Beyond Dry January: Keys for Success
Alcohol consumption across the United States has increased since March 2020 and it's not surprising with what's been happening in the world (as if we need a reminder).
A survey of 832 individuals assessed the average alcohol consumption over 30 days. The survey found that, on average, individuals drink 12.2 days out of the month, and during that time, they’re averaging 27 alcoholic drinks.
Recent years have caused people to drink more because of boredom, higher stress, and increased availability of alcohol.
The Dry January campaign seeks to address increased alcohol consumption in those who are usually moderate users. By abstaining from drinking alcohol during January, participants will likely see many positive mental and physical health benefits.
Dry January means no alcohol consumption during the month
What Is A Dry January?
The concept behind a Dry January is for people to abstain from drinking alcohol for the whole month of January. The aim of the campaign is for people to consider their alcohol consumption, and participants are encouraged to start conversations surrounding alcohol with their friends and family. It is meant to be a fun and inspiring campaign to inspire people to seek positive change.
Disclaimer: Dry January isn’t meant as a challenge for those with dependency issues to try and detox. Instead, the campaign aims at those who drink a bit too much too often.
Why Do People Commit To A Dry January?
Alcohol drinkers participate in Dry January because they see positive benefits in their physical and mental health. According to the British Journal of General Practice, participants have noticed various benefits.
They have reported having better sleep and more energy. Some have noticed improvements in their skin and hair and have lost some weight. Plus, abstaining from alcohol helps you save money.
The Royal Free Hospital in London recently did a study on moderate alcohol drinkers. Those that participated in Dry January reported some of these positive improvements:
Better concentration
Improved sleeping habits
Reduced cholesterol
Lower blood pressure
Weight loss
Up to 40% liver fat reduction
How to Have Success
If alcohol is a part of your routine, it probably won’t be easy to give it up for a whole month. To increase your chances of success, try some of these steps:
1. Be Easy on Yourself. Stopping old habits cold turkey is hard. So, even if you slip up and have an occasional drink in January, it doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Keep trying.
2. Change or Avoid the Situation Driving Your Drinking. Too often, people try to control themselves rather than the situation, and they fail. Instead, avoid putting yourself in a position that encourages you to drink. For example, if you tend to drink when you go out to dinner, skip the restaurant and cook at home. If alcohol in your house is tempting, get rid of it.
3. Substitute Your Drinking Habit With a Healthier One. It’s easier to kick a bad habit if you swap it with a similar, healthier habit. For example, rather than picking up alcohol, grab a similar beverage that doesn’t contain alcohol, like juice or sparkling water. You can even serve it to yourself in a wine glass if that helps.
4. Plan an Activity that Doesn’t Involve Drinking. This advice goes along with step 2. You can have fun at events that don’t serve alcohol. Rather than heading to a bar, go bowling, see a movie, or have a game night with friends. But leave the alcohol out of it. Consider trying something you may have never done before. At The Blissful Heart Wellness Center in Bend, we offer a variety of wellness services like massage therapy, counseling, energy healing, beauty and even have a metaphysical store on site.
Plan a fun event with friends minus the alcohol
5. Have an Accountability Partner. It can be tough to kick a habit when you only rely on yourself to make the change. Many people need help keeping themselves accountable. Choose a trusted friend or family member that will check in on you and see how you’re doing throughout the month. You’ll be less likely to pick up alcohol if you know you’ll have to own up to it.
Do You Have An Addiction Problem?
The Dry January challenge is not for those with alcohol dependency; it can hinder your ability to fight your addiction. You’re likely to experience ill health effects if you cut alcohol out suddenly after being dependent on it for so long.
If you have an alcohol dependency problem, check out these resources:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
This national helpline is available in English and Spanish, 24/7, 365 days a year
Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Includes guides on how to overcome alcohol through a step-by-step process
Guides for treatment options that suit your lifestyle
A guide that helps you know when it’s time to seek treatment
Provides options for treatment
Guides for FDA-approved medications to help with addiction
Conclusion
Social drinking can be a lot of fun, but drinking too often can quickly become a problem. Dry January helps you take a step back to consider your drinking habits, and it’s meant to help you cut back to see the positive impacts. With less alcohol, you’re likely to see physical and mental improvements in your health.