Tag Archives: What is Dry January

What is Dry January?

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New Year’s has come and gone, and we are all trying to stick to the resolutions we made. For some, a common resolution is giving up alcohol.  

Heavy social drinking can often be considered binge drinking. Binge drinking is when a man drinks five or more drinks and a woman drinks four or more drinks in one sitting.  

This is why many people commit to Dry January, which is when a person gives up drinking alcohol for the entire month.  

Dry January has become a very popular New Year’s resolution over the past few years. Recent research indicates that younger Americans are generally drinking less than previous generations. According to a poll released last summer, conducted by the analytics company Gallup, the percentage of Americans who said they drink fell to a record low of 54%. This is one percentage point lower than the previous record low in 1958. 

There are several health benefits to participating in Dry January, including: 

  • Increased energy levels 
  • Lower blood pressure and heart rate 
  • A decrease in liver inflammation 
  • Clearer skin and decreased facial puffiness and bloating 
  • A decrease in calorie consumption 
  • It helps shift your perspective and understanding of your relationship with alcohol 

There are many tips to help you succeed during Dry January, including: 

  • Reduce your alcohol consumption by half before you start 
  • Write down the goals you want to achieve and document your progress 
  • Abstain from drinking alcohol longer if you can  
  • Ease back into drinking alcohol if you choose to go back to drinking, and drink in moderation 
  • Surround yourself with supportive friends and family 
  • Be mindful of withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of withdrawal include: 
    • Abdominal cramping 
    • Anxiety 
    • Dizziness 
    • Headaches 
    • Nausea 
    • Shaking 
    • Sweating  
    • Vomiting  
  • Avoid any situations that may tempt you to drink 
  • Participate in hobbies and other interests that don’t involve drinking alcohol 
  • Seek out extra help and resources if you need them 

At Flushing Hospital Medical Center, our Psychiatry Department features a Division of Addiction Services where you or your loved one can receive comprehensive assessments and treatment for alcohol and chemical dependency. For more details about our unit, contact us at (718) 670-5693 or (718) 670-5540, or for additional information about our Reflections treatment program, please get in touch with us at (718) 670-5078. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.