Dry January is a worldwide tradition where participants set a goal to avoid alcohol (or cannabis, or both) for the month of January. Even if you don’t want to cut out drinking or weed permanently, there are benefits to taking an extended break, also called a tolerance break. The Student Health and Wellness Center is inviting students to participate.
Why should I consider taking a tolerance break?
Taking a break from alcohol or weed can lead to better sleep, a clearer mind, improved relationships, more productive workouts, saving money and better focus. It can also help lower the tolerance you build by drinking alcohol or using weed regularly. Your body gets used to the substance, and you have to use more to feel the effects. A tolerance break gives your body a chance to reset and gives you an opportunity to reflect on how you want your relationship with alcohol or weed to look moving forward.
What am I signing up for?
Dry January Guide: In the last week of December, you will receive a PDF copy of a Dry January Guide (for alcohol) and Tolerance-break guide (for cannabis). These guides provide tips for planning and succeeding with your substance-free month, and opportunities for daily reflection.
Twice-Weekly Emails: You will receive an email twice a week with additional tips, words of encouragement and resources. Each email will also include the link to a companion post on Togetherall, where you can discuss your reflections and experiences with other students on this journey.
Optional 1:1 Coaching: You will have the option of meeting with a Health Educator (either in-person or virtually) before, throughout, and after the tolerance break. Coaching conversations can include:
- Planning meeting (before the start of the tolerance break). You can discuss your reasons for wanting to take a break, potential benefits, anticipated challenges and strategies for reaching your goals.
- Processing meeting (at the end of the tolerance break). You can process what you noticed and learned during the break, and what kind of relationship you want to have with alcohol and/or cannabis moving forward.
Follow-up meeting: (at any point after the tolerance break). This is an open format that can be used to celebrate successes, process challenges and set new goals. What we discuss is entirely up to you.
Interested? Sign up at this link.
For any questions or additional information, please email aodresources@uwm.edu.
