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This piece is in the paper today, and I want to say a few more things about it [THREAD]: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/15/well/alcoholism-pandemic-dry-january.html
I like Dry January and I like that it's growing in popularity. In my opinion, it lowers the barrier to entry into the examining one's relationship to alcohol.
Alcohol Use Disorder (A.U.D.) isn't black and white. Even those who fall under the threshold for A.U.D. can be at risk for alcohol-related harm, especially now, when stress and anxiety are at an all-time high for many people due to the pandemic.
("Harm" could even mean relatively subtle negative consequences such as sleep issues, energy reduction, or moodiness.)
But the tips that I gathered after speaking with medical experts, researchers, psychotherapists, and coaches (some of whom are quoted and some of whom are not—many more conversations are involved in reporting than it ultimately appears!) should be used any time of the year.
I'm not trying to push an alcohol-free "lifestyle" on anyone, but I do think it's a good idea to take breaks here and there, to check in on how you manage consuming what is a highly addictive substance.
Research shows that it's easier to reduce your drinking—something many are interested in—after first having a period of abstinence, and one month is a recommended period of time. You may discover other things along the way.
If any of this sounds good to you, please have a read. xo
