In Case You Haven't Heard

Abstract

Everyone is writing a story about “dry January,” so who are we to be silent? With many writers saying it's okay if it's not total abstinence, that even cutting back will improve health, we say finally! As ADAW wrote in this space in October, there is no better place for information than the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Go to https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/ and you will find worksheets and more. There are quizzes to help you and your patients make choices. The merits of reduced drinking, as well as the appeal of the concept for people who don't want to stop drinking entirely, have been documented by researchers like Katie Witkiewitz, Ph.D. over years of study. She also found that abstinence‐only approaches discourage drinkers from even trying. You can drink less per day, skip drinking days altogether, whatever works for you. As they say, “better is better.” And if you want help, there are groups. Witkiewitz is quoted in the “NIAAA Spectrum” online article titled “Incorporating Harm Reduction Into Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery,” (see https://www.spectrum.niaaa.nih.gov/fall2023feature). If you can't be “dry,” you can at least improve the quality of your life — and your liver — by consuming less. If you want to be dry, for January, and maybe into the beyond, more power to you. If you already are, cheers!