What is Sober January ?

Sober January, also known

as Dry January, originated

in 2013 as a public health

campaign by the UK-based

nonprofit, Alcohol Change

UK. The initiative encourages individuals to

abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January in order to reset their relationship with alcohol.



The essence of Sober

January is simple: you’re

cutting alcohol out for 31

days.

This 31-day alcohol-free challenge is a commitment to a

temporary lifestyle change and

a chance to experience the

benefits of a sober lifestyle.

Why 31 days? Because this time

is enough for the body to

recover from the effects of

alcohol, improve sleep quality,

increase energy levels, and lead

to better overall health. It's also

an opportunity for participants

to reflect on their drinking

habits and understand the role

alcohol plays in their lives.


The essence of Sober January

is simple: you’re cutting

alcohol out for 31 days.


THE TRUTH ABOUT ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

  • Over 2 billion people worldwide consume alcohol. Among them, about 76 million people are affected by alcohol use disorders.


  • In the U.S., 1 in 5 people will meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder during their lifetime.


  • Heavy alcohol use is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders. Withdrawal or 'hangover' state can worsen the symptoms.


  • Alcohol can paradoxically increase stress levels, despite its initial calming effect.



  • Alcohol affects not just the liver but also other organs like the skin, muscles, heart, and immune function.


4 Important Reasons to Try Sober January

To let your body (and your liver) detoxify

 

A break from alcohol during Sober January is a gift to your body, especially your liver — the organ most impacted by alcohol consumption. This break from alcohol can aid in healing and restoring liver function. Even in 31 days, you can reverse the effects of moderate daily drinking and reduce the risk of alcohol-related liver issues. 

To enhance sleep (and overall mental health)


Even though people often turn to alcohol as a sleep aid, studies show that it actually disrupts the natural sleep cycle and prevents deep, restorative sleep. Sober January can lead to deeper, more restful sleep, which in turn improves concentration, mood, and overall daily performance.

Financial savings


Cutting out alcohol can also have a positive impact on your wallet. The cost savings from not purchasing alcoholic beverages throughout January will save you a significant amount of money and provide a financial boost that you might notice in your bank account by the end of the month.

You’ll rethink alcohol consumption


Sober January offers a chance to reassess your relationship with alcohol. During this period, you’ll notice the drastic impact of alcohol on your life and chances are that it will encourage healthier drinking habits. In fact, many people who participate in Sober January continue to drink less throughout the year.

Where to Start: Join the Challenge 

To successfully participate in Sober January, start by following these steps:


  • Set Clear Goals - Determine why you're participating. Is it for health, mental clarity, or to challenge yourself? Keep these reasons in focus.
  • Inform Friends and Family - Share your challenge with loved ones for support and understanding.
  • Find Alternatives - Stock up on non-alcoholic beverages you enjoy.
  • Stay Occupied - Engage in hobbies or activities to distract from cravings.


But even if you slip up, don't be too hard on yourself. The goal is to be more mindful about alcohol's role in your life. For additional support and guidance, our CCBHC team at Siyan Clinical Research is here to help.

Announcements

This monthly Recovery Newsletter is now a part of our new endeavor to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Program (CCBHC), funded by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Topics will range from addressing managing mental health as well as substance abuse. To learn more about Siyan becoming a CCBHC, please visit: https://siyanresearch.org/CCBHC/


NEW September 2023 - Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Siyan Care

 

If you or a loved one are seeking support on the path to recovery, we are here to help. There are times when individuals are faced with crises or an increase in psychiatric symptoms and hospitalization is not necessary or no longer required, but outpatient services such as weekly or biweekly therapy appointments are not sufficient to meet the individual’s needs.

 

In these situations, Siyan Care offers IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) levels of care. IOP is appropriate as a step up when other therapy and psychiatric support services are not sufficient in managing symptoms or providing needed structure and support. IOP meets 3 days per week for 3 hours per day of group therapy, with 1:1 counseling sessions and monthly psychiatry appointments for medication management. To learn more about Siyan Care, please visit: https://siyanclinical.com/intensive-outpatient-program-iop/


If you or someone you love would like to schedule an evaluation to see whether you are a fit for the CCBHC program, please contact us at 707-206-7268 or email psychresearch@siyanclinical.com to enroll. We are accepting new patients and accept most insurances including Medi-Cal and Medicare for our CCBHC program.


Every conversation is confidential and we offer telehealth. One day at a time.


Sincerely,


The CCBHC Team

Disclaimer: This product was supported [in part] by grant number H79SM086652 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or polices of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

SIYAN CLINICAL RESEARCH | [CCBHC]

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