Ultimately, the New Year brings new changes. However, the real key to making these “changes” is following through with decisions. On that note, how many of your friends, loved ones, or coworkers have talked to you about making a New Year’s resolution to quit alcohol, only to fall back into that pit again? At first, you may be confused by this, until you realize that it is very difficult to go to a venue (besides your children’s school recitals) where alcohol is not on the menu. However, consider the fact that a temporary abstinence from boozing can not only help you recover but also get you back on your feet. Let’s take a closer look at why “Dry January” can actually work for alcohol consumers, if they are willing to take the extra step.
Media Extravaganza
Now the center of a media firestorm, “Dry January” (also called “Drynuary” or “the dryatholon”) is the practice of temporary abstinence from alcoholic drinks during (you guessed it) the month of January, as part of a New Year’s resolution. Interestingly, though, teetotalers, long-time abstainers, and newly recovered alcoholics are not the only people practicing this habit. In fact, more bars across the country are becoming aware of this growing trend and have developed broader menus to accommodate non-drinkers.
Bigger Menu, Happier Times
No matter what people may tell you, “happy hour” can be “happy” even for a teetotaler or a recovering alcoholic. Nowadays, bars offer a wide range of tasty, refreshing drinks like iced tea, diet soda, lemonade, soda water, fruit juice, and virgin cocktails, and the best part is that none of them contain an ounce of alcohol. Rather than falling back into your old habits or having to put up with shaming, you can just grab one of these drinks and join in on the “fun” (so to speak). Ultimately, you will not be suffering from the hangover.
Healthier Body, Healthier “You”
If you practice “Dry January” and continue this behavior for your life, you will be doing your body a big favor. Overall, a single glass of wine contains 135 to 200 calories (based on sugar and alcohol content), and craft beers can contain 250 calories. Once your friends start to overindulge during “happy hour,” they will have consumed half of their daily caloric intake in one sitting.
However, you and your fellow abstainers need to take caution with non-alcoholic drinks, too. One can of San Pellegrino fruit juice or ginger ale are packed with calories and unhealthy levels of sugar. In this case, just stick with the soda water and Diet Coke.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse and Addiction
Always remember that alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse or addiction troubles today.
