Dry January

There has been a lot of discussion about the problematic relationship the legal profession has with alcohol. Numerous studies and reports highlight the higher than average abuse of alcohol present in the legal profession. While there is a lot that can be discussed there, from the prevalence of alcohol at legal networking events to the stresses of the profession, today I want to talk about Dry January.

Dry January started in 2011 as a campaign by a British non-profit. It has since become more popular in both the UK and the US. And some legal professionals might be thinking about resetting their relationship with alcohol but partaking in Dry January this year, hence why we thought it might be a good idea to take a closer look.

First off, the benefits. Dry January is generally recognized as having numerous benefits, from weight loss to financial savings, as well as better sleep and a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases. Even if you participate in a “Dry-ish January",” where you simply cut back on alcohol, it is likely you will experience some of these benefits.

Yet too many might have developed a habit of going out after work to grab a drink. Breaking habits can be tricky, which is why we have some tips for you. If you can, the easiest is to avoid temptation by finding alternative social events. You can also find non-alcoholic alternatives to drink. This is particularly possible now that more and more companies have non-alcoholic beers, and there are even non-alcoholic spirits available.

Another way to find success is to find someone to do it with you. Having company is a great way to increase your accountability, which is a great way to make it more likely you will succeed in changing a habit. You can increase accountability by talking about your goals with a therapist as well (or with a peer support specialist).

Also, be kind to yourself. If you are feeling down about missing happy hour or are if you slip up and have a drink before the end of the month, that means you are human. Changing the way you react will help avoid having your emotions trip you up.

Lastly, if over the course of Dry January you start to experience signs of withdrawal, do not ignore them. Signs of withdrawal can include shaky hands, nausea, sweating, insomnia, and anxiety. If you start experiencing these for the first time during Dry January, we recommend seeking the opinion of a medical professional immediately.

Changing the relationship we have with alcohol, either individually or as a profession, is a long journey. Dry January might be the first step for some who are considering starting that journey. We hope these tips help, but if they don’t or if you still need to talk it out, know that our peer support programs are available.