Six months.
Half a year. Most of the recovery curves have leveled into a plateau that feels more like a baseline than a transition.
Sleep is reliably better for most people
The sleep gains from the first quarter tend to stabilize by month six. Total sleep time, REM percentage, and subjective sleep quality typically settle at levels meaningfully above the drinking baseline.
Cardiovascular markers continue to improve
The trends from day 90 generally continue through day 180: blood pressure, lipid panels, and heart rate variability often look measurably different from the drinking baseline. Body composition tends to shift, with some weight redistribution common as visceral fat decreases.
Identity is more integrated
By month six, the identity of someone who does not drink usually feels less like a chosen position and more like a description. The cognitive load of explaining or defending the choice tends to drop sharply.
Not everyone hits a plateau at six months. Some people are still in active change at this point. Sustained change does not require a flat line.