Kicking off a new year is a hopeful, productive time. Setting New Years Resolutions are often backed with the best of intentions, but a few weeks into the following year, you see yourself going back to your old ways. It can be disconcerting, especially if your resolution, year after year, is to change your drinking habits. If cutting back on drinking, especially after the holiday season and the rise in COVID-19, is your goal for 2022, starting the year with Dry January is a great way to start. However, it is also important to know the difference between giving your body time to relax and getting sober for good. If you’re interested in trying Dry January and are looking for some tips, keep reading for our top 4 tips for a sober start to 2022.
Dry January Tip 1: Set Your Intentions
Our first tip for a successful Dry January is to set your intentions. Why are you doing Dry January? Grab a piece of paper and write down all the reasons you’re getting sober and keep it in an easy-to-read place. Whether it is pinned on a bulletin board, written on a whiteboard, or kept as the background of your phone, you need to make sure your intentions are easy to access. Whenever you’re having a particularly triggering day or night, referring back to your intentions will always be step one.
Not sure what to write as your intentions? Write down the answers to these questions:
- Have your drinking habits gotten out of control?
- Did your drinking put you in any embarrassing or volatile situations this past year?
- Have you suffered any negative consequences due to your drinking habits?
- Does your performance at work or school need improving?
- Are you tired of being hungover?
- Did the holidays push your drinking over the edge?
Dry January Tip 2: Find Support
Getting sober is extremely difficult to do alone without any support, even if it is only for one month. You may find it easy to fall back into drinking if you don’t have any support to lean on while you’re trying to stay sober. Some ideas for finding support during Dry January include:
- Download an app. There are a wealth of Dry January and sober-curious apps that will help you keep track of your progress, as well as connect you with other like-minded individuals.
- Do Dry January with a friend. Talk to your friends and loved ones to see if anyone else would like to participate in Dry January with you. You can lean on each other for support and advice during triggering times, as well as celebrate each other’s accomplishments.
- Tell your friends and family. Let your close friends and family know that you are participating in Dry January. This way, they won’t offer you alcohol, and you will feel less pressure to drink while you’re around them. They will also be there to support you and celebrate you.
Dry January Tip 3: Start Other Healthy Habits
Another helpful tip to get you to February in a sober state is to start other healthy habits. Alcohol takes up a lot of time, and you will find yourself with more free time this January. Fill it with other healthy habits to keep your day productive and energetic.
Along with quitting alcohol, start eating a healthy diet and set some workout goals. You can also consider organizing parts of your home, knocking out some home repairs, finally getting around to that scrapbook, or spending more dedicated time with your family.
Dry January Tip 4: Seek Professional Help If You Need It
If you’re finding that Dry January is impossible to get through, there is a chance you may need professional help with a luxury alcohol rehab. There is a difference between alcohol use disorder and going through a gray drinking period. You may need professional help getting sober if:
- You find it impossible to get through a single day of Dry January, let alone the entire month
- You’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you’re not drinking
- Alcohol has taken over your life, and you don’t feel like you can get sober alone
Getting Sober with Seasons in Malibu
Dry January is a great way to change your drinking habits, allow your body time to recharge, and get back on track after a particularly indulgent holiday season. However, if you feel like getting through Dry January is impossible, we can help you.
Treatment at Seasons in Malibu is systemic, integrative, and client-centered. We craft individualized treatment plans for each and every client of our treatment facility. We will address any underlying issues such as mental health conditions or trauma and give you around-the-clock medical supervision during the detox period.
For those suffering from alcohol use disorder, quitting alcohol cold turkey can be a painful, debilitating process full of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms—especially when done at home, without the help of medical professionals. Seasons Malibu will provide you with 24/7 care and support, as well as medication to make you more safe and comfortable.
Our excellent team of doctors and clinicians can pinpoint areas of focus that will give the client the most advanced opportunity for success. Our approach towards healing is collaborative, comprehensive, and committed.
