Choosing not to consume alcohol throughout January is a way to clear your mind while spending more time focusing on your health. If you’re interested in steering clear of alcohol consumption for personal reasons or if you want to provide your body with a much-needed break after holiday celebrations, there are a few tips to remember along the way. The more cognizant you are of your decision to survive a dry January, the easier it will be for you to stick to your intended goals.

1. Plan Ahead With Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

If you want to steer clear of consuming alcohol at all during January, you can do so if you plan ahead of time with non-alcoholic alternatives. Stock up on your favorite non-alcoholic drinks or even cocktail ingredients that allow you to enjoy the drinks you like most without alcohol. When you have alternative drinks that are tasty and enjoyable, you are less likely to feel tempted to turn to alcohol.

Avoid using alternative substances while avoiding alcohol in January, including marijuana, even if it is legal near you. It is important to keep in mind that if an individual’s blood demonstrates 5ng per millimeter, they may be considered under the influence of marijuana.

2. Set Your Goals Ahead of Time

Setting goals ahead of time will also help you remain focused once you begin your dry month of January. Envisioning yourself reaching the end of the month without consuming a drop of alcohol can keep you motivated. Write a list of alternative goals you would like to accomplish during the month when you are not drinking alcoholic beverages.

3. Build a Support Group of Close Friends and Family Members

Create a support group for family members and friends who will not consume alcohol around you. Support groups can have a major impact on you reaching your goals. Avoid visiting bars, restaurants, and clubs where alcohol is present. Instead, opt for environments that are welcoming to those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks and foods.

4. Drink Enough Water Each Day

Drinking enough water and remaining hydrated is crucial when you are avoiding alcohol consumption or eliminating it from your body. Understanding the potentially devastating effects of alcohol can deter you from its consumption. Conscious sedation is typically defined as a ‘drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients can maintain their reflexes and airway without the need for an anesthesiologist’, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

5. Change Your Mindset

Choosing to go into a dry month positively can drastically change your experience for the better. The right mindset can help you remain focused and positive as you eliminate alcohol from your diet. The more positive you feel about the challenge, the more likely you are to succeed with abstaining from alcohol the entire month.

6. Prepare Ahead of Time for Potential Social Pressures

Prepare yourself for potential social pressures by reminding yourself of the potential risks of consuming alcohol in excess. Being intoxicated is classified as a BAC, or Blood Alcohol Concentration of .08 g/dL. Those who are under the influence or are drunk while driving are far more likely to be involved in a collision or, in some cases, even a fatal accident. Approximately 55% of all accidents recorded have a BAC at or above .15 g/dL. When you’re familiar with the potential risks, you are less likely to be swayed by social pressures from peers.

Steering clear of alcohol throughout the month of January is a great way to provide your body with rest and the ability to heal itself. Anytime you want to survive a dry month without alcohol, getting in the right mindset and planning ahead of time is key. With a solid vision of the experience ahead of time and an understanding of what to expect, you can survive any month of the year without consuming a drop of alcohol.