For many, drinking alcohol during the holidays is commonplace. It’s widely accepted to use alcohol as a method of bringing people together. Unfortunately, the holidays are a complex time for many, and alcohol is used to manage the stressors of the festive season.
Even casual and social drinkers can find themselves drinking more during the holidays. So abstaining from alcohol for one month, such as during Dry January, helps improve your health, has social benefits and helps you reevaluate your drinking habits.
Fortunately, there are practical tips to help you achieve this and make it a success.
Generally, there are many health benefits. You will find yourself sleeping better, having more energy, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and having more money. You’ll notice you may lose weight, have clearer skin, and feel less depressed, anxious and stressed. Overall, your mental and physical well-being will significantly improve.
Moreover, Dry January also helps you reevaluate your drinking habit if you have felt it has gotten out of hand. Consider asking yourself if alcohol is used as a tool to cope with stressful situations. Do you find yourself feeling stressed without alcohol, or have your drinking habits impacted your relationships or your professional life? If the answer is yes, consider a Dry January.
Finally, there is a significant social benefit. You are removing any chance of driving while impaired. Abstaining from alcohol is the backbone of effective drunk driving prevention. The New York State Police report drunk drivers cause more than 17,000 accidents annually. In New York State, slightly more than 30% of the fatal crashes are alcohol-related.
Accomplishing a month of sobriety has its challenges, but there are practical tips you can use to make this a success.
Create a supporting environment where you know you will succeed. Thoroughly purge all the booze around you; either dump it, hide it or give it away. Moreover, find a suitable non-alcoholic drink for social situations.
Recruit a friend or family member to participate and help avoid temptations. Not only will you support one another, but you can also plan activities that do not involve alcohol, and you can speak about the successes and challenges of abstaining from alcohol.
Stay busy and active and take this time to focus on your mental and physical well-being; take advantage of having more energy and sleeping better. Utilize Dry January apps that will help you track your progress and find practical ways to hold yourself accountable.
During the month, you will begin to lose alcohol cravings, and you may realize alcohol does not need to take up such ample space in your life. If the benefits make you feel great physically and mentally, consider continuing for another 30 days. Embrace your new attitude to alcohol use.
Nickolaus Hayes is a health care professional in the field of substance use and addiction recovery and is part of the editorial team at Drug Rehab Services (DRS). His primary focus is spreading awareness by educating individuals on the topics surrounding substance use.