Dry January 2023 Thread

[Anonymous]

It has been really easy this year. It's about my 5th year doing it.

I think it's partly because we have been so busy and our kids have to be driven for a light of night practices that end at 9:30-10pm. And games on weekends.

Also, it's partly age. People aren't having raging parties or block parties like when our kids were younger.

We do go out to dinner a lot. The only time I miss it is when I'm out at a restaurant. Then, I would love my pre-dinner cocktail and a glass of wine with dinner.

Dry January is always a very good re-set for more to drink less the following months.

[Anonymous]

I drink very little in general, but am trying to get rid of anything that starts to feel like an alcohol related habit and have it be mostly a special occasion thing. So the evening glass of wine I had 2-3 times a week has been dropped in favor of warmed up almond milk with honey and CBD oil mixed in. It's delicious, healthy, makes me feel all warm and happy and just a tad relaxed, and helps me sleep better. I am already looking forward to a mug of it tonight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It has been really easy this year. It's about my 5th year doing it.

I think it's partly because we have been so busy and our kids have to be driven for a light of night practices that end at 9:30-10pm. And games on weekends.

Also, it's partly age. People aren't having raging parties or block parties like when our kids were younger.

We do go out to dinner a lot. The only time I miss it is when I'm out at a restaurant. Then, I would love my pre-dinner cocktail and a glass of wine with dinner.

Dry January is always a very good re-set for more to drink less the following months.

+1
I could’ve written this post. It’s so good for me to have a hard reset and really examine how much better I feel (and my skin looks!)

[Anonymous]

Maybe we need to rebrand this from Dry January which sounds like we're starving ourselves to something like January Reset or Conscious January. I have gotten way too used to having wine whenever I feel like it and even though I'm not a heavy a drinker, even just one glass of wine disrupts my sleep, makes me feel bloated. and forget about two--then comes the headache and the anxiety. After indulging throughout the holidays where I was having a glass or two nearly every night at parties, gatherings, or just because, etc. I decided to use January to "dry out" but also to think about my choices.

I did have a glass out at dinner (and a post dinner cocktail) with my husband last weekend only because we hardly ever get a chance to go out ourselves and this felt like a real treat. Had I had wine throughout the month at my leisure, this wouldn't have felt as special. and I made sure to drink plenty of water and space out my two drinks so I could truly enjoy and savor them and that helped too. so that is my intention for the remainder of the year. Wine (or any alcohol) is a special treat, only to be enjoyed on occasion at a special event or if at home, then just that one special time. It's not a weekly indulgence and when I do feel the urge to pour that glass because my kids have been annoying or I'm feeling stressed out, I do try to remind myself of the consequences and that does seem to help and has helped throughout this reset.

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe we need to rebrand this from Dry January which sounds like we're starving ourselves to something like January Reset or Conscious January. I have gotten way too used to having wine whenever I feel like it and even though I'm not a heavy a drinker, even just one glass of wine disrupts my sleep, makes me feel bloated. and forget about two--then comes the headache and the anxiety. After indulging throughout the holidays where I was having a glass or two nearly every night at parties, gatherings, or just because, etc. I decided to use January to "dry out" but also to think about my choices.

I did have a glass out at dinner (and a post dinner cocktail) with my husband last weekend only because we hardly ever get a chance to go out ourselves and this felt like a real treat. Had I had wine throughout the month at my leisure, this wouldn't have felt as special. and I made sure to drink plenty of water and space out my two drinks so I could truly enjoy and savor them and that helped too. so that is my intention for the remainder of the year. Wine (or any alcohol) is a special treat, only to be enjoyed on occasion at a special event or if at home, then just that one special time. It's not a weekly indulgence and when I do feel the urge to pour that glass because my kids have been annoying or I'm feeling stressed out, I do try to remind myself of the consequences and that does seem to help and has helped throughout this reset.

This is what I was explaining to my sister. For me it's not about sobriety and staying "on the wagon", as much as it's about making mindful choices about what I am putting in my body. How I'm choosing to relax, celebrate, manage stress, etc. I have stayed dry, but I've also made other mindful choices about being active, drinking water, sleeping, and just overall trying to make the best, clear headed decision in that moment. Removing alcohol from the equation is just part of the bigger picture. When I choose to drink again, I want to do so with limits and intent rather than habit.

[Anonymous]

I have definitely had a damp January. I wasn’t completely committed to a dry one but I’ve definitely been drinking way less.

It also makes me re evaluate my reasons for drinking. I don’t really want to drink at home “Just because.” I like wine with a dinner out or social event but I need to stop drinking at home for no good reason because I just feel crappy the next day.

[Anonymous]

I think I’ve decided no longer to keep wine in the house. Liquor isn’t a trigger, but wine is. I want to keep wine as a thing I do at outings with friends, where appropriate. Maybe once or twice a month. I know my liver, kidneys, brain, and heart are better off, even if I don’t feel overtly amazingly more awesome.

[Anonymous]

How is everyone today? Last weekend coming up.

[Anonymous]

I’m struggling today. I’ve even been out with friends and a nice date night a few times this month and haven’t had cravings but tonight I’m just really wanting some good red wine and a relaxing movie. I can watch the movie but the wine is what I’m craving. I’m trying to quit completely-not just this month. I read Quit like a woman and I just really want to stop poisoning myself but I do love the effect!

[Anonymous]

I bought a couple cans of pot pop and plan to try it this weekend. Haven't done THC since college, when I didn't really enjoy it. But I want to replace wine with something that gives me that altered feeling when I want to be altered.

Also had two friends last night tell me I look great and must have lost weight. I think no booze is good for me.

[Anonymous]

My ice cream intake is definitely up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My ice cream intake is definitely up.

ha.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe we need to rebrand this from Dry January which sounds like we're starving ourselves to something like January Reset or Conscious January. I have gotten way too used to having wine whenever I feel like it and even though I'm not a heavy a drinker, even just one glass of wine disrupts my sleep, makes me feel bloated. and forget about two--then comes the headache and the anxiety. After indulging throughout the holidays where I was having a glass or two nearly every night at parties, gatherings, or just because, etc. I decided to use January to "dry out" but also to think about my choices.

I did have a glass out at dinner (and a post dinner cocktail) with my husband last weekend only because we hardly ever get a chance to go out ourselves and this felt like a real treat. Had I had wine throughout the month at my leisure, this wouldn't have felt as special. and I made sure to drink plenty of water and space out my two drinks so I could truly enjoy and savor them and that helped too. so that is my intention for the remainder of the year. Wine (or any alcohol) is a special treat, only to be enjoyed on occasion at a special event or if at home, then just that one special time. It's not a weekly indulgence and when I do feel the urge to pour that glass because my kids have been annoying or I'm feeling stressed out, I do try to remind myself of the consequences and that does seem to help and has helped throughout this reset.

You do you. The idea for me of dry January is to not allow a pass for anything. And to make sure I could. I would be worried (for me, not you) if I could not make it through.

[Anonymous]

Husband and I are successfully following through with it for the second year in a row. Last year we were dry Jan-March. I really don’t feel like it helps us. I’m actually at a point where I think it’s pretty pointless and performative.