Has anyone actually seen the benefits from this?

[Hallosal]

I’m debating a prolonged sober spell. 3/4 months at least into the new year. I’m not a big drinker but after a recent heavier session I felt awful for days and struggled mentally - snappy etc. So it was a wake up call. I’m mid 30’s and have always enjoyed a drink since I was 18.

Inspiration needed - has anyone done similar and seen the benefits?

Of course. It’s a toxin.

I cut right back on drinking and probably don't have more than 3-4 bottles of wine a year (when I drink, it is usually a small glass with dinner not the whole bottle in one sitting). I don't know what sort of a benefit you are asking about, nothing magical happened. I just don't enjoy feeling drunk and having a hangover so, from that perspective, it's been great.

My waist line shrank when I stopped drinking wine during a "stay sober for October".

My friend does this every year from New Year to Easter. Over the summer she has some heavy drinking social events and then it's Christmas and the lead up. She uses it as a way to manage her weight and always drops some pounds during the sober phase.

Yes, I had committed to having 100 dry days earlier this year. I felt so much better that I continued and I’ve now not had a drink for about 8 months. I’ve lost weight without trying, my skin looks the best it has in years, my sleep is better, but the biggest benefit has been to my mental health; my anxiety is so much better than it was. The first few weeks were the hardest, but it gets much easier- it was not difficult at all to make the decision to go beyond the 100 days. In a weird way it’s easier than a dry January, the longer spell means you’re not counting down the days to the end of the month when you can have a drink!

I have cut right back on my drinking going from maybe 12 pints over a weekend to one or two pints a month. Yes, I feel better the day after without the hangover, but I can't say I have felt any general health or wellbeing benefits (I never drank during the week).

I had a year off booze as it was becoming habitual. I didn’t suddenly feel like a new person or full of energy, but life did improve. I’m now able to drink very occasionally and enjoy it without going too far. If I’d started drinking again after only 3-4 months I think I’d have slipped back into my old ways, but then I probably drank more frequently than you.

The most important benefits won't be forcibly seen. Ultimately, we all know that drinking more than recommended is unhealthy.

It's the long term benefits you need to focus on.

Of course it is worth it. your health will improve you'll save money and your liver will thank you