A new year is here, and with it, new hopes and resolutions.
For people struggling with alcohol use – and that’s a huge percentage of America – a common New Year’s resolution is to quit or cut down on drinking, even for just one month. This commitment is known as “Dry January”.
Marissa Sauer, LMHC, LMFT, clinical director of Avenues Recovery Center at Fort Wayne, spoke with Indiana media outlet Public News Service to share some tips and tricks for a Dry January.
Her first point is that if there was a simple answer to alcohol abuse, everyone would use it. There’s no magic elixir.
She also pointed out that other factors, such as genetics, trauma, or co-occurring mental health disorders, can all play a role in the development of a substance abuse disorder. For people struggling with addiction, specific people, places, or things associated with their substance use can all serve as triggers – making it difficult to simply walk away. But therapy, medication, and a strong sober support network can all help clear the path to sustained recovery.
According to the 2025 Advisory Report issued by the US surgeon general, alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of cancer (after tobacco and obesity). The “sober curious” movement is gaining momentum, as people make the choice to try sobriety on for size and see what their life may look like without the undesirable effects of alcohol.
Sauer also validated the real fear of change that longtime substance users have, and urged them to know that there is always hope. “Whether you’re 21 or 51, the ability to heal is there,” she emphasized. “The greatest gift you can give yourself for a healthy 2025 is to give your loved ones the absolute best version of yourself.”
If you or a loved one struggle with addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery Center today to begin your journey home. We are here for you.