More parents are questioning a habit that once felt automatic: the unspoken belief that alcohol is the fastest way to turn off a tired brain. Katie Nessel has seen this shift up close.
A Dryish January (or Dry January, or simply a more intentional month) doesn’t have to feel like punishment or recovery. It can feel clean, forward-looking, and surprisingly kind. When the pressure comes down, habits tend to stick more easily.
If you’re thinking about Dry January — or if you’re already in it — it helps to know this upfront: nothing needs fixing.
For a lot of people, stress drinking has very little to do with parties, celebrations, or even liking alcohol that much. It’s about relief. That’s why it can feel so automatic.
If you’ve tried Dry January before, you know that habits don’t reset because a date changes. Here’s what to think about beforehand so that the change you want sticks.
A recent National Geographic feature by Caitlin Carlson takes a closer look at naltrexone, a well-studied medication that can help reduce alcohol cravings for people who want to take a more mindful approach to drinking. Rather than positioning it as a drastic intervention, the article explores how naltrexone can be used proactively, alongside behavior change, to help people regain control before alcohol takes a heavier toll.
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About Sunnyside
Sunnyside is a system for creating a more mindful approach to drinking to help you reach your goals. Our members are seeing major benefits, including a 30% average reduction in weekly drinks, improved sleep, a healthier diet, money saved, and an overall improved sense of well-being.
Sunnyside is not designed to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). For resources related to AUD, including how to get support, please visit the NIH website. We’ve also partnered with Moderation Management, a non-profit dedicated to reducing the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol.
Alcohol Moderation guides
Sunnyside is a system for creating a more mindful approach to drinking to help you reach your goals. Our members are seeing major benefits, including a 30% average reduction in weekly drinks, improved sleep, a healthier diet, money saved, and an overall improved sense of well-being.
Sunnyside is not designed to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). For resources related to AUD, including how to get support, please visit the NIH website. We’ve also partnered with Moderation Management, a non-profit dedicated to reducing the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol.