‘Dry January’ Can Bring You Health and Happiness in the New Year: How and Where to Start

For many, the new year is a time of resolution, which can come in various forms. After a holiday season of decadent meals, sweet treats, and alcohol, some people choose to do “Dry January” when the new year comes around. But where did the trend of giving up alcohol in January come from? How and why did it start, and more importantly, what are the benefits of giving up alcohol for a month?

Alcohol use in older adults — especially women — has been trending upward over the years with the rate of alcohol use disorder increasing 107% between 2001 and 2013. Drinking alcohol can have a number of negative effects on the body, especially for older adults because of slowed metabolism and decreased body mass.

Whether you’re looking to give alcohol up entirely or cut back on your alcohol consumption, “Dry January” could be a great place to start. Find out why, plus some alcohol alternatives to get your “Dry January” journey started.

When did ‘Dry January’ start?

“Dry January” has only been around since 2013. A woman named Emily Robinson gave up drinking in 2011 after signing up for a half marathon. The following year in 2012, she joined Alcohol Change UK, an alcohol charity in the United Kingdom and once again gave up alcohol in the month of January.

“That got us thinking,” the charity site reads. “If we got more people having a break from booze in January, could we get more people thinking about their drinking? And would they drink less after their month off because actually they enjoyed the break so much?”

In January 2013, Alcohol Change UK hosted the first “Dry January,” which quickly became a world-wide trend among people with health goals, the sober-curious, and beyond. In 2023, 175,000 people participated. For 2024, the charity hopes to have 200,000 people enroll in “Dry January.”

What does ‘Dry January’ mean?

“Dry January” is when people choose to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January. This decision is usually a New Year’s Resolution for many, but it can also be a great way to assess your relationship with alcohol or even kickstart a diet. In some cases, completing “Dry January” inspires people to give up drinking entirely, especially when they see the immediate benefits.

‘Dry January’ benefits

Alcohol can do damage to anyone’s body, especially when it comes to heart disease. But women are more susceptible to alcohol-related heart disease than men regardless of how much less they might consume. Additionally, research points to alcohol causing brain damage more quickly for women than it does for men.

Liver damage is another alcohol-related concern, especially for women. Misuse of alcohol can cause alcohol-associated hepatitis, a potentially fatal liver condition. What’s more, women who have at least one alcoholic beverage a day have a 5-9% higher chance of developing breast cancer — a risk that increases with every additional drink consumed per day.

Cutting out alcohol won’t prevent these conditions from developing, but it may help. Additionally, there are some immediate health benefits you’ll notice if you choose to participate in “Dry January.” A break from alcohol can result in benefits like:

• Weight loss
• Better sleep
• Improved energy and mood
• More physical activity as a result of energy and mood
• A better diet due to fewer calories from alcohol
• Reduced liver fat and blood sugar
• A decrease in growth factors associated with cancer, insulin resistance, and blood pressure

How to do ‘Dry January’: tips for success

Did you know there are guidelines for drinking in the United States? For adults of legal drinking age, “drinking in moderation” means limiting intake to 1 drink a day or less for women. Of course, some individuals, like those with health conditions or those on certain medications, should avoid alcohol entirely.

If you’re interested in cutting alcohol out completely or simply cutting back, here are some “Dry January” tips and tricks:

• Seek support. Inform friends, family, and loved ones of your decision to cut out alcohol. Having this support group can help keep you accountable and have someone to turn to if the task becomes too challenging.
• Take away temptation. Help set yourself up for success by removing alcohol from your home. When you go out, bring your own non-alcoholic drink selections with you, especially if you know there aren’t going to be any present.
• Pick the perfect substitute drink. A successful “Dry January” is all about finding a replacement drink that you love. In many cases, you can find non-alcoholic versions of your favorite cocktails, but there are also dozens of other beverages designed to make cutting back on alcohol easier.

‘Dry January’ drinks

Discover some alternatives to alcohol this January, including an alcohol-free wine, zero-proof mocktails, and more!

Want more tips and tricks for January resoltions? Keep reading!

7 Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Sip During Dry January (Or All Year Round)

Expert Advice: How Do I Stick To My New Year’s Resolutions?

7 Style Resolutions Every Woman Over 50 Should Make for the New Year

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.