Dry January's rise signals 'shift' in attitudes about alcohol

FINDLAY — The start of a new year is a time for changes of all kinds. Among these changes, many people may be thinking over their relationship with alcohol. The holiday itself is one that has long been tied to drinking. Alcohol is closely associated with celebrations, so people who seldom drink alcohol may have a glass of champagne on New Year's Eve, just as they might at a wedding reception, said Amber Wolfrom, adult prevention specialist with Family Resource Center. At the same time, the New Year symbolizes "a chance to do things differently" — so, "Dry January" has also become increasingly popular. Wolfrom said the "sober curious" movement in general has grown, with more and more people choosing to abstain from alcohol for a period of time, or consume less, as part of an effort to improve their overall health. Wolfrom urged those hosting New Year's Eve parties not to push beverages on anyone. Be mindful of the fact that not everyone will want to consume alcohol. If you have loved ones who are in recovery, the best thing to do is talk beforehand, mentioning that you will be serving alcohol and asking, "What will be helpful or honoring to you?" Also, try not to draw attention to that person, she said. Keep in mind, too, the possibility of consequences should people drink excessively at your home and then drive away, she said. To be safe, it might be a good idea to put the alcohol away well in advance of when you expect people to leave, and put out some coffee and protein-rich snacks. Wolfrom served on the Ohio Lower-Risk Drinking Advisory Committee, a partnership between the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health and the Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention & Promotion. The committee created a guide, "Promoting Lower-Risk Choices: An Educational Playbook on Adult Alcohol Use." She pointed out that other committee members, along with fellow mental health professionals and representatives of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, included a representative from Ohio Liquor, which has begun occasionally sharing mocktail recipes on its social media. "Lower-risk is everyone's concern," Wolfrom said. And many people who may not want to abstain from alcohol forever may try out different choices for different periods of time. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened our awareness of anxiety and depression, and this may be part of why many people are being more cautious when it comes to alcohol consumption, Wolfrom said. After all, alcohol affects the central nervous system. Additionally, research has found today's younger adults are, in general, less interested in alcohol than previous generations. Wolfrom noted that this generation is more likely to talk openly about mental health, and may be aware of how these choices affect their well-being. Wolfrom said individuals are increasingly exploring what works best "for them," even if it might not be the same choice that would work best for someone else. People with a history of addiction in their family are genetically at higher risk of struggling themselves, and alcohol also doesn't mix well with most prescription medications, she noted. So, people might choose not to drink — for any length of time — for any number of reasons. She urged people, in general, to think about making "lower-risk choices." Before consuming alcohol, think over how you are feeling that day, how much you've eaten, and whether you will need to drive a vehicle or supervise children in the near future. Wolfrom said participating in Dry January involves putting less stress on the body, giving it a chance to rest. If you decide to abstain from alcohol for the month of January, "check in with yourself" and see if it has changed how you feel, she said. And, if you want to take a break but it feels difficult, maybe think about why. If it's because of social pressure, or others judging you for choosing to drink water rather than alcohol, "You have to sometimes ask yourself, 'Do I have friends, or drinking buddies?' Because friends won't care." But if you do feel like you "need" alcohol – like it is very hard for you, yourself, to go without it – that may indicate something else is going on. An anonymous screening is available on the ADAMHS board website, for people who suspect they may be struggling with their alcohol use. Wolfrom said people can also seek out a diagnostic assessment with a professional, or reach out for peer support at a place like FOCUS Wellness & Recovery Center. However, the anonymous screening tool may be a good starting point because you can do it on your phone, and no one else sees the results but you. Screening tools and other resources can be found at https://www.yourpathtohealth.org. Wolfrom pointed out that the New Year is a chance for people to make all kinds of changes — whether cutting out caffeine, changing their diet or developing new exercise habits. Regardless of the habit that an individual is trying to change, she urged friends and family to be supportive. She noted that more and more restaurants are offering "zero-proof" beverages — a term she prefers to "virgin" or "kiddie" drinks — in recognition of the fact that people want them and will order them. "There is a shift that's occurring," she said. The "Promoting Lower-Risk Choices" playbook can be found at tinyurl.com/OCE-Alcohol-Prevention.