my own experience. When I stopped drinking two years ago and started working out, my well-being improved like crazy, both mentally and physically. So no more alcohol poison! “.
The NHS warns: “Persistent alcohol misuse increases your risk of serious health conditions including damage to the brain, which can lead to problems with thinking and memory.”
Men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week on a regular basis. If you’re concerned about your drinking or someone else’s, a good first step is to see a GP.