Lessons I Learned from Dry January

Dry January is probably one of the trendiest challenges right now. I, myself, have had an interesting relationship with alcohol from the first time I tried it. I'm sure something in my Irish heritage or family history of alcoholism, in some way, predisposed me to have a tumultuous dynamic with the substance.

Once I started drinking, probably around age fifteen, I dove right in. I was not a dabbler; once alcohol was introduced, it became a staple for me at parties. From my teenage years into my twenties, I wasn't consciously consuming. I used it to numb myself, to feel more comfortable in my skin, to avoid my overthinking.

It probably wasn't until the hangovers started to hurt that I began to think while drinking. I didn't need a drink in my hand every second, and I didn't need to down three or four quickly to ensure a good time. I started to observe my urges to drink to run away from my problems and actually tried to process my feelings instead. I learned that I enjoy drinking more when I am conscious about it. I recognized the stuck patterns of how I was using it to run away and decided to change my relationship with alcohol.

I have taken breaks from drinking here and there to work on my mental health and work toward physical goals. Sometimes I take breaks just to prove to myself that I can do it. Going into 2024, I was ready, as many others were, to enter the new year without alcohol. Not to hop on the bandwagon, but because, for me personally, I'm going through a lot of change, and I wanted to face that with a clear perspective.

It feels good to prove yourself right

Setting goals for yourself and achieving those goals feels good, whether it's Dry January or another challenge. Showing yourself that you can achieve something you put your mind to builds your confidence and trust in yourself. It makes you want to show up for yourself more and more.

Removing alcohol won't solve everything

If you feel you are using alcohol to run away from problems or distract yourself. Removing it for a month and facing some of those problems won't solve everything, in fact things you may have been avoiding facing are likely to come up. Give yourself the space to slow down and process your feelings and emotions. The best thing you can do for yourself with or without alcohol, is provide space for you to work through triggers and blocks as they come, so you don’t numb and avoid your problems.

You can always have fun with the people you love

Removing alcohol may show you who you prefer spending time with. I wanted to be around friends who inspired and expanded my thinking, and those I could have fun with in any situation.

Presence is powerful

I think I’ve used many things to distract myself. Removing alcohol allowed me to see those tools of distraction more clearly. I used this challenge as an opportunity to feel and be present. I became more aware and in awe of my surroundings; I could sense initiative hits and inspiration more, and I had a grander feeling of appreciation for being alive.

It’s okay to enjoy a cocktail

Just because you like having a dirty martini or glass of wine, does not mean you have a problem or are a bad person. I myself love having a cocktail with friends, I like the taste of a good martini. It’s a part of our culture and society and has been for a large part of human history. If you want to have a drink, do it and consciously ENJOY it, guilting yourself after is worse than having the drink in the first place.

After reflecting, I’m happy I took this time to remove alcohol for a month. I feel clearer and more inspired than I was before.