Give yourself a month of being alcohol-free

Excessive alcohol use is commonplace during the holiday season, and it is the reason why so many people choose to give themselves an alcohol-free break. Dry January is popular, but you can start this exercise anytime.

Pick a day and go alcohol- free for one month. Numerous health benefits are noticed relatively quickly. Moreover, there is a societal benefit, and a month away from alcohol helps you re-evaluate your drinking habits. Fortunately, there are practical tips you can use to make this a success.

The health benefits are significant. You will find yourself sleeping better, having more energy, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and more money. You’ll notice you may lose weight, have clearer skin, and feel less depressed, anxious, and stressed. Overall, your mental and physical well-being will significantly improve.

Moreover, it helps you re-evaluate your drinking habits if you feel it got out of hand over the holidays. Consider asking yourself if alcohol is used as a tool to cope with stressful situations. Do you find yourself feeling stressed without alcohol, or have your drinking habits impacted your relationships or your professional life? If the answer is yes, consider a month of not drinking alcohol.

Finally, and most importantly, there is a societal benefit. You are removing any chance of driving while impaired. Abstaining from alcohol is the backbone of effective drunk driving prevention. In Texas, there are nearly 350 DUI arrests made per 100,000 licensed drivers. Roughly five people are killed in car crashes involving impaired drivers for, less than every 100,000 residents.

If you are unsure where to begin and how to make this a success, consider some pointers to help you out.

Create a supporting environment where you know you will succeed. Thoroughly purge all the booze around you; either dump it, hide it, or give it away. Moreover, find a suitable non-alcoholic drink for social situations.

Recruit a friend or family member to participate and help avoid temptations. Not only will you support one another, but you can also plan activities that do not involve alcohol, and you can speak about the successes and challenges of abstaining from alcohol.

Stay busy and active and take this time to focus on your mental and physical well-being; take advantage of having more energy and sleeping better. Utilize Dry January or sobriety apps that will help you track your progress and find practical ways to hold yourself accountable.

During the month, you will begin to lose alcohol cravings, and you may realize alcohol does not need to take up such ample space in your life. If the benefits make you feel great physically and mentally, consider continuing for another 30 days. Embrace your new attitude to alcohol use.

Nickolaus Hayes is a healthcare professional in the field of substance use and addiction recovery and is part of the editorial team at DRS. His primary focus is spreading awareness by educating individuals on the topics surrounding substance use.