New App Helps LGBT+ People in Dry January

It’s ‘dry January’, an initiative designed to help people cut back on alcohol consumption. Lesbian and bi women’s magazine DIVA says “ Cutting out alcohol provides countless health and social benefits. By reducing your intake of booze, you can enjoy improved sleep, better hydration, and it even benefits gut health. After three weeks without alcohol, most adults find a boost to their mood and productivity, improving their relationships at work and home. Even if you’re just looking to save some money in the new year, removing alcohol from your weekly shop will help with hitting your financial goals”. A new app from a psychiatrist working within the LGBTQIA communities is helping people cut back or cut out alcohol. Developed by Doctor David McLaughlan, Jitai stands for “Just In Time Adaptive Intervention” and the app will offer a range of personalised tools and techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and their own unique motivation board to help beat temptation.  DIVA Magazine notes “With one in six LGBTQIA people saying that they drank alcohol almost every day over the last year, this app aims to help break cycles of alcoholism within the queer community. By providing 24/7 support, Jitai aims to provide accessible healthcare advice. In a time where 14% of LGBTQIA people admitted that they have avoided accessing healthcare services for fear of discrimination, apps like Jitai will help to provide support without shaming users.”