In December, I received Recover Alaska’s newsletter promoting Dry January.  I clicked on the link that took me to the UC Davis Health website explaining the Alcohol Change UK initiative launched in 2013. One statement that caught my eye was “Excessive alcohol use is unhealthy and can lead to chronic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, and liver disease.” 

I don’t consider my alcohol use as excessive, but it is consistent.  Almost everyday for over 50+ years, I’ve been drinking a beer or glass of wine. On the weekends I would have a couple more.

In 2021, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, which eventually led to another diagnosis of severe sleep apnea. I was prescribed multiple blood pressure medications that didn’t seem to get my BP in control.  I gained weight and hiking up a hill caused shortness of breath.  Like many other people during the pandemic, I was baking too much, sitting around, and drinking more than normal.  So I decided to give Dry January a try and keep a journal of my daily progress.

Day One I took my blood pressure, and it was 148/72.  Day 2 – 128/61, and Day 3 – 118/60.  My blood pressure remained below 130 all month.  I noticed that I was sleeping better and I didn’t take a nap all month.  I lost a few pounds, but I craved sugar. I missed my nightly drink so I experimented with a couple of alcohol free beverages that filled the void.  Overall, Dry January was easier than I thought it would be given my many years of drinking.

Alcohol use in older adults is on the rise and can cause health complications, adverse drug reactions to prescription medications, and injuries related to falls or accidents.  Aging sneaks up and I’m now in my early 70s. I truly believe in healthy aging and staying active so I intend to continue with Dry January and live my life, alcohol-free.