Consuming alcohol is a regular part of many people’s lives, and it’s so common that it can be challenging to tell when alcohol is a habit or an addiction.
Taking a small break from alcohol is one way to assess your relationship with it. Dry January is a challenge that can help encourage you to take that break while thousands of other people simultaneously abstain.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to use Dry January to detect alcohol addiction and a few tips to get through the month.
What Is Dry January?
You may be unfamiliar with Dry January, so the best place to start is to define the holiday. As you might guess, Dry January is the practice of abstaining from all alcohol throughout January.
The fast-spreading tradition started in Finland in 1942 as Sober January, intended to support sobriety and WWII efforts. Today, Dry January is an internationally celebrated holiday to help encourage people to redefine their relationship with alcohol.
After one month of abstaining, some people choose to stop drinking altogether. But most people find that the month helps them form a better, balanced relationship with alcohol.
Dry January may also make it easier to notice the signs of alcohol addiction. People who are already dependent may go through alcohol withdrawal at the beginning of the month. If alcohol addiction is starting, the fun challenge may be more difficult than expected.
For a successful Dry January, commit to the month by giving away your alcohol and telling everyone that you’ll be cutting it out for a month. These actions will make it easier to be accountable, and others will be there to support you.
You can also find alternatives for drinking. Many people either have alcohol in excess for the effects or as a part of social gatherings. There are ways to work around the physical and social aspects of drinking.
Alternatives To Drinking
Cutting out alcohol can be challenging, and if it stops your socialization, it can seem isolating or boring. Whether you miss the taste, effects, or fun of alcohol, healthier alternatives are available.
Luckily, the taste of alcohol is one of the most manageable issues to remedy. There are various non-alcoholic beers, wines, and mocktails. Many of them do a comparable job mimicking the authentic taste of alcohol, and they can even supplement the taste during social occasions.
Some restaurants and bars will serve virgin drinks you can still enjoy. You can also search for options like sparking juices or kombucha. Some people find replacing it with tea can be beneficial. Use caution when visiting places with alcohol if you don’t think you can abstain.
If you’re struggling to find places to go while you avoid alcohol, there are a few places to have fun during Dry January. Local cafes, museums, and movie theaters are open late.
You can also prepare yourself to confront situations with alcohol. If people ask, saying that you’re participating in Dry January is a great way to avoid a drink. Stay firm, and be prepared to leave if you feel uncomfortable.
Social drinking can be incredibly challenging to manage. Many people turn a blind eye to problematic behavior, especially among youth, by passing it off as a partying phase. But abstaining doesn’t have to prevent socialization.
Finally, some people tend to use alcohol to manage stress. Healthier alternatives can include taking a walk with friends or enjoying other physical activities for endorphins. You can also try meditation or yoga. Some people find that CBD drinks can help.
Enjoying Alcohol vs. Being Addicted
So, where do you draw the line between enjoying alcohol and having an alcohol addiction? Dry January can help you detect these subtle signs in yourself or others.
Some of the first signs of alcohol addiction may be an increase in tolerance, which means needing more drinks to get drunk. People may experience mood drops if alcohol isn’t available, or they might hide bottles in strange places.
There are also many physical signs of alcohol dependency. Some might include:
- Inability to stop drinking or binging
- Previous unsuccessful breaks from drinking
- Issues in social circles due to drinking
- Dangerous situations caused by alcohol
- Stopping other hobbies or activities for drinking
- Consistent thoughts or cravings for alcohol
- Regularly have blackouts, hangovers, or drinking anxieties
- Sweating, nausea, restlessness, or different withdrawal
If you regularly experience more than a few of these symptoms, you may be dealing with an issue with alcohol. However, recognizing these signs can be the first step in getting better.
Recognizing When to Receive Help
After starting Dry January, you may notice it’s impacting you more than expected. Some of the signs of alcohol addiction mentioned above could seem relatable, or you may be worried about someone experiencing them.
Whatever the case, there is a way to find help. Recognizing the issue is one of the most crucial steps. After, you can try abstaining from alcohol with Dry January.
However, serious issues that impact your personal or professional life may require more help. Consulting a doctor or counselor should be one of the first steps. You could also search for a therapy or support group.
Some people may benefit from seeking the services of alcohol rehab centers where they can abstain and receive support. Professional facilities centered around helping alcohol addiction can offer inpatient or outpatient resources to help the process.
Different approaches can benefit people, so find a method you’re comfortable committing to and stick with it. You may have to experiment with strategies to find the best solution. Ultimately, addressing alcohol addiction is worth the struggles.
Alcohol Rehab in San Diego
Dry January can be a fun exercise to control your drinking, but it may reveal hidden signs of alcohol addiction. If this challenge exposes issues with alcohol, don’t panic. When you identify alcohol dependency, you’re able to address it.
Seeking help is a complex process. But it’s well worth the struggle for a healthier start to the year. If you or a loved one could use guidance pursuing years without alcohol or would like to discuss other underlying causes of addiction or psychiatric disorders, contact Alvarado Parkway Institute for a talk with a specialist.
