Windham County Prevention Partnership (WCPP) is encouraging the community to go substance-free in January 2024.
"Substances can be anything we use out of habit to comfort ourselves in times of stress, uncertainty, loneliness, or boredom," said organizers in a press release. "Examples include alcohol, cannabis, sugar, technology or caffeine."
They invite others to join them on "a powerful and transforming journey in the new year, prioritizing substance over substances for the full month of January," which will "reap great health advantages."
WCPP called Dry January "a fantastic way to reclaim your mental and physical well-being, boost your energy and attention, discover new interests and activities, and create healthy habits for long-term wellness."
While WCPP says they recognize "that giving up alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, technology or sweets can seem intimidating" and that "starting out can be difficult, and breaking free from previous patterns is no easy task," they say that doing so "gets simpler with time, and the benefits are tremendous."
By participating in this campaign, "you will become a part of a caring community that understands your challenges, offers encouragement, and celebrates every step along the road," WCPP said.
The Windham County Prevention Partnership is a collaboration between Building a Positive Community, Deerfield Valley Community Partnership, and West River Valley Thrives, working together "to support a comprehensive effort to promote wellness and prevent the use/misuse of substances, primarily by youth and young adults, in Windham County."
For additional information or to sign up for Dry January, visit wcpp.link/sos.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.