Mahina Douglas, who lives in suburban Baltimore, says she loves socializing. But after her vacation, she was thinking of cutting back on alcohol.
“I felt like my drinking was increasing. I think it was a little more than I was comfortable with,” Douglas said.
She decided to try “Dry January”. She even hired her “sobriety coach,” Molly Desch.
“A dry January actually has a lot of benefits. Aside from the health benefits, it can help you have clearer skin, help you sleep better, and save you money,” says Desch.
According to consumer insights group Veylinx, 54% of Americans say they want to cut down on alcohol consumption. A study published in the British Medical Journal found that those who gave up alcohol for one month had significantly improved health and lost an average of 4 pounds. And according to the American Heart Association, a 2022 national survey suggested that her 35% of legal age American adults quit drinking last January.
Desch says introducing new hobbies, such as exercise, can help replace drinking.
“We also have an accountability partner, so if you know someone who wants to attend Dry January, please sign up. If you’re struggling, text each other throughout the day.” We can celebrate our milestones,” Desh said.
And research shows that people who participate in dry January often continue to drink less after six to eight months.
Anahad O’Connor, a health columnist for the Washington Post, told CBS News that one reason people continue to drink less is because they see the tangible benefits of not drinking for a month. He said some of the benefits people have reported include “everything from saving more money… to getting more energy. People sleep better.” 6 out of 10 people report losing weight, feeling more focused and looking better.”
Short-term health benefits of abstaining from alcohol include lower blood pressure, improved insulin resistance, weight loss, better sleep, and lower cancer risk, according to the American Heart Association. I know.
Alcohol consumption is on the rise, according to the Journal of Addiction Medicine, and Dr. Aakash Shah, director of the Center for Addiction Medicine at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, said on “CBS Morning” that the so-called “Gray Area Drinkers” — he said, people who aren’t physically dependent on alcohol, but who have similar tendencies, could be at risk.
Dry January Comes After the Most Drinking Time of the Year for People – According to UCLA HealthSome people even double their alcohol consumption between Thanksgiving and New Years compared to the rest of the calendar.
It is also the time when there are many people. make a resolution, which is often not satisfied. But O’Connor says about 75% of those who practice Dry January successfully sober during the month. According to O’Connor, even those who haven’t been doing well for a month have reported seeing some benefits, including drinking less in the future.
Douglas wants to continue limiting his drinking after January is over.
“I’m looking for a lifestyle change that can last forever,” she said.
Douglas said he started limiting his alcohol intake before January began, and he’s already noticed he’s sleeping better.
Sobriety coaches also say that telling friends and family they’re trying “Dry January” can motivate them to stay committed throughout the month.
O’Connor also suggested that finding a new favorite non-alcoholic beverage could help.
“If you can replace the glass of wine you had in your hand at dinner with a glass of sparkling water, or a dash of cranberry juice, you can get out of your predicament. It’s an ignorant drinking habit.” he said.