Forget Dry January: perhaps Damp January is what New Jersey needs

Surely by 2024 you’ve heard of “Dry January,” but for those who haven’t, it’s when people abstain from alcohol for the first month of the year. Let’s face it, the weeks between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve have their fair share of imbibing: there’s no doubt our livers could use a break.

The trend has been around since 2013, but if we’re being honest… is that really New Jersey’s speed? With the basic annoyances we face every day (property taxes, our congested roads, any time a politician opens their mouths, etc.) can we really expect the average New Jerseyan to go the whole month of January without a drink to take the edge off? Allow me to introduce you to “ .” Instead of quitting drinking for the entire month, “Damp January” promotes cutting back on your alcohol intake so you can be healthier while still having the occasional libation.

To me, this sounds far more realistic for the Garden State. Of course, it’s your own personal health decision, but for those who want to consider cutting back on alcohol without going cold turkey for the month of January, try going “damp.” It should be said that for the unfortunate 14 million Americans with an alcohol use disorder, stopping altogether and not just in January should be the goal.

However if you just want a better handle on your consumption, “Damp January” may be for you. Stock your fridge with non alcoholic beer, so you still get the feeling of sipping a cold one without the booze. Alternate cocktails with mocktails, after all they can be just as tasty! For the times you choose to dampen up your month, take a look at each state’s signature drink.

If you think Alaska’s is bad, wait until you get to what our neighbors in New York prefer…. Or you could always give these brews a try…. Gallery Credit: Angela Underwood Gallery Credit: Meg Dowdy.