GREEN LIGHT

What You Can Learn About Yourself During Dry January

by Natalie Bencivenga

January 15, 2025

Can you believe a new year has already arrived? I’m welcoming 2025 the same way I did last year by embracing a dry January. Several of my friends have either become sober over the past few years or have cut down on their alcohol consumption for a variety of reasons. When I took this challenge on last year (and kept going through February, too), I realized I few things about my own habits:

1. I was often drinking because other people were offering it, not because I actually wanted it. Being more intentional about drinking alcohol and why I was consuming it led me to discover how much of an unconscious habit it had become. Once I recognized that, I was able to confidently say no when I wasn’t actually in the mood for that glass of wine.
2. Turning down alcohol is more awkward for the people around you than you realize. Drinking is such a social activity, isn’t it? The minute I would say no, the first thing people would ask was (of course) “Are you pregnant?” Then, once they were disappointed by that “no” they were even more disappointed in the fact that I just didn’t want to drink.
3. I realized how little I actually missed it. There are a variety of amazing non-alcoholic beverages nowadays, which makes drinking less exciting and important. If you want to try some awesome N/A options, you should check out The Open Road in Allentown. I love the De Soi brand, in particular. It’s well-balanced, herbaceous and contains adaptogens to improve brain and gut health. My friend Dr. Natalie Gentile, owner of Rebel Wellness, also teamed up with Two Frays Brewery for a “Mindful Rebel” non-alcoholic beer that was a big hit this holiday season!
4. Drinking less alcohol didn’t impact my social life. You can still meet your friends for a fabulous dinner. You can still enjoy that girls’ brunch. Happy hours can still be happy with a mocktail or Diet Coke (don’t judge) in hand. Whatever your reason for an alcohol-free spritz, it’s no one’s business.
5. I wanted to examine my own relationship with alcohol. I have lost family members to alcoholism. By giving up alcohol for an extended period of time, I found more compassion for those in my family who fought the disease of alcoholism. It is embedded everywhere in our culture. How can anyone stay sober, I wondered? It takes a lot of courage, confidence and support to wake up each day and choose not to drink.

For anyone who is struggling, I see you and you are valued. Please seek support. Please be kind to yourself. And if you know someone who is struggling, try avoiding alcohol when you are with them as a form of solidarity and love.

At the end of the day, we are all just walking each other home.

Delicious Mocktail to Try!

(Adapted from VegNews):

Hibiscus Ginger Punch Mocktail:

2 oz apple juice
1/3 oz lime juice
1/3 oz ginger syrup
3 oz hibiscus tea
Blood orange wheel to garnish

In a tall glass over ice, add apple juice, lime juice, ginger syrup, hibiscus tea and stir. Garnish with blood orange wheel and enjoy!

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