Taking the opportunity to reflect on your relationship with alcohol in the New Year? You’re not alone! Dry January is a growing trend. But is it right for you?
Join Sophie Talmadge Silleck, LMSW in exploring the pros and cons of experimenting with Dry January.
It’s that time of year! The new year has hit, and it’s high time for “new year, new me” messaging. We may find ourselves being asked, “What are your New Year’s resolutions?” You may even have that moment for yourself: it’s the New Year, what do I want to work on for 2026?
New Years resolutions—or, perhaps more sustainably conceptualized as goals—can be anything we want them to be. For a lot of people, the new year is a great time to reflect on our relationship with alcohol.
Maybe you overdid it during the holidays, maybe you want to examine your relationship to drinking in a more intentional way, or maybe you just feel like taking a break.
Whatever your purpose and goal, playing around with your relationship with substances and being nonjudgmental and curious about your use can be a great way to uncover things you may not have expected.
Plus, Dry January has become a bit of a trend, which means there is less stigma in experimenting with sobriety. It’s become a popular way to start the year, and people are much more open about being sober curious.
To be clear, that doesn’t mean it isn’t challenging to navigate at times! Alcohol is still everywhere and people still ask questions when someone chooses not to drink. Folks also may have a hard time with your choices around substances being none of their business.
Remember, you get to decide what you want to share, when, and even if you want to answer at all! Choosing not to drink alcohol is always a personal decision and you never need to explain yourself. No one knows what feels good for you and your body except you!
This year, give yourself the gift of nonjudgmental curiosity. Start the new year in a way that makes you feel like your best self. If you’re wondering what it would be like not to drink, give it a try and see what it’s like. Maybe it’s not a new you, just a new experience! There is so much fun to be had without alcohol. Regardless, being present makes it all the better.
Here’s to a year of honoring yourself, listening to your body, and feeling confident in your choices.
Happy New Year!
Interested in exploring your relationship with alcohol, January or not? Sophie is taking new clients! Read more about working with her here.
