By Mylika Scatliffe,
Afro Women’s Health Writer
January’s newness always invites the onslaught of resolutions to do better in some way, like drinking more water and less alcohol. In 2013, Dry January was begun as an initiative by Alcohol Change UK, a British charity that works to create a society free from the harm caused by alcohol. Today, millions of people participate in Dry January, with more Americans taking notice and joining every year. It’s particularly timely two years into a global pandemic. Alcohol use is increasing among women in the United States, when they’re already at greater risk for its negative effects. Women’s bodies absorb alcohol more quickly and metabolize it less efficiently than men. In short, women get drunk faster from drinking less.
For centuries, imbibing has been a coping mechanism for stressful situations. COVID-19 might as well be a synonym for stress with its negative global, social, health and economic impact. Women with children are more likely responsible for the larger share of household management and child-rearing than their male counterparts. Mandatory and self-imposed lockdowns combined with working at home and simultaneously supervising virtual school have many women quietly suffering under the weight of trying to manage it all. Pre-COVID, women could at least get together with friends at happy hour and have a few drinks to catch up or unwind with a glass of wine after the kids go to bed. Now downloading an alcohol delivery app or picking up some drinks with a restaurant carry-out order is easy as pie, making it easy to say “it’s 5:00 somewhere;” and get a solo party started earlier in the day without having to dress up or leave home.
We’re approaching the second year of the pandemic and coming to terms with the fact that this is the new way of life for the foreseeable future. The Centers for Disease Control warns that for women, the risk of cancers of the mouth, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast are all increased with alcohol use, as well as alcohol related diseases like cirrhosis of the liver. Now is a good time to take stock of habits and look for ways to improve and maintain good health.
According to Dr. Charles Reznikoff, an addiction medicine subspecialist at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and associate professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School, the effects of Dry January (or any selected month) will depend on the mindset of the individual as they enter the month. “If someone is thinking, ‘As long as I can get through January, I’ve got a green light in the rest of the 11 months,’ that’s a really dangerous approach,” he said. “On the other hand, if someone is thinking, ‘I’m going to take this month to honestly explore my relationship with alcohol and also my own wellness,’ I think that’s a great idea.”” (“Evaluating alcohol use in ‘Dry January’ | ACP Internist”)
The results of a recent survey published in the July/August 2021 Journal of Addiction Medicine indicated some of the greatest increases in alcohol use in terms of drinks per month from February to November 2020 were among women with children under 5 years of age, Black and Hispanic women, and Black men. Many people may have used alcohol to cope with increased stressors like job loss, increased financial pressure and domestic responsibilities, illness due to Covid and grief after losing loved ones. Even if loved ones have not died from Covid, restrictions may have prevented traditional rituals like funerals and memorial services, or even the ability to gather around loved ones during their last days in medical facilities.
Studies show that 2/3 of people who participate in Dry January complete the month, and six months later are consuming alcohol on a less frequent basis and drinking less when they do imbibe. Dry January also presents an opportunity to not have to explain the decision not to have drinks when in certain social situations. This is especially true for women who are often asked if they’re pregnant when they decline alcoholic beverages. While no one should feel obligated to provide a reason if they have decided not to consume alcohol, social norms unfortunately often dictate otherwise. Dry January is becoming more broadly recognized as a reason for not drinking, leading to fewer awkward conversations and/or feeling obligated to provide explanations.
There are positive effects of giving up alcohol, even if for a short time like Dry January, including improved heart health, lower blood pressure, better insulin resistance, weight loss, improved immune function, more restful sleep, less anxiety, and better moods.
Dry January doesn’t have to be viewed as giving up something. The period of abstaining from alcohol is the perfect time to think about and take action to make life better. It can be the time to find new hobbies and interests or revive old ones. A time to focus on better health and overall wellness. Anyone who decides to participate in Dry January, or any “dry” month can increase their chances of success and maintaining changed habits by changing routines. During the time you might normally go to a happy hour, engage in a fitness routine, or take up a new class or hobby. Tell friends and loved ones what you’re doing and build a support system, preferably one that will hold you accountable to your goals. Finally, find a substitute, signature non-alcoholic beverage. Whether you feel as if you’ve come to rely a little too much on liquor as a stress reliever and want to cut back, or if you want to give up alcohol completely, Dry January (or whatever month you choose) can be the catalyst to developing more interests, developing better health, coping mechanisms, and a fuller life.
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