Dry January may last longer than just a month as 19% of Michigan drinkers say they will try to consume less in 2021. All bets are off, though, if this happens.

"Dryuary" is becoming a thing here in America. Introduced in 2015 in the United Kingdom, it is a campaign to encourage social drinkers to "have a holiday from booze," and give up alcohol for the month. The idea (and participation) has been growing steadily in the United States. Despite everything that happened in 2020, 13% of Americans are on the wagon for the first month of 2021, up from 11% last January.

  • Trying to be healthier (79%)
  • Trying to drink less overall (72%)
  • Reset drinking (63%)
  • I always participate (51%)
  • Drinking too much during COVID-19 (49%)
  • Participating with a group (41%)

Other social drinkers made a more vague pledge to drink less in the upcoming year, with 1 in 10 Americans saying they are worried about alcohol dependency and 63% are more worried about friends or family developing an alcohol problem than contracting COVID-19. Here in Michigan, 19% plan to cut back, which sounds impressive, but that number is abysmally low nationally. Seventy percent of Louisianians plan to moderate, with 4 other states at or above 50%. Only Iowa ranks lower than Michigan at 16%.

Many intend for a new year to be a fresh start, and with last year being difficult for a lot of people, taking some time for introspection and reassessment is completely understandable. Some may have developed unhealthy coping mechanisms in response to situations faced in 2020 and are just now coming to the realization that alcohol and/or substances are now a significant part of their lives. If you notice that your relationship, or a loved one’s relationship, with alcohol or substances has become worrisome, now is the time to reach out for help.

-Brittney Morse, Spokesperson for AlcoholRehab.com

All good intentions go out the window, however, if the lockdowns return, with 82% saying they will drink the same amount or more. Cheers to a better 2021 for all!

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