Joanne, 57, found she was drinking wine in the evenings in lockdown out of habit. But she decided to try Dry January and has kept moderating ever since.
Growing up, I was quite sheltered as my parents didn’t really drink, and it was generally disapproved of.
As a result, when I got to 17 and started to go out, I wasn’t prepared at all and didn’t know how to pace myself. In my late teens and early twenties, I sometimes drank to excess.
But because I had grown up in a household that was quite strict when it came to alcohol, it was source of stigma and shame for me when I overdid it.
When I was 35, I developed panic attacks and health anxieties. When I had a particular awful one and I thought I was going to die, my mum drove me to A & E. The doctor wasn’t overly worried about me, and told me to try and relax and unwind, “Why don’t you have a glass of wine when you get home?”
I’m a bit flabbergasted about the advice now. But at the time, I just picked up a bottle of wine on my way home. And I began to use it as a coping mechanism.
Along with this habit or coping mechanism, I also wanted to tackle my problems and I became very interested in therapy after receiving it.
I trained as a therapist and really became fascinated with what makes people tick.
I trained as a therapist and really became fascinated with what makes people tick and helping my clients find coping skills and management tools so they could better understand their lives.
About four years ago, I sadly lost my Mum, who was my best friend and sounding board. I found this incredibly difficult.
Then two years ago, as we went into lockdown, it was easy to resort to drinking wine in the evenings. I continued to work and support people in the day as I could meet with them virtually but continued drinking some evenings as a habit, and something to do. One of my twins (they are now 26) was a bit worried about my drinking.
Dry January really helped me to moderate long-term. I went on an all-inclusive holiday this September with my family, and I only occasionally drank.
In January 2022, I decided to try Dry January. I downloaded the Try Dry app and found it so helpful to collect the teacups.
I also knew that I had to develop (at least temporarily) an alternative habit for the evenings. So, I enjoyed something non-alcoholic and sparkly in the evenings or just a raspberry lemonade. I also made a plate of “picky bits” – crisps and dips.
That’s what I would say to people. Don’t give yourself a hard time – just embrace another reward while you ditch or moderate the alcohol.
Dry January really helped me to moderate long-term. I went on an all-inclusive holiday this September with my family, and I only occasionally drank.
As a therapist, I didn't feel congruent reverting to a default glass of wine as a coping mechanism, and this gave me the motivation for reducing my alcohol consumption to a healthier level. Having had this experience with alcohol and using Try Dry, I now have more empathy and understanding for my clients who might be questioning their drinking and how to moderate.
Dry January and the Try Dry app as well as journalling my emotions and triggers worked for me. I hope you find a healthier coping mechanism to guide you through Dry January.
