Dry January: How to take a break from alcohol so you’ll actually stick with it

“It is also important to notice what happens to your emotions when you stop alcohol use. If you have been using alcohol to manage difficult or uncomfortable emotions or experiences, those emotions will intensify shortly after you quit using. In these cases, it is important to seek professional help to address and resolve those difficulties,” she adds.

  • She has previously been awarded funding by Australian and state governments, NHMRC and other bodies for evaluation and research into drug prevention and treatment.
  • In this stage, a person suffering from alcoholism learns relapse warning signs and how to put the tools learned in previous stages, so their life of sobriety continues.
  • As you build tolerance, you become quite skilled at acting relatively “normal” even though you may have a very high blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
  • However, if you suspect you could have a drinking problem and think alcohol is causing problems, you should contact your GP and be honest about your drinking habits.

I knew I wouldn’t be writing the first book on non-alcoholic drinks, but I also knew that my work could capitalize on this newfound acceptance and energy. Unfortunately, some of those records aren’t ones we’re proud to hold. Across the world, we’ve seen alcohol use skyrocket in response to the pandemic—especially among women. Stress, boredom, and anxiety are just some of the reasons we saw alcohol use rise in 2020 and early 2021. Many used alcohol as part of their COVID-19 coping mechanisms and, while we’ve all adjusted to a new normal over the past year, continuing to drink this much shouldn’t be part of your new normal going forward.

I Tried ItI gave up drinking for a month — and what I learned about myself surprised me

It’s a free service, funded by the Australian government and a range of philanthropic organizations. In general, it’s better to put time and effort into sobriety than to try to do the bare minimum. If you’ve struggled to quit
drinking, you should consider support groups, counseling or rehab. Self-help books or apps are less likely to
help you successfully quit if you are addicted to alcohol. Dr. Kevin Wandler of Advanced Recovery Systems describes the potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms that can occur when a person quits drinking
alcohol cold turkey. Once you know how much of a role alcohol plays in your life, you can figure out how to quit drinking.

“When I find myself thinking ‘this is a waste of time,’ I remind myself that actually I am gaining movement,” she says. “You will probably find something really cool that you would have never even thought of doing on a Friday or Saturday night, where you can meet new, like-minded people,” she said. There’s no shame in leaving early if you feel uncomfortable in a situation involving alcohol or peer pressure. You don’t even have to say goodbye, Kuda said, as long as make sure to send a text to let your friends know you’re okay. If you’re trying Dry January, it’s common to feel your morale slip a bit. Here are some of Kuda’s tips for staying on track until the end of Dry January, or staying sober for the rest of the year.

Set a quit date

The way that a social drinker stops drinking
is different from the way that a
high-functioning alcoholic quits drinking. People with the disease how to take a break from drinking of alcoholism require formal treatment. Those
who aren’t addicted to alcohol may be able to quit on their own or with the help of friends.

“If you don’t feel like you have enough resolve and willpower to be around a person, or be at a place, or go to an event — just for this one month, just don’t go,” Kuda said. Those seeking assistance while working to overcome alcoholism can talk to a therapist or expert in person or on the phone. Combine the matcha powder, basil, sugar, and 3⁄4 cup water in a blender and blend on high until the mixture is smooth, bright green, and the sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Strain through a cheesecloth-lined strainer, discard the solids, and let the syrup cool to room temperature. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, vanilla extract, and 1⁄4 cup water and warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

best Dry January apps for 2024

Of course, the manuscript was filed before COVID-19 hit, and, unfortunately, a number of those bars and restaurants have since closed permanently. This book, and this whole movement, wouldn’t have been possible without them. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation call to find out how personalized root-cause medicine can transform your health.

strategies for taking a break from alcohol