Sip Informed

We love a good celebration, and from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve there are no shortages of gatherings for adults to enjoy toasting with spirits, from office parties to merry dinners with family and friends. As the holidays become happy memories, welcoming the new year can be a time to reset and recharge with healthy resolutions. This January we highlight our mission of education and public safety and encourage adults 21 and up to sip responsibly.

The Dry January movement is a campaign that encourages people to abstain from drinking alcohol for the month of January. It is meant to provide a break from alcohol after the holiday season and to help people develop healthier habits around alcohol consumption. The movement started in the UK in 2013 and has since gained popularity in other countries around the world. Many people participate in Dry January as a way to improve their health, save money and reduce their alcohol intake. Some people use the month as an opportunity to sample sobriety without being overwhelmed by the concept of skipping out forever or committing to long-term abstinence.

The movement has evolved over the years, with more and more people participating each year and many organizations and companies supporting the campaign.

Improved physical health: A break from drinking can help to reduce the risk of developing a range of physical health problems
Improved mental health: A break can help to improve overall mental well-being
Improved relationships: A break from drinking can improve communication, strengthen bonds and provide opportunities for introducing new bond building activities.
Improved sleep: Alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns and cause insomnia, so a break can help to improve the quality and duration of sleep.
Improved self-esteem: A break from drinking can increase self-confidence and self-esteem.

Find a substitute non-alcoholic cocktail or go-to product. Check out offered products and recipes for help making the choice.
Do it with friends or join a social media group with like-minded individuals
Remember your “Why?”. Remind yourself why you're making this change to more responsible drinking.
Keep a journal or use an app to track your progress
Setbacks don’t mean it’s over. It’s not all or nothing, just have a plan for how you will get back on track.
Find alternatives: other ways to unwind at the end of the day, such as a bubble bath, working out or meditation
Understand it is still OK to say “no” every once in a while

Put yourself in the mind of a non-drinker. Don’t force drinks on your guests, or rush to refill their glasses.
Ensure everyone on your guest list is 21 or older. If not, keep the alcohol in a location where alcohol is accessible to adults 21 and older only.
Use inviting and inclusive language such as, “If you’d like a taste,” or “If you’d like a low-or-no alcohol option.”
When serving alcohol at your event, remember to stick to a standard drink size. Be sure to offer low alcohol by volume (ABV) options and avoid an open punch bowl that contains large amounts of alcohol in one serving.
Always serve food throughout your event, especially those high in protein and healthy fat such as cheese, meats and nuts.
Always have non-alcoholic drinks such as water, juice, kombucha and tea available for guests.
Prevent over consumption. Stop serving alcohol two hours before the event ends, but continue to serve non-alcohol drinks and food.
Don’t let people drink and drive.