Dry January

[NittanyPirate]

Are any of you giving this a try?

I am a moderate drinker. I like beer, especially on the weekends. I did this in 2017 but haven’t since. I decided to give it a go this year and made it through the in-laws on Wednesday and the first weekend. The next test will be on Thursday night which will be a big challenge for me.

 

[mhlarch]

Good for you....glad it's going well! I might try a dry 2025. I'll take it month by month and see how it goes. I want to lose a lot of weight and will be eating a healthier diet, and alcohol doesn't really fit into a weight loss program. I'll will miss my beer, but must give this a try.

I agree with you, Thursday night watching the Orange Bowl will be a real test for me.

 

[NC2017]

I enjoyed beer with friends some years back but now I rarely touch alcohol. Hangovers were some of the most crippling experiences in my life. I'm really glad they went away.

 

[CattyGuy51]

Since I don’t drink, not an issue.🤷🏻‍♂️

 

[NittanyPirate]

Good for you....glad it's going well! I might try a dry 2025. I'll take it month by month and see how it goes. I want to lose a lot of weight and will be eating a healthier diet, and alcohol doesn't really fit into a weight loss program. I'll will miss my beer, but must give this a try.

I agree with you, Thursday night watching the Orange Bowl will be a real test for me.

Good luck! I can already tell a big improvement in my sleep. Any weight loss is an added bonus

 

[NittanyLionRoar]

Gummies are sooo much better. Same little buzz, no hangover, no regrettable impulses, far fewer calories, and don't have to keep running to the bathroom.

 

[republion]

IMO, if you think you need a dry January, it's probably because you believe you are drinking too much. So I encourage anyone needing a DJ to have at it. For me, I'm partaking in moist January.

 

[wilbury]

Are any of you giving this a try?

I am a moderate drinker. I like beer, especially on the weekends. I did this in 2017 but haven’t since. I decided to give it a go this year and made it through the in-laws on Wednesday and the first weekend. The next test will be on Thursday night which will be a big challenge for me.

Dry January just seems like an extreme. I just plan to cut back - a couple over the weekend, maybe a few for special events (football games included) and then manage my diet better and everything will be fine. A few drinks doesn't have much impact on a weight loss program. If it's every day or just way too many, that's a different story.

 

[Texas Lion]

Are any of you giving this a try?

I am a moderate drinker. I like beer, especially on the weekends. I did this in 2017 but haven’t since. I decided to give it a go this year and made it through the in-laws on Wednesday and the first weekend. The next test will be on Thursday night which will be a big challenge for me.

We do this and Thursday Night is the biggest challenge to this in history.

 

[Nittany1997]

I am the self-proclaimed biggest drinker on this board. It's just a change of mind set, that's all...

 

[PurposePitch]

Dry January just seems like an extreme. I just plan to cut back - a couple over the weekend, maybe a few for special events (football games included) and then manage my diet better and everything will be fine. A few drinks doesn't have much impact on a weight loss program. If it's every day or just way too many, that's a different story.

Most normal folks (once they're out of college) drink "a couple over the weekend" and a "few for special events," ... so if you're cutting back to that (or cutting that much out but still drinking, it's not clear) ... just how much are you currently drinking?

 

[Texas Lion]

Most normal folks (once they're out of college) drink "a couple over the weekend" and a "few for special events," ... so if you're cutting back to that (or cutting that much out but still drinking, it's not clear) ... just how much are you currently drinking?

Oh Lord.....

 

[PurposePitch]

I used to be a social drinker, but even that .. I felt crappy the following morning, even without getting drunk.

I decided to just stop drinking for awhile to see how I felt, in comparison ... and I felt so good, I just never went back. I had a half glass of champagne to celebrate NYE, and that's all I've had for many months ... I just don't crave it at all.

 

[creamery freak]

Are any of you giving this a try?

I am a moderate drinker. I like beer, especially on the weekends. I did this in 2017 but haven’t since. I decided to give it a go this year and made it through the in-laws on Wednesday and the first weekend. The next test will be on Thursday night which will be a big challenge for me.

I thought you were a meteorologist, and preparing us for a winter drought.

 

[wilbury]

Most normal folks (once they're out of college) drink "a couple over the weekend" and a "few for special events," ... so if you're cutting back to that (or cutting that much out but still drinking, it's not clear) ... just how much are you currently drinking?

Americans average 9.5 drinks per week. US dietary guidelines is 2 drinks or less per day for men so 14 per week. I'm well under those numbers now so dropping back to 2-4 per week is pretty good.

 

[PurposePitch]

Americans average 9.5 drinks per week. US dietary guidelines is 2 drinks or less per day for men so 14 per week. I'm well under those numbers now so dropping back to 2-4 per week is pretty good.

9.5?!? Where'd you get your info? Alcoholics Gone Wild?

--------------------------------------
On average, Americans are having three alcoholic drinks per week, down from four per week in 2023.

-------------------------------------

• 2023
  According to NCSolutions, the average American drank four alcoholic drinks per week.
  

However, the number of drinks consumed varies by age group:

• Gen Z: 3 alcoholic drinks per week
• Millennials: 5 alcoholic drinks per week
• Gen X: 4 alcoholic drinks per week
• Baby Boomers: 5 alcoholic drinks per week

 

[bourbon n blues]

Are any of you giving this a try?

I am a moderate drinker. I like beer, especially on the weekends. I did this in 2017 but haven’t since. I decided to give it a go this year and made it through the in-laws on Wednesday and the first weekend. The next test will be on Thursday night which will be a big challenge for me.

I'm moderate but I'm stopping just because if I do go over 1,2 drinks it raises my BP the next day. Funny thing, coffee is OK, I usually have a cup in the am but for the Fiesta Bowl I drank a pot and a half. It's the good for you stuff with those healthy mushrooms.

 

[aworsnup]

Gummies are sooo much better. Same little buzz, no hangover, no regrettable impulses, far fewer calories, and don't have to keep running to the bathroom.

what kind of gummies? Could use some chill type...lmk

 

[NittanyLionRoar]

what kind of gummies? Could use some chill type...lmk

Nama Relax Plus is what the really chill ones are called.

 

[aworsnup]

Nama Relax Plus is what the really chill ones are called.

TY Brother

 

[NittanyPirate]

Most normal folks (once they're out of college) drink "a couple over the weekend" and a "few for special events," ... so if you're cutting back to that (or cutting that much out but still drinking, it's not clear) ... just how much are you currently drinking?

I’m not normal, according to your standards, but I admittedly drink more than I should. A period of sobriety will do me good.

 

[Vic Vaselino]

Screw that. I drink more.

 

[LMTLION]

Getting older has moderated my own alcohol intake. I could never hang out with the 22 year old me! I sleep awfully if I drink within 3-4 hours of going to bed, even just one or two drinks. In terms of beer, I can only drink lager beers (or ginger beer) without suffering an acidic stomach. All other beers do me in. I only drink once per week and cap myself at 4 servings, even hanging with the guys, as I feel terrible the next day in literally every way drinking more than that. Along the same lines, I never ever drink on a work night as I am need to be at the top of my game in my position. Having said that, a glass of a red wine paired with a medium rare ribeye is perfection, as is a cold beer or two paired with seafood!

 

[Hotshoe]

Gummies vs Guinness? Hmmmmm Proper Irish folk don't drink for a buzz. The seeking a buzz is the issue.

 

[Jerry]

Are any of you giving this a try?

I am a moderate drinker. I like beer, especially on the weekends. I did this in 2017 but haven’t since. I decided to give it a go this year and made it through the in-laws on Wednesday and the first weekend. The next test will be on Thursday night which will be a big challenge for me.

Never crossed my mind but good for you. Sounds like a healthy idea.

Personally, I used to drink a fair amount of beer on the weekends but have cut it out entirely.

However, I do follow my Irish grandfather's routine: couple stiff shots of Irish whiskey every night, which he called his "medicine." He lived into his 90s and was healthy as a horse so maybe he was on to something.

 

[PurposePitch]

Gummies vs Guinness? Hmmmmm Proper Irish folk don't drink for a buzz. The seeking a buzz is the issue.

"Proper Irish folk" drink to get sloshed and get into a fight ... or to forget about their "curse" and find the prettiest ewe out there for some late night activities. - from a non-Irish lad surrounded by Irish weenies.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

If I had to convert to Islam, giving up booze would probably be the easiest “sacrifice”.

Praying 5 times a day and giving up pork - very problematic

 

[91Joe95]

Are any of you giving this a try?

I am a moderate drinker. I like beer, especially on the weekends. I did this in 2017 but haven’t since. I decided to give it a go this year and made it through the in-laws on Wednesday and the first weekend. The next test will be on Thursday night which will be a big challenge for me.

Quitter.

 

[ram2020]

Never crossed my mind but good for you. Sounds like a healthy idea.

Personally, I used to drink a fair amount of beer on the weekends but have cut it out entirely.

However, I do follow my Irish grandfather's routine: couple stiff shots of Irish whiskey every night, which he called his "medicine." He lived into his 90s and was healthy as a horse so maybe he was on to something.

Not taking a side on the matter, but there has been an interesting debate on twitter about the topic. As many in my age group have done, there is a major move away from alcohol, but not to a life a sobriety. Weed gummies and other forms of "micro-dosing" have filled the vacuum. Termed "California Sober" this has become a major trend. With the now obvious correlations between alcohol and Cancer, increased BP, increased cholesterol, and heart disease, it seems like the safer of two evils, but a lot of people argue the societal ramifications of weed vs. alcohol. Weed tends to be associated with laziness and and a withdrawn/isolated society whereas the social aspects of alcohol have been promoted for thousands of years. Our founders and other great men of history were BIG drinkers and some argue that the greatest manifestations of mankind were concocted by men that were at least "buzzed" and social. Again, not taking a stance, just an interesting food for thought. To the OP, good on you, I've thought about doing this as well.

 

[Frabjous]

Not taking a side on the matter, but there has been an interesting debate on twitter about the topic. As many in my age group have done, there is a major move away from alcohol, but not to a life a sobriety. Weed gummies and other forms of "micro-dosing" have filled the vacuum. Termed "California Sober" this has become a major trend. With the now obvious correlations between alcohol and Cancer, increased BP, increased cholesterol, and heart disease, it seems like the safer of two evils, but a lot of people argue the societal ramifications of weed vs. alcohol. Weed tends to be associated with laziness and and a withdrawn/isolated society whereas the social aspects of alcohol have been promoted for thousands of years. Our founders and other great men of history were BIG drinkers and some argue that the greatest manifestations of mankind were concocted by men that were at least "buzzed" and social. Again, not taking a stance, just an interesting food for thought. To the OP, good on you, I've thought about doing this as well.

It’s true that our founders were big drinkers, but the water was often contaminated by human and animal waste, and was the cause of cholera and other diseases that were incurable in pre antibiotic times. Drinking alcohol, frequently cider, was safer than drinking water.

 

[Nittany1997]

It almost sounds like going sober is the best route, but nobody lives forever anyway...

 

[NittanyPirate]

Quitter.

I feel like it. I’m sure I’ll quit being a quitter before Feb 1st.

 

[Jerry]

Not taking a side on the matter, but there has been an interesting debate on twitter about the topic. As many in my age group have done, there is a major move away from alcohol, but not to a life a sobriety. Weed gummies and other forms of "micro-dosing" have filled the vacuum. Termed "California Sober" this has become a major trend. With the now obvious correlations between alcohol and Cancer, increased BP, increased cholesterol, and heart disease, it seems like the safer of two evils, but a lot of people argue the societal ramifications of weed vs. alcohol. Weed tends to be associated with laziness and and a withdrawn/isolated society whereas the social aspects of alcohol have been promoted for thousands of years. Our founders and other great men of history were BIG drinkers and some argue that the greatest manifestations of mankind were concocted by men that were at least "buzzed" and social. Again, not taking a stance, just an interesting food for thought. To the OP, good on you, I've thought about doing this as well.

Yeah, that's a very interesting point, Ram.

Of course you've heard the recent news that the Surgeon General is now ordering a warning on purchased alcohol similar to that on cigarette packs. Meanwhile, the "experts" keep dialing back the amount of alcohol that is considered "safe" to drink on a daily or weekly basis to the point of: not very much.

Meanwhile, more states keep legalizing marijuana, and I think this is a big mistake. First of all, marijuana is a very common "gateway" substance. Time and again I've listened to stories from drug addicts or the families of victims of fentanyl overdoses and almost invariably the problem started with marijuana use.

Also, I think there's a pretty established and documented connection between excessive marijuana use and various kinds of psychological debilities to include anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and psychosis.

Personally, I think if you're lucky enough to get into your 70s feeling pretty good...with your kids all grown up and successful in life...and reaching retirement with the good fortune of a fairly comfortable life...it's all gravy after that. We're all gonna die of something in the end. Meanwhile, I'll continue to enjoy a couple drinks a day.

 

[Jerry]

It’s true that our founders were big drinkers, but the water was often contaminated by human and animal waste, and was the cause of cholera and other diseases that were incurable in pre antibiotic times. Drinking alcohol, frequently cider, was safer than drinking water.

People have been drinking wine for, like, six thousand years.

In fact, estimates are that the average ancient Roman drank one liter of wine a day.

Of course, in those days a hundred other things would kill you before anything alcohol-induced.

 

[wilbury]

9.5?!? Where'd you get your info? Alcoholics Gone Wild?

--------------------------------------
On average, Americans are having three alcoholic drinks per week, down from four per week in 2023.

-------------------------------------

• 2023
  According to NCSolutions, the average American drank four alcoholic drinks per week.

However, the number of drinks consumed varies by age group:

• Gen Z: 3 alcoholic drinks per week
• Millennials: 5 alcoholic drinks per week
• Gen X: 4 alcoholic drinks per week
• Baby Boomers: 5 alcoholic drinks per week

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism is probably a better source of information than Gallup.