As Dry January comes to a close, so does your projected sobriety time. Whether being sober curious, a grey area drinker or just wanting to start clean and fresh for the new year brought you to this short term trial, you might want to take a minute and think about the impact calling a halt to your drinking has had on your life. Committing to a dry month is more than an excuse to quit for a while, it’s an opportunity for you to examine your relationship with alcohol.

Among the first things to consider are the benefits of abstaining. Have you been experiencing mental clarity, increased energy, clearer skin and maybe some weight loss? Studies show that “eliminating alcohol … can make a positive impact on your health, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress [and] improving sleep.” The Surgeon General recently reported there’s a link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk. Plus, there’s the absence of hangovers and either regretting or not remembering what you did or said the night before.

Have these benefits lead you to think about staying dry a little longer? According to clinical psychologist Dr. Aimee Chiligiris, a break from alcohol allows individuals to reset and focus on self-improvement, reconsider social activities and coping mechanisms and develop healthier habits. This can be a time of change, for the better.

So review any obstacles you encountered and how you rose above them. Contemplate sticking with positive routines you may have started like getting to bed at a decent hour or exercising regularly. Envision continuing with those alcohol-free activities you enjoy either by yourself or with others. Broaden your horizons by exploring sobriety apps like I Am Sober or Nomo. Still on the fence? Do Dry February. It’s only another 28 days and a chance to continue trying out your sobriety to see how it fits. Invite some friends, start a new tradition. Sobriety thrives on community.

If, on the other hand, you choose to start drinking again do so carefully. 31 days away from drinking will lower your tolerance level so be mindful about starting slow instead of jumping right in. But before that first sip, evaluate your decision not to continue with your new clear eyed lifestyle. If you’re succumbing to societal pressure, might be time to reevaluate your peer groups. If it’s triggers like stress or boredom, investigate alternative coping strategies.

And if you’ve been struggling to stick with Dry January, that could be a wake-up call. Craving alcohol, sneaking drinks, lying about it, planning on resuming your drinking the minute the calendar flips to February 1st are all possible warning signs of a substance misuse issue which, over time, can increase the risk of AUD – Alcohol Use Disorder. Talking with a Recovery Coach trained in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can help. They are equipped to guide you through the tough questions you may be asking yourself about your drinking and will support you in being honest with yourself about what next best steps to take.

Whichever path you travel, have a plan to make informed choices that will be of benefit to your mental and physical health. It’s not about achieving perfection. It’s about prioritizing yourself and steering yourself toward living the life you want to live.

If you, someone you love or someone in your network is thinking about their drinking, The Recovery Coach NY is a safe place to speak directly and confidentially with a member of our team about concerns and how we can help. For more information have a conversation with Cindy by calling 631-921-4085 or reach her directly via email here.

RCNY honors all paths of recovery with years of experience and a vast array of resources that can support those in need find the way to the life of joy and purpose they deserve. Our teams of Recovery and Mental Health Coaches and Companions are available to listen actively, without judgement, to help you to discover the positive coping tools and techniques that resonate with you and guide you through assessing your strengths and developing goals. We come with an empathetic ear and solution-oriented actions that can begin to bring the relief you and your loved ones seek.

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