Dry January! How Microdosing helps Breaking Alcohol Habits

Addiction isn’t what it seems.

Our team is here to help anyone who finds themselves struggling with alcohol or other addictions. You are not alone. Earth Resonance was founded with exactly that mission — to break away from shame, guilt, and fear. We’re here to raise awareness.

It’s not just the image of someone hitting rock bottom; it’s far more subtle, insidious, and adhesive. It sticks to routines, seeps into social norms, and disguises itself as harmless habits — like that evening glass of wine.

Research shows that women in their 40s are particularly at risk. Why? The wine culture. It’s glamorized as a way to unwind after a long day. But what starts as a reward can turn into reliance. Studies reveal that even moderate drinking among women can escalate to dependency without them realizing it. According to a study published in the journal Addiction, middle-aged women are more likely to develop alcohol use disorder due to increased social pressures and the normalization of alcohol in stress relief routines (Anderson et al., 2020).

So, when does drinking become addictive? It’s not about hitting a specific number of glasses. It’s about the shift from wanting to drink to needing to drink. If you find yourself reaching for that glass out of habit or to cope, it might be time to pause. Research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) highlights that the transition from casual drinking to dependency often involves changes in brain pathways related to stress and reward systems (Koob et al., 2019).

What is addiction?
It’s a complex mix of mental and physical dependency. It hijacks the brain's reward system, making it crave the very thing that causes harm. With alcohol, that harm starts the moment you take a sip. Studies show that alcohol consumption affects the prefrontal cortex, impairing decision-making and emotional regulation (Volkow et al., 2021).

One glass of wine? Your brain releases dopamine — the feel-good chemical. But here’s the kicker: that dopamine hit is followed by a crash, making you crave more. Meanwhile, alcohol disrupts neurotransmitters, dulling your brain’s ability to process emotions and impairing cognitive function. In simple terms? It makes you feel good temporarily, but leaves your brain worse off. According to the World Health Organization, even small amounts of alcohol can contribute to long-term cognitive decline and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (WHO, 2018).

And let’s not sugarcoat it: alcohol is a neurotoxin. It’s toxic to your brain cells, causing inflammation and shrinking your brain over time. That’s why moderation isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a necessity.

This Dry January, we’re not here to judge. We’re here to raise awareness. Because the real magic happens when you start to recognize these patterns. Let’s make this month about breaking sticky habits — and finding freedom beyond the bottle.

Microdosing and Habit Change

Emerging research suggests that microdosing psychedelics, such as psilocybin, can play a significant role in habit change and addiction recovery. Microdosing involves taking sub-perceptual doses of a psychedelic substance, which can help promote neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to rewire itself. A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that individuals who microdosed experienced reduced cravings and improved emotional regulation, both critical in overcoming addictive behaviors (Polito & Stevenson, 2019).

Alcohol hijacks the brain’s reward system, but microdosing can help reset it. By enhancing cognitive flexibility and fostering new neural connections, microdosing supports healthier coping mechanisms. Instead of reaching for that glass of wine, microdosing can encourage mindfulness, introspection, and a deeper connection to one's goals. It’s not about replacing one substance with another; it’s about empowering the mind to break free from destructive cycles, feeling and processing emotions and acknowledging them instead of avoiding them or constantly.

This is not an easy process, but we are here to help! This January we are encouraging you to replace your wine with water or thee! Sounds boring? Try this! Brew your microdose in a cup, and you elevate your evening! 

If you are interested in starting your microdosing journey, start with our Microdosing Starter Package and take the first step toward a healthier, more mindful life. Go Alcohol free this month and take 15% off with the discount code ALCOHOLFREE