Day 1–3 Recovery
This organ processes alcohol at roughly one standard drink per hour.
liver
Alcohol's diuretic effects reverse, leading to improved levels of this
hydration
The liver is unique because it can do this
regenerate new cells
Alcohol can contribute to this commonly used term for a damaged intestinal barrier.
leaky gut
Alcohol can raise blood pressure by causing blood vessels to do this.
constrict (tighten)
During the first day without alcohol, these two stress hormones surge, causing restlessness and anxiety.
cortisol and adrenaline
These liver enzymes begin trending downward during the first week.
ALT and AST
Doctors use this term for fat accumulation in the liver caused by alcohol
steatosis (fatty liver)
This nerve allows gut bacteria to communicate directly with the brain.
vagus nerve
Psychologists call the mental sharpness experienced around day 30 this.
clarity window
Around days 2–3, this brain chemical's decline contributes to intense cravings.
dopamine
his brain structure, often called the fear center, is re-regulating during week one.
amygdala
This vitamin group becomes easier to absorb as bile production normalizes.
vitamins A, D, E, and K
These beneficial bacteria flourish again after alcohol is removed.
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium
MRI studies show this type of brain tissue begins expanding again.
gray matter
Scientists call the resetting of alcohol-altered reward pathways this process.
neuroadaptation reversal
Improved production of this neurotransmitter helps cravings taper by the end of week one
dopamine
This detoxification enzyme was named as one that downregulates after quitting alcohol
alcohol dehydrogenase
These compounds produced by healthy gut bacteria help nourish the intestinal lining.
short-chain fatty acids
As sobriety continues, what brain region regains function, helping improve emotional control and understanding of others.
prefrontal cortex
By the end of day three, this substance has typically left the body completely.
ethanol
Three practices were specifically mentioned as helping lower cortisol during week one. Name at least one.
deep breathing, hydration, and balanced meals
hese two serious liver diseases can limit the liver's ability to fully recover from alcohol damage.
hepatitis and cirrhosis
By week three, recovery boosts activity in this part of the brain that helps you make decisions and control impulses.
prefrontal cortex
Many people see a drop of this many points in systolic blood pressure after 30 days.
10–15 mmHg