January is the darkest and coldest month of the year. It can be overwhelming to tackle major lifestyle changes or to get motivated to fulfill a New Year’s resolution.
However, anyone wanting to make small strides can start by observing Dry January. Far from a reference to how your hands and face will feel after venturing into the cold, Dry January refers to abstaining from alcohol for the first 31 days of the year.
Cutting alcohol for even a month can make a noticeable difference in your health. A study in BMJ Open showed regular drinkers who abstained from alcohol for a month slept better, had more energy and lost weight, while lowering their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
According to a 2024 Civic Science Magazine report, 27% of U.S. adults over 21 were “very likely” to try the challenge, with another 22% “somewhat likely.” Both statistics have grown since 2023, signaling an increase in sober curiosity.
That curiosity has blossomed into a larger movement toward sobriety, including alcohol-free liquor stores like Orangily in Carmel.
Formerly known as Loren’s AF (alcohol-free), Orangily was founded by Kristen Patrick and Andee Simpson. The two sisters chose sobriety in 2021 and wanted to give sober-curious people better options than what was in the grocery store.
Patrick says the pair read about similar stores popping up along the East and West coasts and felt the timing was right to take a shot at it in central Indiana. “We started off thinking that we would have this little store with a niche audience,” she says. “We didn’t anticipate how many people would come through the door looking to make a change for one reason or another.”
Those reasons are rooted in improved physical and mental well-being. “They’re interested in having a clear mind or looking for a different buzz,” says Simpson. “We sell drinks infused with ashwagandha, kava, and lion’s mane, which can make you feel relaxed or energized differently. You’re still going to get home OK and have a fun night.”
A Pandemic Side Effect
Simpson and Patrick believe much of the trend toward sobriety came as a direct result of the COVID pandemic and accompanying lockdowns. Retail alcohol sales increased 34% early in 2020 across the U.S. Since the lockdowns ended, people have begun to rethink their relationship with booze. “In many ways alcohol is becoming passé and I think we’re at the very beginning of the bell curve on that,” says Simpson.
Will that lead to a return to Prohibition? It’s highly unlikely, but more people are choosing to change their habits, with Dry January being the perfect place to start.
“Yes, we have visitors for Dry January, but we more frequently see people who’ve said, ‘Hey, it’s a new year and I’m making some changes for the year – I’m thinking beyond the month,’” says Patrick. Both expected their revenue to drop after January. Instead, people became repeat customers to see how long they could last without alcohol.
The Journey to Sobriety
For Simpson and Patrick, the pair had to work at going fully sober and it didn’t happen overnight. “Sometimes people want it to be an overnight decision and, unfortunately, alcohol is highly addictive,” says Patrick. “It’s hard to give it up in one try. If you can commit to eliminating it for any amount of time, whether it’s three or four weeks, you’re going to feel better.”
That idea was the key to their sobriety. “It was all of these little side effects that we did not anticipate at all,” Simpson says. “I say now I couldn’t go back to drinking because of the sleep quality alone. My skin was better. I had much creativity – all of these things that I didn’t think would happen when I just was trying to quit alcohol and be a little healthier, but it was transformative.”
Walking into the shop feels like you’re in a high-end liquor store – artfully designed bottles, wine racks, specials, tastings and more – just all zero-proof.
Even if you’re not ready to be fully sober or don’t want to be, there will be no judgment when you enter Orangily to browse. “We’re not going to wave our fingers at you if you still consume alcohol,” Patrick says. “Shopping at our store, we care very much about the products we carry, including having extensive product knowledge. We want to listen to where you’re at and meet you there. What makes our store special is people come in and feel comfortable being vulnerable.”
Beyond observing Dry January, the pair both recommend checking out free day-tracking apps and reading up on what they call “quit lit”, or literature about the benefits of sobriety.
Other Helpful Hints:
- Avoid Temptations – Remove alcohol from your home; meet others for coffee or lunch rather than drinks; substitute after-work drinks and other drinking habits with activities that don’t involve alcohol.
- Manage Cravings – Mints, gum and candy are great ways to help those “I’m thirsty for a drink” moments. Studies have also shown engaging in cardiovascular activity helps with cravings.
- Find Sober People - Breaking habits is hard. Connect with other sober people who have walked this journey and can relate.
Try an in-person or virtual support group.To get more tips, visit the Fishers Health Department website.
Orangily is located at 5790 East Main Street, Suite 150 in Carmel.
