Dry January is an increasingly popular trend that encourages people to take a break from drinking alcohol for the entire month at the start of the new year. While it may seem daunting to be in a social situation without a drink in hand, abstaining from alcohol can be beneficial in many ways. Full-spectrum CBD products may help you make it through a Dry January while feeling like your best self. Here’s what you need to know about Dry January and how to make the most of it.
What is Dry January?
Dry January is a month-long commitment to abstaining from alcohol consumption. It originated in the UK through the charity Alcohol Change UK, and its popularity has grown exponentially over the past decade. 35% of U.S. adults were Dry January participants in 2022, according to CGA.
Dry January encourages you to improve your health by taking control of your relationship with alcohol. During this time, you can reset your habits and focus on fitness, mindfulness, and connecting with friends and family.
Does Dry January Work?
The skeptics, and those unwilling to take a month off from alcohol, may wonder what the benefits are and if 'Dry January' has any positive impact. Ultimately, there are many benefits to cutting back on alcohol, mainly for one's overall health and well-being, but it also encourages a time of mental clarity. Taking the time to give up alcohol for a whole month at the beginning of a new year is viewed by many as hitting the reset button. And taking a month off from alcohol promotes the forward mentality of drinking more mindfully.
Health Benefits of Dry January
If you try Dry January, it can have many benefits. Those participating often report higher energy levels, better sleep, stronger immune systems, weight loss, and clearer skin within the first week. People also note that their food cravings become more manageable. Additionally, studies show that taking part in Dry January can reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as liver disease and cancer caused by drinking alcohol regularly.
Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Dry January
- Think about adding CBD to your routine to support your wellness goals.
- Add some greenery to your home.
- Create a sleep schedule and stick to it.
- Spend more time in nature.
- Focus on nutrition, not weight loss.
- Check-in with your mental health.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a diagnosable mental health condition that affects approximately 14.5 million people in the U.S., according to the NSDUH in 2019. Those with AUD display physical, emotional, and cognitive dependence on alcohol, which can seriously affect their health and well-being. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to many health issues, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
For those with Alcohol Use Disorder, giving up alcohol can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, insomnia, and depression. For these people, seeking treatment is recommended rather than attempting to quit cold turkey.
How CBD Gummies Can Help During Dry January
One of the most impressive things about the CBD industry is its product diversity. You can find CBD as an ingredient in beauty products, coffee, tinctures, essential oils, dietary supplements, cosmetics, edibles, and much, much more. There's no better time to research new products and consider revamping your daily routine. You may find that CBD provides natural therapy and boosts your overall quality of life.
If you're not familiar, CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Hemp, hemp products, and hemp plant derivatives like CBD were legalized under federal law in the United States through the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. Since then, the CBD industry has exploded in visibility and profitability, and CBD has become an ingredient in everything from dietary supplements to gummies. Keep reading to learn more about three ways CBD may enhance your dry January.
1. CBD products may help you relax at the end of a long day.
When asked to describe CBD's effects, "relaxing" is one of the words most commonly used. Getting back to work and starting the new year can be hard and often cause additional stress. For many people, CBD provides the relaxation they need after a tough day. It's important to remember that CBD doesn't contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), unlike other cannabis products, so it won't get you high. Consumers rave about the more subtle experience associated with CBD.
A wide variety of products contain CBD, and you may be surprised by how many infused options are on the market. You can find CBD in beauty products, oils, extracts, tinctures, edibles like gummies and chocolates, and even coffee. No matter your taste or preference, there's likely a CBD product available that you'll like.
2. Full-spectrum CBD may help your aches and discomfort.
Early findings support the idea that CBD may relieve chronic discomfort and other minor aches, but additional research is needed to find out more. CBD users rave about its benefits as a natural remedy for discomfort, fatigue, and swelling. Other conditions that users say it can benefit include fatigue, lack of appetite, and occasional sleeplessness. Since many of us start working out more frequently in January, CBD treatment may be worth considering. Always start with a low dose before working your way up to a higher dose that achieves your desired effect.
There is a lot of research underway aimed at identifying medical applications for CBD in the United States. Though many clinical studies and trials are in their early stages, significant progress has been made in recent years. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its first prescription drug containing cannabidiol as an active ingredient in 2018. Epidiolex was designed to treat the seizures associated with two rare forms of epilepsy: Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. In 2020, a new indication was approved, making the drug available to patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.
3. You can revamp your wellness routine.
January is all about new beginnings, and it may be time to rethink your daily routine. The goal of a dry January is to take better care of yourself, and one way to do that is to use your free time to create a routine that addresses your individual needs and improves your quality of life. Millions of people worldwide use CBD as a part of their regular self-care. Take the month of January and allow yourself to engage in some trial and error with new products so you can decide whether or not you want to make them a permanent part of your wellness plan.
CBD Dosages
If you've never used CBD products before, talk to your doctor before trying them for the first time. Your doctor can explain possible side effects and safety concerns, how CBD is likely to affect any health conditions, and potential drug interactions with medications you're currently prescribed. Your health care provider may even be able to provide product recommendations and advice on dose and calculating proper dosage.
CBD and CBN?
Before using any new product, it's smart to learn more about it first. Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) are two of the many cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the manufacture and sale of hemp and hemp plant derivatives like these on a federal level in the United States, which created the legal market that is currently thriving. Unlike other cannabis products, they are not scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act. Though they're both cannabinoids that come from the same plant, there are differences between CBD and CBN, and you should try to understand them before using products containing either compound.
CBN has been described as a weaker version of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), formed when THC components break down. In large doses, cannabinol can have some psychoactive qualities, unlike CBD. Since we know less about it, its potential medical applications and health benefits are still largely unknown. Users have described its effects as restful, relaxing, and effective at easing some types of mild discomfort. The cannabis community is hopeful that there will be further discoveries in the coming years.
Both compounds interact with endocannabinoid receptors like your CB1 receptors, but the effects of CBD and CBN aren't identical. There is also more research on CBD, which has an FDA-approved use as a treatment for seizures caused by two rare forms of epilepsy, Dravet syndrome, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Epidiolex was also approved for use in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex in 2020. The CBD treatment can be used on patients one year of age and older. Clinical research and human studies are ongoing to learn more about how these cannabinoids can improve quality of life.
How THC Gummies Can Help During Dry January
For those looking to replace alcohol use with a healthier alternative, cannabis-infused edibles are one option. Specifically, THC gummies provide a safer and more enjoyable way to relax or unwind without the negative effects of alcohol. Delta 8, Delta 9, THCO, and THCP gummies offer a variety of effects, from increased focus and creativity to reduced stress and anxiety. Additionally, THC gummies provide long-lasting relief without smoking or vaping.
THC gummies can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, so remember to start with a low amount your first time and wait for the effects. We believe that finding your minimum effective dose is key when replacing alcohol. This means finding the smallest dose that gives you the best effects. Naternal’s Delta 9 gummies offer 3mg of D9 THC + 25mg of CBG and were designed to offer a minimum effective dose and are often compared to a glass of wine. Typically, an edible you commonly find in a recreational marijuana market, like Colorado, would be dosed with around 10mg of D9 THC for comparison. A 10mg D9 THC dose offers a strong euphoric experience for most users and is often too much for those looking to replace alcohol. So, the microdosed gummies we offer put you in control of your experience. While cannabis and alcohol feel different, they often help users decompress and take the edge off. The Delta 8, THCO, and THCP gummies offer a much more euphoric experience if you’re looking to take it to the next level.
The Path to Mindful Drinking
It is common for many 'Dry January' participants to have an alcohol-filled February following their month of limited alcohol consumption. Giving up alcohol so abruptly and for a relatively short period of time does not always provide long-term results for everyone. Because of this, it’s easy to forget the goal of 'Dry January' and thus fall back into a lack of mindful drinking. The hope for many people is to reevaluate their relationship with alcohol and drink thoughtfully year-round. What happens after the one-month reset on drinking is completely up to you, whether it leads to full sobriety year-round, more thoughtful drinking, or even no change to your relationship with alcohol. A drastic change can feel intimidating, especially when drinking is a normalized, constant part of society. A change like this takes commitment, so keep in mind your goals and go easy on yourself to ensure you are successful.
Try New Forms of THC and CBD with Naternal
Dry January is a great way to reset your relationship with alcohol and focus on self-care and prioritize your health leading into a new year. To support that journey, Naternal offers a wide range of THC products that are perfect for taking part in Dry January. Who knows, you may find that you give up alcohol for longer. Our THC-infused products maybe provide relaxation, pain relief, and focus without the intoxicating effects of alcohol - NO HANGOVERS. Check out our CBD gummies or oils if you’re looking for a non-psychoactive alternative. Looking to still have a drink in hand? Try a CBD mocktail to take the edge off. Contact us today to learn more.
