SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (December 30, 2023) – “Participate in Dry January and begin 2024 alcohol-free,” reads the news release from the Illinois Liquor Control Commission distributed on December 29. “Dry January is an opportunity for individuals to re-evaluate their relationship with alcohol and make better choices,” explained Executive Director Lisa Gardner in a statement. “Your body deserves a yearly reset. What better time than the start of a brand-new year?”
Wikipedia reports that Dry January originated in 2013 from Alcohol Change UK. In 2022, Wikipedia cites The Dry January Story, over 130,000 people signed up to take part.
The Illinois Liquor Control Commission says that committing to Dry January can lead to positive changes both physically and mentally. They recommend developing a strategy and setting clear goals for a successful Dry January, such as “grabbing a mocktail for the same taste without the alcohol, or a canned water to blend in with those who are drinking.”
The Commission lists these Dry January benefits:
- Improved overall health
- Improved sleep
- Potential weight loss
- Money savings
- Resetting of drinking habits
- Improved self-discipline
- Personal growth
- A positive tone for the new year
About the Illinois Liquor Control Commission
The Illinois Liquor Control Commission’s mission is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Illinois through careful control and regulation of the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic liquors. The ILCC furthers its mission with training and education to help reduce youth access to alcohol products.
More information is available at www.ILCC.Illinois.gov.
Does anyone besides me see the irony in the State of Illinois promoting “Dry (alcohol free) January” when they seemingly actively promote recreational marijuana consumption ?