Dry January

Need a break from alcohol? If you ever feel like drinking is costing your relationships or time with friends and family, January might be the perfect time for you, friends, or family to consider taking a break.

So, what is a “Dry Month?” Having a “Dry” month is basically saying to yourself that you will not drink/eat/smoke etc. anything that you may want to stop doing for a month’s period of time. This month may be difficult, but it can be a great first step to starting the year with a healthier relationship with alcohol or anything else that you may want to re-evaluate in your life.

Dr. George F. Koob, the Director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, says that some early signs of alcohol-related problems can be “escalating or drinking during parties or sporting events” or “embarrassing your friends or family”.

If you think a friend or family member is having a problem with alcohol, Dr. Koob also recommends that you pull the person aside and remind them what the dietary guidelines are (two drinks a day for males, one drink a day for females). You can also direct them to https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/, or in more serious cases, have them get in touch with their primary care doctor.

For more information, visit rethinkingdrinking.niaa.nih.gov/ or a treatment navigator niaa.nih.gov