Dry January is a monthlong challenge where you stop drinking alcohol.
If you aren’t quite ready to go a whole month without drinking, you may decide to limit drinking rather than cut it out completely by trying a “damp” January.
Participating in a dry month and limiting alcohol can have benefits during and beyond the dry or damp period. Some potential benefits of drinking less alcohol include:
- Weight loss.
- Better sleep.
- Money savings.
- Increased productivity.
- Better relationships.
- Decreased risk of disease.
If you are nervous about quitting, make a quit plan. To do this, consider the role alcohol plays in your life:
- If you use alcohol to de-stress, try another way to unwind, like meditation, exercise, or a relaxing bath.
- Reach for a drink at social events? Notice how it feels not to drink. Treat it like an experiment.
- Plan social events that don’t revolve around drinking, like taking a walk or getting coffee.
- Like something to sip on? Experiment with nonalcoholic options, like seltzer, tea, or mocktails.
- For even more fun, host a dry January sober potluck with healthy non-alcoholic drinks. Try these recipes to make your dry month delicious.
Watermelon Lime Rita
- 6 cups diced seedless watermelon, no rind
- Margarita salt
- Limes
Steps:
- Blend watermelon until smooth. Press and strain through a fine sieve for a smoother texture.
- Rim two glasses with margarita salt. Use a wedge of lime to moisten.
- Pour over ice. Top with a bit of lime zest and serve with a lime wedge.
Cranberry Orange Sparkle
- 2 oz. low-sugar cranberry juice
- 2 oz. pulp-free orange juice
- 4 oz. ginger beer
- Orange
- Fresh cranberries
Steps:
- Pour ginger beer over crushed ice.
- Add the cranberry and orange juices. Stir to combine.
- Finish by dressing it up with an orange slice and fresh cranberries.
For more help with decreasing alcohol, email contactknovasolutions@workpartners.com or call 1-800-355-0885. We are available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sources:
Facts about aging and alcohol. National Institute of Health. National Institute on Aging. Reviewed July
2022. Accessed May 2023. nia.nih.gov/health/factsabout-aging-and-alcohol