Dry January 2023

Dry January is an initiative where people voluntarily change their substance use behaviours for a month after the holidays for the benefit of their physical and mental health. There are a lot of benefits to reducing substance use like sleeping better, improving focus, and having more energy. ⁠

Changing substance use behaviours can look like a lot of different things from reducing use to fewer days per week, limiting yourself to just one substance, or total abstinence.

All month Wellness will be hosting free events that are fun alternative social options that don’t involve substances!

Dry January Events: 

Cannon Painting:

Mocktail & Charcuterie Social:

Mental Health and Addictions Panel:

Drugs and Alcohol Trivia at Brass Taps:

Tips For Setting Dry January Goals:

If you’re planning on setting some goals for the new year, the best way to set yourself up for success is by setting SMART goals:

Specific:

What exactly will you be doing? When, how, where, and with who? What substance-use behaviour will you concentrate on? Will you reduce or completely refrain? When will you alter this behaviour? On specific days of the week? Who will participate with you? Will you have pals to help keep you on track? Is your goal relevant to any specific locations?⁠ 

Meaningful:

Can you align your task with what you enjoy and value? How can altering this behaviour help you achieve other goals/ desires? What new hobbies could you take up?⁠ Who could this allow you to spend more time with?⁠

Attainable:

Challenging but NOT impossible.⁠ Don't be too hard on yourself. There's no perfect version of Dry January and every effort counts!⁠

Relevant:

Is this goal relevant to the direction you want your life to take? Will you continue to alter this behaviour after Dry January? What positives can come from this?⁠

Time-Bound:

Set a specific deadline. Will you participate for the whole month?⁠

Addiction & Recovery Resources:

Looking for addiction resources for yourself or someone you know? Check out our list of services and supports available to you both on campus and in the community.

The Student Recovery Community (SRC)

The SRC is a peer-led community for students who are interested in making changes to their substance use behaviours. This space provides opportunities for students to share their experiences and challenges with substance use, addiction, and success in recovery.

All-recovery meetings are held weekly. These meetings welcome students who struggle with or are affected by addiction or are curious about recovery and how to support the recovery lifestyle. All pathways of recovery are welcomed and supported. Abstinence is not required for participation.

Students who are interested in participating in the recovery community are encouraged to email student.recovery@uoguelph.ca to meet with a peer facilitator – another student who has made changes to their substance use behaviours.