Short-term sobriety goal turns long-term and leads to unexpected gift

Did you miss dry January this year? It is not too late to reap the benefits. Creating healthier habits or resolutions often yields more sustainable results when they are not paired with the added stress of the holidays. Making a change or resolution does not need to fall on Jan. 1 or even on a Monday, which Carl Janssen, Chaska, learned when he gave up alcohol two years ago on Feb. 22, 2023.

Carl’s sobriety was prompted by a desire to get in better shape for an upcoming family vacation with his wife, Leah, and their two children. Although he considered himself just a social drinker, he figured abstaining from alcohol during the 30 days prior would help him achieve better results in the gym. Leah joined him in ditching the alcohol.

Navigating societal pressure and social situations

"Initially, social settings were interesting to navigate. As a society, many people expect there to be a significant reason or ‘tipping-point’ behind becoming sober,” Carl shared.

After the initial questions, their friends were supportive and before long, the societal pressure to drink wore off, Carl’s cravings went away after a few weeks, and he began to realize he did not miss having alcohol in his life. “Our vacation came and went, and I did not end up having a drink. Then 60 days passed, then 90; I just kept it going,” Carl said.

Short- and long-term benefits of abstaining from alcohol

“Soon after quitting, I started sleeping better and had more energy. I was motivated to go to the gym, became more aware of what I ate and maintaining a healthier weight became easier. Mentally, I was more present with my family, found I had more patience with my children, and overall, felt less anxiety,” Carl explained.

According to the American Heart Association, there are many short- and long-term benefits to both physical and mental health when you reduce or stop drinking — even if it is just for a short period. Benefits include weight loss, lower blood pressure, improved liver function and reduced insulin resistance, in addition to the benefits Carl experienced.

An unexpected gift from sobriety

Carl and his wife, Leah, had their first child, Jaxson, in 2013, but had difficulty conceiving their second. At that time, Carl was diagnosed with very low sperm count and motility. With the use of fertility treatments, they welcomed their second child, Juliette, in 2018. After those struggles, they had accepted that their family of four was likely complete.

About six months into his sobriety, Carl returned home from a work trip and Leah had news to share — she was unexpectedly pregnant with their third child. The couple was elated! Later, Carl had his sperm count rechecked, and it was higher than ever — which was attributed to his sobriety. Carl and Leah welcomed their miracle baby, Teddie, at Ridgeview’s Birthing Center in 2024 — an unexpected gift they never thought would be possible.