Why Dry January Could Be More Than a Fad

By Abigail (Abby) Burd, LCSW, LCS 26867
Full-Time Faculty / Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Abby is a bilingual (English/Spanish) clinical social worker with over 25 years experience in mental health. Abby is trained as a trainer in creating LGBTQIA+ safe zones, suicide prevention, and mindfulness. Abby has been a clinical supervisor on campuses and through her private practice since 2008, guiding the next generation of pre-licensed social workers, marriage and family therapists and clinical counselors. She is a culturally-humble, integrative clinician, drawing upon Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solutions-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed approaches. Abby is certified in Brainspotting (a somatic therapy for trauma and more) and Perinatal Mental Health.

The New Year is a popular time to “reset” our drinking habits, especially after an indulgent holiday season.

Have you ever set a New Year's Resolution to stop or cut back on drinking?

Many people set big health goals at the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, they are often hard to sustain throughout the year. As a therapist, I am not a fan of resolutions as many folks end up feeling like a failure when they fall short of their goals or end up in old behaviors.

Why experimenting with a “Dry January” could be more helpful

Intentional pauses in drinking, such as “Dry January” or “Sober October” are popular. My take on them? I think they can be more than just a trend! Here are a few reasons why:
  1. Setting a time limited challenge is more doable. Committing to a finite amount of time is easier to accomplish than making a big change with no ending.
  2. Don’t you like succeeding on a short challenge more than failing at a permanent change? Anything is easier when seen as a temporary shift,
  3. Dry January is more of an experiment than fully quitting. For some, stopping drinking altogether feels more loaded - like admitting you have a problem.
  4. There are lots of reasons to take a short pause. Some try a month without alcohol as part of a fitness plan, along with exercise and healthy eating. Others may pause drinking temporarily while on certain medications.

Tips for being more successful during your “Dry January” (or New Years Resolutions)

However long your goal is, setting yourself up to be successful is essential. Plan ahead when you are feeling motivated to lessen temptation or bad habits.
  1. Find friends to do the challenge with you. Better yet, make plans to meet up with them - cook dinner for each other.
  2. Think about the times/reasons you reach for a drink and find alternatives. Do you like to have a mood change at the end of the day? Perhaps finding a new favorite herbal tea can be part of your nightly ritual.
  3. Enjoy the small shifts - really notice. The best part of an experimental time without drinking is noticing what it does for you. (More on that below…)

What are the benefits of doing a “Dry January”?

The benefits of a period of abstinence from alcohol are different for everyone. The only way to truly know what it might do for you is to experiment. But here are some common positive results many notice:
  • Sleeping better - less interruptions, tossing and turning, or getting up
  • Waking up feeling great - waking earlier, feeling better in your head and body
  • Improved mood - alcohol is a depressant and time away can lessen depression and anxiety
  • Developing healthier coping skills
  • Finding more friends that want a healthy lifestyle
  • Learning ways to roll with the ups and downs in life

Want to explore if trying a Dry January could be a fit for you?

If you are a MiraCosta student, make an appointment with us today to see what the pros and cons of experimenting with abstinence could do for you. We offer a judgmental free space to explore what your personal motivations are. We can also help you problem solve and prepare.

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