SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Some people may be starting the new year without their favorite beer or wine.
It’s called Dry January, a month-long challenge where people don’t drink alcohol.
The Swanks are tackling Dry January as a team this year.
“You know how at the end of every year you’re eating too much, you’re possibly drinking too much, just kind of a beginning of the year cleanse,” Shopper Kim Swank said.
While it’s not Kim Swank’s first time ditching alcohol in January, her husband is trying the challenge for the first time.
That’s why they’re at Williquors picking up some nonalcoholic spirits.
“He loves bourbon, and he’s missing the taste, especially yesterday after the Vikings did so bad,” Swank said.
The wine manager at Williquors says nonalcoholic options are becoming more popular among customers.
“They want the drink, but they don’t want the alcohol. They want to have that good time with their friends and they want the ability to hang out and do that. This gives them that option without all the side effects or after effects,” Williquors Wine Manager Jeremy Lloyd said.
Avera Addiction Psychiatrist, Dr. Hannah Statz DeVries says you may notice some positive changes after cutting out alcohol.
“Immediately, I think people will find that they’re sleeping better, your energy is better, your focus is better. If there’s anxiety there, anxiety will improve,” Statz DeVries said.
Some may choose to keep the trend going beyond January.
“I think a huge benefit maybe people may start with Dry January and find that it extends into other months, so into February. They felt a lot better in January, so they find come February or later months in the year wanting to reproduce those feelings,” Statz DeVries said.
If you’re giving Dry January a try, Swank offers this advice.
“Just go ahead and commit to it, do it. It’s fun to take that break body-wise, mentality-wise for it and kind of freshen things up,” Swank said.
Dr. Statz DeVries says if you drink heavily each day, you should talk to your doctor before cutting out alcohol completely as that could have negative effects.
