Available wellness resources empower Ohioans to embrace a healthier, drier 2025
As 2025 unfolds and many Ohioans reflect on their commitment to Dry January, the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) invites adults to consider how the principles of Dry January can serve as the foundation for a healthier lifestyle throughout the year.
By taking advantage of resources that promote mindful and responsible alcohol consumption, the journey toward improved wellness doesn't need to stop.
“Dry January is a great first step for many who want to explore healthier habits and reevaluate their relationship with alcohol,” said DOLC Superintendent Jackie DeGenova. “We encourage Ohioans to continue making informed choices. Through partnerships with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and other expert organizations, we are committed to offering accessible tools and information to support individuals on this path.
“By integrating Dry January concepts into everyday life, individuals have an opportunity to prioritize their health in ways that align with their personal goals. We’re here to support those efforts every step of the way.”
Ohioans can access these resources at any time of the year to stay informed about responsible drinking. Ohio Liquor (OHLQ), the partnership between DOLC and the JobsOhio Beverage System, and its partners provide easy-to-navigate information on topics such as alcohol’s effects on physical and mental well-being, tools to set personal goals for consumption, and guidance on how to create a supportive social environment for making lasting changes. Ohioans can access these resources 24/7 by visiting the Division’s website at com.ohio.gov/SocialResponsibility and OHLQ.com.
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is highlighting resources from the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA) to help Ohioans evaluate their drinking habits. Recognizing your personal drinking pattern can help you understand if alcohol will affect your health, and being aware of risks, standard drink (or alcoholic drink equivalent) sizes, and the number of drinks per container can help individuals make informed decisions about drinking.
“If you found yourself feeling better during Dry January, it's a good idea to check out information on the health benefits of drinking less. Regardless of the time of year, it's a terrific health goal to educate yourself about how much you're drinking so that you can make the best decisions for your health,” said Staci Swenson, OhioMHAS Deputy Director of Treatment Services.
For Ohioans interested in changing their consumption habits, Swenson urges caution when stopping drinking abruptly, or “cold turkey,” noting that when a person who has been drinking heavily for a prolonged period of time suddenly stops drinking, their body can go into a painful, or even potentially a life-threatening process of withdrawal. Symptoms can include nausea, rapid heart rate, seizures, or other problems. To prevent potential problems associated with alcohol withdrawal, Swenson stressed that this process should be closely monitored by a medical professional.
“If you find yourself feeling worse after reducing your drinking, there can be a multitude of reasons,” Swenson said. “If your sleep worsens, or you develop or have a worsening of nervousness or anxiety, feel more down or depressed, or feel unwell in other ways, it’s always best to consult your medical or behavioral health provider for an evaluation of underlying conditions that may surface when your alcohol intake is reduced.”
Click here to learn more about alcohol’s effects on health, and find helpful resources on treatment and withdrawal management. OhioMHAS also offers a self-screening tool and links to a variety of helpful resources on its agency website.
Ohioans who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, and their family members, can call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to reach a trained specialist who can offer help and support. The easy-to-remember, three-digit number provides 24/7, free and confidential support to Ohioans in a behavioral health crisis.
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