Iowa Fall-Winter 2022-2023 - 44

TIPS FOR A DRY MONTH
Change your patterns and habits. If you always drink
between getting home and having dinner, make a
slow-cooker meal that's ready to enjoy the minute
you step in the door. If you stop by a bar after work,
find other options, like taking your dog to a dog park,
signing up for art lessons, or joining a sports club.
Clear alcohol out of your house. Keeping the temptation
out of the house makes giving in harder and
more complicated-and overcoming easier.
Make non-alcoholic options available. Thankfully,
an abundance of contemporary products targeted
for adult palates offer quality alternatives for those
seeking a natural " buzz. " These groundbreaking
options don't sacrifice taste, enjoyment or presentation.
You can find non-alcoholic beer, wine and
liquor. You can sip on fancy drinks that seem like
cocktails but offer herbs, botanicals and other supplements
for benefits like clarity and relaxation.
Plan a strategy for social situations. Sure, January
is a great time to stay home. However, unless you
want to be a hermit for a month, you'll want to plan
options for get-togethers at bars, restaurants and
parties. Consider sparkling and flavored water, lime
and tonic or virgin beverages. Tote your NA beer to a
party, and your buds won't be the wiser.
Engage supporters. Find friends and family members
who will encourage your efforts to try dry. They
can be a phone call away when you're feeling an
unwanted urge, or they can come by for a walk, a
board game or a TV binge to divert your attention.
Connect with someone who has successfully taken a
step back from high alcohol consumption-they
might have great ideas to help you stay strong-or
partner with a friend to join you on the journey.
Step away from detractors. If you have friends who
actively criticize your experiment, take a step away,
if only for a month.
Don't be obnoxious. You've made an important
decision, one that's right for you for the moment. Not
everyone is ready or wants to make that decision,
though, so be careful not to make them feel like
you're throwing your virtue in their faces.
Don't give up. If you slip, just start fresh the
next day. There are no prizes, awards or medals,
so a perfect score is optional. The effort alone is
rewarding.
Be aware of the side effects. Sudden withdrawal
from alcohol can lead to negative side effects-the
heavier you drink, the more dangerous the side
effects. These can include a combination of physical
and emotional symptoms, such as headaches, tremors,
fatigue, nausea, irritability and anxiety. More
severe symptoms include hallucinations and seizures.
The most severe withdrawal effects can be life threatening,
so seek medical help immediately!
Although you may be able to avoid some side
effects by mixing in a few dry days in preparation for
a dry month, you would also be wise to consult a
medical professional before you start.
PLAN B
Perhaps you'd like to cut back but you're not ready
for a month of abstinence. Try one or more of these
tips for minimizing intake.
* Clear alcohol out of your house.
* Limit your drinking to restaurants and social
occasions.
* Dilute your drinks and sip slowly.
* Choose low-alcohol or NA beverages
* Drink only with meals.
* Go alcohol free a few days each week.
For most people, alcohol adds pleasure without
causing problems. With care-and perhaps an experimental
dry month-you can remain among the lucky
ones.
Sudden withdrawal from alcohol can lead to negative side effects
such as headaches, tremors, fatigue, nausea, irritability and anxiety.
More severe symptoms include hallucinations and seizures. The
most severe withdrawal effects can be life threatening, so seek
medical help immediately!
44 IOWA SPIRITS
Iowa Fall-Winter 2022-2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Iowa Fall-Winter 2022-2023
