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January is a time to welcome in the new year and a time for resolutions for many of us, but did you know that January can be a time to participate in Dry January and celebrate Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month.

Dry January is an annual challenge that encourages participants to abstain from consuming alcohol. It is a popular initiative that encourages reducing alcohol consumption and promoting healthier lifestyles. Dry January can help to improve health, reduce alcohol dependence, support financial savings, improve mental well-being, and increasing self-awareness.

Wondering how to participate in Dry January?

1. Set a goal for yourself, whether you are ready to cut out alcohol all together or reduce your consumption it is important to set a clear and realistic goal for yourself.

2. Make a plan, find strategies and coping skills that will work to stop cravings and temptation. Finding alcohol-free alternatives, seeking support from friends and family, attending meetings for support groups, and having a plan for getting out of situations where you may be uncomfortable may help.

3. Stay motivated, you should track your progress, celebrate the milestones along your journey, and reward yourself for sticking to your goals to encourage continued success. You can set aside the money you would regularly spend on alcohol to save for a shopping trip, a pass to your favorite amusement park, or a vacation.

4. Consider seeking help, if you struggle with alcohol dependence or have difficulty controlling your drinking seek support from a healthcare professional or counselor.

Try Dry is an app from the UK that is designed to help you set goals, offer motivational information, and track your drinking to support your success. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has a site called Rethink Drinking which provides resources and information on alcohol and safe consumption practices, you can learn more at https://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/.

Alcohol withdrawal can occur in participants depending on how much you usually drink. Mild symptoms can include anxiety, shaky hands, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and insomnia. Severe symptoms can include hallucinations, delirium, racing heart rate, and fever and typically occur two or three days after you stop drinking.

For more information on Dry January visit https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/thinking-of-trying-dry-january-steps-for-success-202201032662#:~:text=It's%20aimed%20at%20cutting%20back,alcohol%2C%20depending%20on%20your%20choices.