Worried about your drinking? Here’s how to check it

There are lots of great reasons to go “dry” in January and give up alcohol. Perhaps you imbibed a bit too much over the holidays, or maybe you want to start a diet or exercise routine and can’t afford the calories or the zap in energy and motivation that drinking can bring.   “Or it may be someone who truly is starting to wonder or question their relationship with alcohol, and this is an opportunity to really explore that,” said Dr. Sarah Wakeman, medical director of the Substance Use Disorders Initiative at Massachusetts General Hospital.   Wakeman suggests starting with being clear about your goal. Concrete goals such as embracing new sleep habits or an exercise routine will help make it easier to give up drinking, she said   It also helps if you share that goal with others and track your progress. Even if you don’t end up cutting out all alcohol, tracking your emotions and urges to discover your triggers can be helpful, Wakeman said.   Drinking is often associated with social gatherings or fun times. That can train your brain to see alcohol as a positive. You can combat those urges by replacing your drink of choice with something equally festive or flavorful, experts say.   There’s an additional piece that’s important in accomplishing a “dry January,” experts say. It’s important to notice if you – or a loved one – are showing any negative symptoms from cutting back or eliminating alcohol. It could be a sign that you need professional help to reach your goal.