What Dry January Can Teach Us About Alcohol Use Disorder

Peter Vernig, Ph.D., MBA

Credit: DrVernig.com

For many, Dry January starts as a simple wellness goal — an effort to cut back, reset or start the year off healthier. But for others, the month can quietly reveal a much deeper struggle with alcohol. According to Peter Vernig, Ph.D., MBA, vice president of mental health services at Recovery Centers of America, repeated failed attempts to stop drinking, physical discomfort when cutting back or feeling unable to control alcohol use can be important warning signs that go beyond a temporary habit.

Many people participate in Dry January to reset or improve their health. From your perspective, what makes Dry January such an important early indicator of deeper issues with alcohol?

Peter Vernig, Ph.D., MBA: For many people, Dry January is a great opportunity to reevaluate their relationship with alcohol. It also does not have to be January to do it: Just like a New Year’s resolution, the best time to start may be right now. It is important to know that for someone living with alcohol use disorder, a clinical diagnosis that involves continued use despite negative consequences and a difficulty or inability to stop drinking, simply committing to Dry January may not be enough to change a long-standing pattern of behavior.

What are some common signs that someone’s struggle to cut back during Dry January might suggest an underlying alcohol-use disorder or dependency?

PV: If a person is not able to quit or cut down on drinking despite trying to do so, this is a good sign that their alcohol use has reached a problem level. In fact, unsuccessful attempts to stop are a specific diagnostic sign for alcohol use disorder. It is also important to be aware of physical discomfort, which can occur when a person with a long-standing history of heavy drinking stops. Serious physical symptoms — such as sweating, tremors (shakes) or even seizures — can occur during withdrawal. If you have experienced these symptoms in the past or start to experience them when you stop using alcohol, do not try to stop on your own; seek medical attention immediately.

What types of treatment options or support systems exist for people who may only now be realizing they have a problem?

PV: There are a wide variety of treatment options for people struggling with drinking. Some people with more severe alcohol use disorder or withdrawal risks may seek inpatient care. Many others attend outpatient programs, which may meet one to five times every week. The content of these programs varies, though most evidence-based programs utilize cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy. There are also U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved medications that can treat withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings and support long-term recovery. Additionally, peer support groups (like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery) are valuable resources. Consulting with a health care professional is a good first step to navigating these options and creating a plan that is right for you.

What role does mental health treatment play in helping someone reduce or stop drinking successfully?

PV: The symptoms of mental illness — such as depression, anxiety and the aftereffects of trauma — can make quitting drinking significantly more difficult. Often, when a person struggles in treatment or can quit only to relapse later, underlying mental health issues play a role. To be successful, a good treatment program must address mental health alongside alcohol use, treating the whole person rather than just the substance use.

What’s one thing you wish all patients understood about seeking help for alcohol-use concerns?

PV: The first thing that I want anyone who is struggling with alcohol and considering treatment to know is this: It’s not your fault. Stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use often drives people to blame themselves, but the truth is that alcohol use disorder results from a complex mix of genetics, biology, behavior and social factors. No one chooses to have a problem with alcohol. But you can choose to get help!

How can we help reduce the stigma around reaching out for support — even when someone’s drinking problem might be “mild” or just beginning?

PV: Early identification of problem drinking is one of the best ways to prevent something worse from developing down the road. Talking about alcohol, alcohol use disorder and treatment helps to destigmatize it. So many people don’t reach out for help because they are worried they will be looked down upon or judged. Alcohol use disorder is an illness, and treatment is not shameful — it is a sign of strength.