6 Steps to Stay Dry this July

Wintery months are upon us, and the month of July has now become synonymous with keeping Dry. 

Are you going to join thousands of Australians who will be giving up alcohol to support people affected by cancer? You can register today. 

Here are our top tips to help you complete the challenge:

1. Out of sight, out of mind. 

If you have alcohol at home, consider removing it or putting it away somewhere that’s hard to access to reduce any temptation.  

We often forget about things when they are not in sight – so hide your alcohol or give it to a friend for safe keeping.  

2. Switch up your social calendar. 

If you usually catch up with friends at a bar or pub for a drink, try doing something different this month. With the nights getting colder, invite your friends over for a game’s night or a movie. Catch up with friends over a brisk walk or some lunch at a nearby café.  

3. Stay focused on YOUR reason for going dry. 

Some people may try to tempt you to drink because they don’t think they’d have what it takes to avoid alcohol for a whole month.  

Don’t let anyone discourage you or make your feel bad for doing a good thing for yourself and the community.  

4. Create a team or get your colleagues involved.  

You’ve probably told your friends and family that you’re doing Dry July to ask them for donations.  

Don’t stop there. Ask them to join you in your month of sobriety. It’s a lot easier to get through the month when you have a network of people who can encourage you when things get tough.  

5. Be prepared. 

Just because you’re not drinking doesn’t mean you need to avoid all social invitations that may involve alcohol. Be prepared for how you will manage yourself.  

You could decide to stick to non-alcoholic versions of your usual choice, with many venues offering some zero alcohol beers or spirits. Another option is sticking to soda with a squeeze of lime. Or you could even decide to be designated driver and help everyone get home safe.  

6. Drink smarter. 

Don’t limit yourself to only drinking water for the month of July. There are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks you can try.  

Get experimental with a smoothie, throw in some fruit and vegetables that are in the fridge (on the plus side you’ll also be increasing your fruit and veg intake).  

Alternately, have you ever tried hot apple cider on a cold winter’s night?  

Homemade hot apple cider recipe: 

Serving size: 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes   

• 6 large apples, quartered  

• 1/2 orange, halved  

• 2 cinnamon sticks  

• 1/2 tsp. cloves  

• 1/2 tsp. whole allspice  

• 1 whole nutmeg  

Directions:  

1. In a large stockpot over medium heat, add apples, oranges and spices. Cover with water by at least 5 cm. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, 2 hours.   

2. Remove orange halves, then use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash apples. Return to a simmer and let simmer uncovered for 1 hour more.  

3. Strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing on solids with a wooden spoon to squeeze all juices out. Discard solids.   

4. Serve apple cider warm.  

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If you would like to help Cancer Council continue to provide our vital 13 11 20 Cancer Information and Support Service for all Australians affected by cancer, sign up for Dry July.  

Dry July is a great chance to improve your health, have more energy, enjoy better sleep, and reduce your risk of cancer while raising money for Cancer Council. Registrations are now open.