By Brian Hoyt, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Ohio Liquor (OHLQ)
Ohio Liquor (OHLQ) is supporting its consumers who choose to not drink this month. That’s right, not drink.
OHLQ is in a unique position to support Ohioans who are interested in joining the Dry January movement — an initiative gaining popularity nationwide as individuals seek to reset after the indulgences of the holiday season. Dry January also gives people a chance to examine their relationship with alcohol in a non-judgmental way. While it may seem counterintuitive for an organization responsible for the distribution and sale of high-proof liquor to promote abstaining from alcohol, OHLQ views it as another example of our dedication to responsible consumption.
Supporting Dry January
Dry January has emerged as a significant trend, offering participants a month-long break from alcohol consumption. Beyond the obvious health benefits, such as improved sleep, weight loss, and enhanced overall wellness, this initiative serves as a catalyst for self-reflection and positive lifestyle changes. OHLQ recognizes the importance of supporting these unique moments in time, not only for the well-being of individuals but also for the broader community.
Normalizing Mocktails
To encourage and support Dry January participants, OHLQ’s Youtube channel provides an array of non-alcoholic mocktail recipes. But we go beyond that — we ask our audiences to consider this an invitation to unleash their creativity and share mocktail creations on social media and with friends.
In a recent article, OHLQ showcased a few of Ohio’s bars and restaurants which are transforming the non-alcoholic (NA) beverage scene with incredible mocktail recipes for adults.
A strong advocate for curating an inclusive environment for all, Alex Quintana, founder of Quintana’s Speakeasy in Cleveland Heights, reminds his guests that alcohol is not a requirement to have fun. In the article, Quintana shares,
“We want people who come into our environment — whether they aren’t drinking today or aren’t drinking period — to have a good time and laugh at the same things as someone next to them who is having a Vodka Soda or a Bee’s Knees.”
OHLQ understands that informed choices stem from knowledge. That’s why our website offers a wealth of resources, including links to alcohol self-screening tools. These tools empower individuals to gain a better understanding of their drinking habits and make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption.
Experts’ Tips to Navigate Dry January
This year, OHLQ is proud to collaborate with experts from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) to enhance the Dry January experience for our audience. By tapping into the OhioMHAS team’s expertise, we aim to provide participants with valuable insights and tips to navigate the challenges of abstaining from alcohol.
Stacey Frohnapfel-Hasson, OhioMHAS’ Chief of Office of Prevention & Problem Gambling, offers OHLQ consumers practical advice including,
“Whether or not you’re participating in Dry January, developing a plan before going out to a party or gathering is a good idea. Consider: How many beverages will I drink? How much money will I spend? If you’re considering limiting the time spent at the event, try setting an alarm on your phone or watch.”
OHLQ values the indispensable work carried out by organizations such as OhioMHAS, Prevention Action Alliance, and Ohio’s prevention coalitions. These entities play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the responsible consumption of high-proof spirits and its interconnectedness with mental health.
By embracing Dry January, OHLQ proudly leans into promoting responsible alcohol consumption. By encouraging individuals to explore alcohol-free alternatives, providing educational resources, and collaborating with mental health experts, we are striving to contribute to the well-being of our community.
Responsible Consumption
Responsible consumption is not just a catchphrase for OHLQ; it’s a guiding principle that influences our operations. Emphasizing inclusion, education, and celebration, we firmly believe that social responsibility is our license to operate. Promoting and supporting initiatives like Dry January is not just about refraining from alcohol; it’s about fostering a culture of mindfulness, celebration, and social responsibility that extends far beyond a single month. That is why we ask Ohioans to join us in making responsible choices that resonate throughout the year.
Ohio Liquor (OHLQ) is a partnership between the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Liquor Control and JobsOhio Beverage System (JOBS), formed to use the profits from the sale of high-proof liquor in Ohio to fund job creation and bring new capital investment to the state.
