TEXAS, USA — For millions of Americans, ringing in the new year also means starting off the season with resolutions.
Some people are trying out the popular trend Dry January. It's a movement motivating drinkers to cut back on alcohol for a month.
Doctors and an addiction treatment center in Central Texas are weighing in on the trend. They all say a sober start to the year can have many benefits.
Dr. Van Wehmeyer with Baylor Scott & White Health says cutting out alcohol can overall help with your well-being.
"We are noticing people are becoming more energetic," Wehmeyer said. "It's helping with their sleep, and it's helping with their weight loss. You're less hostile. You're less irritable. You're going to be happier on the whole front."
The Virtue Recovery Center in Killeen says people will feel less depressed and have better family relationships. The viral challenge comes with benefits for your body too.
"Automatically your immune system increases," Randa Charles, Director of Nursing at the Virtue Recovery Center said. "Also, you have heart benefits, you know, your blood pressure usually drops, liver function increases."
Wehmeyer has tips for drinkers on how to succeed in Dry January. He says to have a plan and keep that plan simple.
Wehmeyer says people should identify what triggers drinking.
Businesses like Blackbird Books and Spirits in Belton are offering alternatives for those looking for a little something after a long day at work.
"The goal here is really to make everyone feel included," Ashley Puente, cocktail coordinator at Blackbird, said. "We have a wide variety of mocktails. We also do it with our mixology classes too."
It's important to have someone to hold you accountable as well. The Virtue Recovery Center says getting clean by yourself is nearly impossible, but they are ready to assist.
"Help is available," Gina Smith, Clinical Director at the recovery center said. "You know, people do not have to struggle alone."
You can reach out to the center at 254-434-6764.
Smith added that the money you would typically use for alcohol during this time can also be used to help others who might be struggling.
"One of the additional things that people are doing is they are saving the money that they would be using to spend on substances, and then donating it to some kind of good cause, usually to help people in recovery," Smith said. "If that's part of a personal goal that could impact any kind of charity that's meaningful to a person, I think that's a huge benefit to Dry January."
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Once Dry January is over, doctors encourage drinkers to still be mindful of how much they are consuming.
Wehmeyer says recent studies show that limiting alcohol to once or twice a week is what is recommended for a long and happy life.
"Alcohol is tied to more diabetes or higher blood pressure, so hypertension, and really increasing your cancer risk," Wehmeyer said. "For women that's going to be breast cancer. For men and women, that's going to be colon cancer, and we're now linking it to early dementia."
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call the confidential and free substance abuse hotline. That number is 1-800-662-4357.
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