Mental Health Pathfinders: Dr. Petros Levounis on Dry January and What a Month Free From Alcohol Can Teach You

On this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors sits down with Dr. Petros Levounis to unpack the appeal of Dry January and what people can realistically gain from a month off alcohol. They talk through why a time-limited goal can be easier to stick with, how to handle social situations without making it a public announcement, and what benefits people often notice physically and psychologically when they take a break. The conversation also covers practical strategies for anxiety in the moment (including hydration, cutting back on caffeine, and finding a supportive ally), the rise of mocktails, what to know about medications that can help reduce cravings, and how to reintroduce alcohol more safely if you choose to drink again after a month off.