Dry January
The start of the New Year is a time when many people set resolutions to improve their health or achieve goals. Dry January is an opportunity to cut back on alcohol consumption and enjoy a variety of health benefits. Eliminating or even reducing alcohol can lead to better sleep, weight loss, improved cholesterol and blood pressure, and reduced risk of cancers. One month may be long enough to establish new habits and form a new relationship with alcohol. If you’re having trouble saying no to alcohol, expert help is available in an outpatient setting. Contact the OSU NCWR Addiction Recovery Clinic at 918-561-1890 to learn more.
Here are several tips to help reduce alcohol consumption:
- Recruit a friend to hold you accountable. Give a trusted friend the freedom to hold you accountable when your alcohol use begins to affect your health, relationships or finances.
- Rethink happy hour. Frequent or high-levels of alcohol consumption can have a negative affect on your immune and respiratory systems. Consider “mocktails” or non-alcoholic beverages to change up your routine.
- Cultivate a new way to cope. Stress stems from a variety of events such as a challenging relationship, financial hardships or the death of a loved one, and each requires unique coping methods. Understand what is causing your stress and develop healthy coping skills that work for you.
- Start a new workout regimen. Exercise has a calming effect. When you feel the urge to drink, try walking, working out, meditating, yoga or a sport to energize your mind and body.
- Find a substitute. People tend to drink more when they are bored. Consider activities such as cooking classes, music lessons, painting, woodworking, sports or reading to fill the time.
Learn more about outpatient addiction services at OSU NCWR Addiction Recovery Clinic.