05/01/2026
The pursuit of Dry January is a valuable initiative for resetting health, but for some, the attempt at abstinence serves as a critical diagnostic indicator. A casual decision to stop drinking should not result in significant distress.
If the attempt to cease alcohol consumption provokes intense physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms like severe anxiety, tremors, insomnia, marked distress or rapid, repeated failure to sustain abstinence, it indicates the probable presence of an underlying Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or significant dependency.
Beyond Willpower
For individuals with dependency, the struggle encountered during Dry January is not a failure of willpower; it is a clinical manifestation of a biological or psychological condition requiring treatment. Professional assistance is necessary to manage withdrawal safely and address the root cause of dependency.
If you struggle to achieve or maintain sobriety during this period, do not wait for the issue to resolve spontaneously. Immediate psychiatric assessment is essential to diagnose and establish a structured treatment plan.
Learn more https://drsebothomapsychiatrist.co.za/addiction-psychiatry/