If you have decided to participate in Dry January this year, you may be wondering how you can make it through and report that you had a successful Dry January. Tackling sobriety can be challenging, especially when it is brand new to you. Multiple resources are available to help people on all parts of their sober journey. These resources can help motivate you and keep you in check throughout the month. We have gathered just a few resources (digital, physical, or otherwise) that can help you have a successful Dry January.
1- Check Out The Dry January Website
Since this concept is not new, there is a dedicated website where people can go to learn more about the origin. The Dry January website shares the benefits of the challenge, links to their app, and educational blogs about how you can be the most successful. The site also includes success stories that can help show you that anything is possible when you work for it.
2- Find A Local Workshop Or Support Group
There is strength in numbers, especially when it comes to refraining from alcohol. Joining a Facebook group, an in-person support group, meeting with friends weekly, or a workshop that provides resources to avoid alcohol can help the month go by faster. These groups can limit temptation in your daily life and make sobriety more fun. Some workshops could help you learn to make fun mocktails or host sober activities that could be a distraction.
3- Listen To A Podcast
It can be difficult to find a professional who has the time to meet with you, or you may not have the money to meet with a doctor or a therapist. In the digital age, many licensed and educated professionals provide information through podcasts. Many podcasts are free to access, so you can get trusted information without booking any kind of appointment.
Start with one of these options,
4- Keep Track Of Your Drinking
If you are not attempting to quit drinking completely, keeping track of your drinking habits can help you stay in line with your goals. Your goals for Dry January can range from only drinking on the weekends, limiting yourself to 3 drinks a night, or only drinking in social situations. No matter your goals, keeping track of your progress is a great way to motivate yourself. Looking back at the end of the month on all your progress should make you proud.
The National Institutes On Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism have a tracking card that can be placed in your wallet, or filled out on your phone. Other trackers come in the form of apps on your phone.
5- Consult With An Addiction/Recovery Therapist
If you are unsure if your alcohol use is a problem, set up a consultation with a therapist before participating in Dry January. Our specialists at Red Willow can help you set goals that are attainable for you. Our therapist can help you understand if your alcohol use is an addiction and identify problem areas. They can also set up a plan for you and help you gain access to additional resources that you wouldn’t obtain on your own.
6- Join A Gym Or Get Physical With Friends
Physical activity can help clear your brain and help with distractions. It can also release endorphins to the brain that can become more of a healthy “addiction” to replace the need for alcohol. Doing a hike with friends, attending a workout class, or walking with neighbors can be a great way to keep you on track for Dry January. Exercise can be a more healthy coping mechanism than drinking consistently.
7- Check Out #DryJanuary
If you are looking for inspiration or support, looking at the hashtag for Dry January can help you see what others are doing to make it through the month. Whether it’s on Instagram, Twitter, or other platforms, the hashtag can provide you an inside look at others who took on the challenge. Learn some tips on how to minimize triggers, find solidarity with others, or see reminders during your scroll.
8- Try Dry: The Official Guide To A Month Off Booze
This book focuses on how our world revolves around alcohol for every occasion. It shares the reason that Dry January is popular with over 4 million people each year and how the benefits can help your life. Improved sleep, financial savings, better skin, and improved mood are all discussed in this book by Lee Mack. With resources from experts, this is your one resource to have with you through your dry month.
