The group hosts online and in-person social events without alcohol, as well as free and paid programs that teach members how to reduce their drinking habits. About half of Club Soda’s over 70,000 members are interested in moderating their drinking, https://theseattledigest.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ rather than in becoming entirely sober. The group has seen consistent growth, particularly in the United States, in recent years, as well as more interest from people in their 20s concerned about the toll drinking takes on their mental health.
Which Factors Led People To Believe the Dry/Damp January Challenge Was Unsuccessful?
Ask yourself some questions about what your relationship with alcohol has looked like in the past. “Alcohol problems are defined not by how much you drink, but by the consequences that happen as a result of your drinking,” he explains. The concept of mindful drinking, which applies mindfulness meditation strategies to drinking behaviors, has gained popularity Top 5 Advantages of Staying in a Sober Living House among wellness enthusiasts in recent years. Taking time to think about your drinking habits instead of operating on impulses can help you decide. “Both surveys render a score that helps people determine whether their drinking places their health and well-being (and potentially the health and well-being of friends and family) at risk,” she said.
Tips for a successful Dry January
Lower sugar options have become available, along with flavorful mocktails. So that dip in participants might just be because people are beginning to become more mindful year-round, which is exactly what Sunnyside aims to help with. Heavy drinkers aren’t recommended to take part in the challenge as they may be dependent on alcohol and quitting suddenly is extremely dangerous. We’re creatures of habit and change takes time and preparation more than anything else.
- After a festive season filled with cheers and toasts, pressing pause on alcohol in the new year feels like a huge commitment.
- Whether you choose to follow a Dry or Dry(ish) January, know that you are supported and have a multitude of tools and resources available to you.
- It’s about building a healthy and sustainable relationship with alcohol — and Damp January is more attainable for many people.
- For instance, a 2016 study found that six months after Dry January ended, participants were drinking less than they were before.
- Dry January, when approached mindfully, becomes more than a temporary break from alcohol—it transforms into a journey of self-discovery and positive change.
What happens when you feel like quitting Dry January
It’s an opportunity to examine your relationship with substance use, set intentions for the year ahead, and build a foundation for responsible and fulfilling choices. As the month unfolds, let it be a time of revelation, learning not just about what you won’t do but also about who you are and what you truly want in the new year. The concept of Dry January goes beyond a mere commitment to abstain from alcohol for a month. It prompts reflection on one’s relationship with substances and behaviors. While making the decision to have a dry month is commendable, it’s crucial to differentiate between abstinence and recovery. Abstinence involves recognizing and modifying a behavior, such as deciding to consume less sugar.
Dry January Too Restrictive? Damp January Might Be the Answer!
- However, instead of going completely dry for the month, participants can set their own goals based on how they wish to improve their drinking habits.
- Essentially, people who seem disciplined and good at self-control don’t have to use it often.
- One of the best methods to identify unhelpful thinking patterns is by journaling your thoughts down.
- Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience.
- At the end of the month, the difference for the average moderate drinker was almost 100USD, but if you’re drinking several nights a week, you could save much more than that.
On top of that, it doesn’t have sugar, meaning you don’t crash afterward (or have a hangover!). They also have zero-calorie options and tons of healthier recipes for mocktails on their web, making the usual weight gain from alcohol a thing of the past. The health benefits continued long past the one-month mark, and most of the studies included people who didn’t do a completely Dry January, making the results all the more impressive. Even half that amount, about 6 drinks out per week, is still $60 a week, $240 a month, and almost $3000 a year. Again, also consider all the other added expenses you have with a night out of drinking.
Following a Dry(ish) January means you set your own goals for the month. There’s no need to cut alcohol off completely and feel deprived, so you can join in on your terms and use the challenge as an opportunity to observe your current drinking habits. Here’s what you need to know—and how to execute a revamped relationship with alcohol. Are you one of the many forecasted to dive into a dry month for January 2024? Or think you’ll be looking to practice another trending term – known as “mindful drinking” – at any time this year? These few essential tips and various other Dry January facts – including how sampling short-term sobriety can assist you with long-term control – can help you go 100% on, well, 0%.
- Besides, nutritious eating habits are key to rebuilding physical health damaged because of alcoholism.
- Feeling socially supported and a part of a group increases your likelihood to succeed.
- The Muse app contains over 500 expert-led guided meditations to help you pick up effective techniques as a beginner.
- Dry January may be over—but you can continue to practice mindful drinking all year round, regardless of whether you went the full 31 days without a sip of alcohol, or if you opted for a “damp” January instead.