SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Many New Year's Resolution include goals to improve physical health. One way people aim to get healthier is by reducing their alcohol intake, or going sober for the first month of the year, which is usually called "Dry January." 

As more research is done on alcohol consumption, experts say we are seeing more indicators that drinking is a growing health risk. 

"The literature for a long time pointed towards low and moderate alcohol use being potentially protective whereas the new literature is starting to question whether or not that's true and that not using alcohol is probably actually the healthiest thing for somebody," said Dr. Samuel Sears, the Medical Director for Behavioral Health at OSF HealthCare.

The Wakery in Springfield is aiming to make it easier to become sober or just reduce alcohol consumption. They are the first non-alcoholic bar in central Illinois. They offer cocktails made with non-alcoholic spirits, coffee, and mocktails. 

"I realized that there just weren't that many offerings for people who want something that tastes adult, but maybe don't want the alcohol content," said Elizabeth Wake, who opened the Wakery in 2023. "So I felt that it was really important to have that space where people could have a delicious drink and be able to socialize, but not be surrounded by alcohol."

Wake has planned a special event on each day the Wakery is open in January. She wants to make sure that those started off 2024 sober feel supported in the journey. 

"This is a great place to socialize, and still have that time out with friends, but not be surrounded by alcohol and not be tempted," said Wake.

The Wakery also sells non-alcoholic spirits by the bottle to those who want to come up with their own drinks, or just want to enjoy drinking at home. The staff offer recipes for mocktail to each person who purchases non alcoholic drinks. 

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