Why many in the Tri-State are abstaining from alcohol this month

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - It’s Dry January for many people in the Tri-State.

Since 2013, more and more folks across the world have chosen to abstain from alcohol for the month and it’s led to some interesting trends here.

There’s any number of reasons someone might want to forego alcohol for a month.

It could just be part of a New Year’s resolution, maybe you’re dieting, or it could be something more serious.

Whatever the case may be, it’s gained traction and even support from some unlikely places.

For five years, Libby Shelton has been a manager at High Spirits.

Each year, sales take a slight hit in January.

“They’re a little bit down, everyone does Dry January,” she says.

The trend sees some of their usual patrons quit alcohol cold turkey for the first month of the year.

It’s something a sober person like Rachel Loyal can appreciate.

“I think Dry January is just a really good way for people to assess their relationship with alcohol,” says Rachel.

Rachel hasn’t had a drop in over 1000 days, and she runs a social media group called SoberInEvansville where folks can talk about being sober.

She says even if you don’t have a substance abuse disorder, it can be a tough lifestyle.

“It’s everywhere, and you feel different,” Rachel says. “You feel like maybe something is wrong with you or you feel like people think something is wrong with you.”

Dry January has changed that.

With people looking to stay sober, even liquor stores are finding ways to keep spirits high and blood alcohol content low.

“For sure try to take part in Dry January... Don’t drink all year long, but certainly, we still want business, that’s why we have such a good N/A section,” says Libby Shelton.

Shelton says more and more people are purchasing non-alcoholic products.

“We have rums, bourbons, tequilas, gins.”

Rachel says that while Dry January can be good for your health, it can be a chance to assess whether you need to cut back on alcohol.

“It makes it more acceptable and it makes it more of a talking point,” says Rachel.

Rachel tells us she’s sober by choice, and Dry January is entirely voluntary. However, for some sobriety is more important and difficult than a trendy month-long cleanse.

If you struggle with alcohol abuse or addiction and need help, you can call the national hotline phone number at 1-800-662-4357.

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