Guide to be Alcohol Free
Whether its Dry January or a total lifestyle change, everyone has the choice and ability to be alcohol free! If this is your path, here are some tips to keep in mind along the way:
1. No one cares that you aren’t drinking. Sure, they may ask and be curious because they see a change in your routine, but you not drinking has no bearing on them. And if it does, might be time to reconsider the time you invest in that relationship.
2. Mocktails are delicious! Thank God its 2023 and there are many delicious and not super sugary options in the world, along with some great local establishments that have booze free options. Check out Mingle Mocktails (https://www.minglemocktails.com) and Spiritless (https://spiritless.com) for drinks at home and The Volstead (https://volsteadzeroproof.com) is a great hang out in Philly
3. Create a menu of coping skills: Alcohol is the go-to stress reducer for many. It’s also a social lubricant. Being alcohol free means you have to change your automatic responses to certain stimuli. What’s going to be your new way to unwind after a hard day? How are you going to celebrate a siblings milestone birthday? Get out your menu:
1. Hot bath or shower
2. Mocktails
3. Guided Meditation
4. Get Outside/ Be active
5. Praying/ Spiritual connection
6. Get creative/ Find a hobby
4. Move your body! Moving your body is one of the best responses to stress and coping skill available to you at any time. I specifically use the phrase move your body as opposed to exercise because going to the gym feels like a chore. Moving your body can mean yoga in your living room, snow tubing with friends, dancing in your kitchen, or shooting hoops at the park. Moving your body releases endorphins, makes you feel good, and makes intoxicating drinks less attractive.
5. Remember your WHY: Slap a post it on the bathroom mirror or set reminders on your phone. Keep your eye on the prize… reasons might include:
1. Sleep better
2. Less anxiety
3. Support heart health
4. Increase focus
5. Clarity with decision making
6. Increase patience
7. Engage in mindfulness (see benefits here: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/07-08/ce-corner)
8. Be a trailblazer among your peers
If your use of alcohol feels out of your control, these tips may not be effective for you. Be sure to consult with a therapist or physician.
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Devon’s Closet Last Weekend
Click here to visit our Instagram and learn more about how much of an impact Devon’s Closet has + to learn more about the incredible work that Savage Sisters is doing!
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Devon’s Closet Recovery Clothing Drive Starting Now
The 3rd Annual Devon’s Closet is support people in recovery. All the items donated will be going to Savage Sisters Recovery. We are now accepting donations at our Wayne office with final drop off on October 8th. Donations will be accepted at BCA Therapy, 983 Old Eagle School Road, Wayne, PA 19087.
Items that will be accepted include:
- Men’s and Womens winter clothing
- Wound care items
- New socks
- Personal hygiene care
The clothing drive is in loving memory of Devon.
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This Month is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Suicide is a problem that touches the lives of many Americans. Many of us may know someone who has attempted or died by suicide. Over the past decade suicide rates have steadily risen in the United State. Suicide is currently 10th for cause of death among all ages.
It’s important for you to know that suicide is preventable. With commitment and engagement on social media, our communities, workplaces, and homes together we can help reduce the number of suicides. This is a time to raise awareness of the stigma and taboo around suicide. The stigma around suicide makes it hard to reach out for help, but with the right information, support and action, people affected by suicide can recover and lead happier lives.
Here are some warning signs of suicide:
- Talking, writing, or drawing about death.
- Looking for ways to attempt suicide.
- Talking about having no response to live, being a burden to others, or not being here tomorrow.
- Feeling hopeless, desperate, or trapped.
- Giving away possessions and behaving recklessly.
Crisis Resources
- If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Connect with a trained crisis counselor 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.
- If you are uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can chat the chat the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
- Trevor LGBTQ Crisis Hotline Call 1-866-488-7386 for free, confidential, and secure online messaging service, providing live help by trained volunteers. Check the website for hours of operation www.thetrevorproject.org.
- Veterans Crisis Line- For Veterans Crisis Line Call 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255. This is for Veterans, Active Military, and their families. You can also have a confidential chat at www.veteranscrisisline.net.
At BCA Therapy, we are here to help and support you in a mental health crisis. If you need to talk to a therapist, we have therapists that can assist you and can help you recover and can help you live happier lives. Please reach out or visit BCA Therapy!
Other Resources
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
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