A space dedicated to sharing information about anxiety and depression, including proven strategies & expert advice to help you improve your overall mental health.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Taking a break from alcohol or other substances during Dry January isn’t just about physical health, it’s an opportunity to explore how these substances fit into your life, how they affect your mood, and how therapy can support change. Reflection: What would you want to talk about in therapy if you were exploring your relationship […]
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) doesn’t happen overnight. It develops gradually, often so slowly that people don’t realize it’s happening until they’re deep in it. If Dry January has made you think about your relationship with alcohol—even just a little—this is worth understanding: what increases the risk of developing AUD, what decreases it, and how to […]
If alcohol was your go-to stress reliever, Dry January has left a gap. Here's what actually works for managing stress—no drink required.
Three weeks into Dry January, you’ve probably noticed some physical changes. Better sleep. More energy. Maybe clearer skin or a few pounds lost. But alcohol affects your body in ways that go beyond the obvious. Understanding these effects—both what you’re recovering from and what continues to improve—can help you make more informed decisions about drinking […]
If you’ve made it to Day 21, congratulations. You’ve made it through three weekends already. But if you’re reading this on a Friday afternoon with the weekend stretching ahead of you, you might be wondering how you’ll get through another one without a drink. Weekends are when Dry January gets real. The structure of workdays […]
Taking a break from alcohol and other substances often creates space for reflection. For many people, Dry January isn’t just about physical health, it's also an opportunity to notice how alcohol or other substances may be connected to your mental well-being. Today’s reflection: As you reduce or remove alcohol or other substances, what changes if […]
Three weeks into Dry January, you’ve probably noticed changes in how you feel physically. Better sleep, more energy, clearer mornings. But you may also be noticing something else: changes in your relationships. Maybe date nights feel different. Maybe certain friendships feel flatter without drinks involved. Maybe you’re connecting more deeply with some people—or discovering you […]
Important: If you're experiencing severe symptoms like tremors, seizures, confusion, or hallucinations, stop reading and seek emergency medical care immediately. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Severe alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Most people doing Dry January will experience mild, temporary discomfort when they stop drinking—some difficulty sleeping, maybe irritability or restlessness. […]
By week three of Dry January, you’ve probably noticed your internal voice getting louder. Maybe it’s encouraging: “You’re doing great. Keep going.” Or maybe it sounds more like: “You should be better at this by now. Why is this so hard? What’s wrong with you?” That internal commentary matters more than you might think. Research […]
Take a free assessment to see how Brightside can help you on your mental health journey.
Start Free AssessmentIf you're in emotional distress, text HOME to connect with a counselor immediately.
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 emotional support.
If you're having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER.
Conditions
