Take a break after drinking? Try These Dry January Activities in Greater Cincinnati | Food and Beverage Features | Cincinnati

If your liver is crying out for a break from the holiday and New Year’s excesses, you’re not alone. In reality, one in seven Americans will quit drinking alcohol in January, aka “Dry January”.

“January is a good starting point for people looking to change,” says Dr. Christian Gausvik, primary care physician at Christ Hospital.

Gausvik says that in the short term, people who give up alcohol for even a month may notice a change in their sleep patterns, clearer skin, fewer headaches, better mood and better concentration. People can even shed a few pounds by cutting out the calories from alcohol.

Gausvik also claims that excessive or long-term alcohol consumption can lead to many health problems, including liver disease, several types of cancer, mental health problems and high blood pressure.

“I think you’d be hard-pressed to find cancer that has nothing to do with alcohol,” he says.

If you’re trying Dry January for the first time, that doesn’t mean your social life has to suffer. Here are four ways to make your weekends count this month:

Try a mocktail or soft drink at some of Cincinnati’s best bars.

You don’t have to give up the nightlife to stay sober this month. Many lively bars in Queen City will serve you surprisingly delicious non-alcoholic drinks all night long. AT HomeMakers Bar In Over-the-Rhin, order a glass of sparkling non-alcoholic Riesling from renowned German Riesling producer, Leitz, or try one of their creative house mocktails. For a great non-alcoholic beer, try a non-alcoholic Hazy AF IPA at BrewDog in Pendleton, or MadTree Brewing’s new non-alcoholic beer Leave No Trace (it’s currently only available on tap).

Head to Jungle Jim’s for a huge selection of non-alcoholic beverages.

Spend hours browsing At Jungle Jim large selection of non-alcoholic drinks. From Untitled Art West Coast Non-Alcoholic IPA at Fre Sparkling Brut, you’ll have no problem finding something fun to sip on this month. Head to the Italian Cuisine section to pick up Giusto Sapore Italian Red Bitters to mix with your favorite sparkling water. Grab some fine cheeses on the way out and host a dry January tasting for your friends.

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Photo: Megan Waddel

Ax throwing is a fun experience-based bar activity.

Visit bars based on experience or try a new activity.

Shake up your weekend routine by adding experience-based bars and new activities. Here are a few to put on your list:

• Challenge your friends to a game of bowling at Pins Mécanique, which serves non-alcoholic BrewDog beers with mocktails.

• Axes and alcohol really don’t mix. Spend a few hours throwing axes at Ax throwing in Cincinnati in West Chester. Ax throwing sessions are led by trained experts who will show you how to handle an ax safely and throw it with precision.

• Concoct your own scented candle at Manitou Co spark plug. This little candle shop tucked away in Columbia Tusculum hosts public and private candle-making workshops where you can choose from hundreds of scents to create two of your own unique candles.

• Improve your culinary skills with a course at Cooking Co. Tablespoon at Findlay Market. You can choose from courses that teach you how to make everything from cinnamon rolls to gnocchi. With all the calories you’ll save by cutting out alcohol, you deserve to treat yourself a little.

Enjoy your mornings.

No hangovers, no problems. One of the best parts of your Dry January experience will be enjoying your early mornings again. Make the most of your Saturday by having breakfast before heading to Winter Hike Series organized by Great Parks of Hamilton County. Hit the trails for challenging hikes, held in a different park each week. Hikes start at 10am and end with a complimentary bowl of soup. Pre-registration is required.

Beers and mocktails may not be suitable for people struggling with alcohol addiction or addiction. People who regularly drink a large amount should talk to their doctor before trying to quit alcohol completely. the Addiction and Mental Health Services Administration can help. The SAMHSA National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365 day a year referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. SAMHSA National

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