After a month of mocktails and mugs of tea, Ohioans who took part in Dry January are getting a nod from their state's Department of Commerce. The Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) is encouraging residents not just to end their sobriety journey at the start of February. In a statement obtained by the Ohio Department of Commerce's news, DOLC Superintendent Jackie DeGenova urged Ohioans to "continue making informed choices" and offered resources for sustained wellness.

According to the same source, DOLC is ready to assist those interested in leveraging Dry January into a less booze-filled lifestyle all year round. This effort is backed by partnerships with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) and others, dedicating resources to those in need. Ohioans can tap into these resources via the Division's website or Ohio Liquor (OHLQ.com) for information on responsible drinking and navigating social pressures while striving toward personal health goals.

OhioMHAS Deputy Director of Treatment Services Staci Swenson provided insights on the importance of recognizing your relationship with alcohol. Swenson told the Ohio Department of Commerce's news, "If you found yourself feeling better during Dry January, it's a good idea to check out information on the health benefits of drinking less." Her statement emphasizes the value of understanding alcohol's impact on health and well-being.

While the campaign promotes healthier living, Swenson warned against abruptly stopping alcohol consumption without medical supervision, as withdrawal symptoms can be severe or even life-threatening. She was quoted saying through the Ohio Department of Commerce, "If you find yourself feeling worse after reducing your drinking, there can be a multitude of reasons," recognizing the complexities of mental and physical health in the context of substance use.

For anyone seeking support beyond web resources, Ohio provides a 24/7 lifeline. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is reachable via call, text, or chat for anyone in need of immediate mental health or addiction crisis support. OhioMHAS and the Divisions of Liquor Control and Cannabis Control, all part of the Ohio Department of Commerce, collectively emphasize their mission to foster a high-quality network of prevention, treatment, and recovery services accessible by all Ohioans.