Dry January
Dry January is a global movement that encourages us to reset our relationship with alcohol. According to a study from the University of Sussex, over 70 percent of people who participated in a past Dry Januarys reported better sleep. More than half reported more energy and weight loss. There are countless benefits from taking a break from alcohol. Who knows what it could change for you in 2025?
This month’s Trillium blog post examines the importance of Dry January. Maybe this is your year to start on a healthier path. We also asked our staff participating in Dry January their why and plan for success. Network Management staff Mary Stauffer shared the following:
“Our close friends and family decided to make it a competition and have some extra money at stake for the one(s) who can complete Dry January,” Mary said. She anticipates the only difficulty will be when she goes out to dinner or after golfing with friends, but she has a strategy in place: “If I want to be social but not drink alcohol, I will have a mocktail or club soda with a lime.”
Mary is very confident she can meet the challenge, and the short-term strategy could result in a long-term payoff. “I usually drink on occasions or when out socially, so I might try to see how long I can stretch out the Dry January into the months that follow,” she said.
If you are planning your own Dry January, here are some tips to get started:
- Think about why you drink…to deal with stress? To be social? Try to find alternative ways to achieve the same goals.
- Talk to your friends or family about your plans, either to encourage them to join you or to have their support.
- Bring your own non-alcoholic beverages to any planned parties, and keep an adequate supply at home. Try drinking them in the same wine or pint glasses to feel festive. It may also help to remove any alcohol from your house or at least store it out of sight for the month.
- It’s ok to just say “No, thanks” when you are offered a drink at a public event without sharing your reasons.
- Keep a journal (it can just be in the notes app on your phone) on how you feel throughout the month to help keep you going.
- At the end of the month, see if you want to extend the challenge…or just plan to reduce the amount you are drinking overall.
In addition to Dry January, January is Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month. Hosted by SAMHSA, Treatment Month will help support:
- People contemplating or seeking help for their substance use
- Practitioners treating or considering treating substance use disorder
- Friends, family, and loved ones of those with substance use conditions
By raising awareness of treatment, including medications to treat substance use disorders, SAMHSA seeks to:
- Eliminate stigma surrounding treatment, including medications used to treat substance use disorders
- Encourage those on their treatment and recovery journey
- Promote best practices such as screening, intervention, and treatment of substance use disorders by health care providers
As the first month of a new year, January is typically a time for beginnings and starting on a fresh path. If you feel you or a loved one needs to take these steps for longer term assistance, help is always available. Talk to your doctor, care manager, or call Trillium at 1-877-685-2415.