Author: Gary Jackson

Giving Up Alcohol for a Month: 8 Things to Expect

In addition to the health benefits listed below, research has found that those who give up alcohol for a month — whether it be Dry January, Lent or any other month — tend to drink less alcohol long-term. You’re likely to be in situations where you’ll be offered a drink. And practice what you might say as a follow-up explanation if someone ask. There’s a reason you’ve reached the decision to quit or cut back.

There are times when cutting back on your drinking can be helpful, but there are times when quitting alcohol altogether is the best solution. If you want to stop drinking for good, don’t let past relapses discourage you from trying to quit. It is normal and even expected for people to try to quit at least once before achieving sobriety. Affirming intentions, knowing the reasons for quitting alcohol, and setting up the environment for success are important strategies. It can be helpful to make a plan ahead of time for how to handle a relapse. For example, some people choose to write a list of reasons why they want to stop drinking alcohol, and revisit the list to remind themselves after a relapse.

Remove alcohol from your house.

To stop drinking alcohol, you first need to understand your relationship with drinking. From there, you may need social support, consistent self-care, and new routines that can help redirect your mind. Laying it all out in black and white can take time and some serious self-examination.

To drop the number of drinks you have each week, start with a daily limit. The federal government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends not drinking at all, but suggests that if you do, keep it under two drinks a day for men and one for women. Talk to your doctor about how that goal could work for you. Prepare yourself for those times when someone is going to offer you a drink.