As the new year begins, many individuals choose to participate in Dry January, a month-long commitment to abstain from alcohol. Baptist Health Behavioral Health encourages community members to use this time not only as a break from drinking, but also as an opportunity to reflect on their relationship with alcohol and explore the physical, emotional, and mental health benefits of sobriety.
“Dry January can be a meaningful reset,” said Tammy Brock, LCSW, MSW, therapist with Baptist Health Behavioral Health. “For some, it’s about curiosity—seeing how they feel without alcohol. For others, it can be the first step toward longer-term lifestyle changes.”
According to Brock, individuals who stop drinking alcohol often experience several short- and long-term benefits, including improved mood stability, reduced anxiety and symptoms of depression, better sleep quality and regulation, and increased energy and mental clarity.
In addition to these benefits, taking a break from alcohol can help individuals better recognize triggers, habits, and patterns related to drinking—insight that can be helpful when making decisions about future alcohol use.
“For anyone who finds Dry January challenging or realizes they may want support beyond the month, help is available,” Brock said. “You don’t have to navigate that journey alone.”
Baptist Health Behavioral Health offers support and guidance through its Behavioral Health Resource Connection, a dedicated line providing behavioral health resources to residents of Kentucky and southern Indiana. The resource line can help individuals identify appropriate services, answer questions, and connect callers with support options tailored to their needs.
The Baptist Health Behavioral Health Resource Connection is available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. by calling (800) 395-4435.
For those considering Dry January—or any step toward healthier habits—Baptist Health Behavioral Health encourages open conversations, self-reflection, and seeking support when needed.
Baptist Health Corbin is a 273-bed, acute care facility providing a wide variety of healthcare services to residents of Whitley, Knox, Laurel, Bell, Clay, Harlan and McCreary counties in Kentucky and Campbell County in Tennessee.
