Main Street News

Over the past ten years or so, “Dry January” has become a household term. Often attempted as a New Year’s resolution, Dry January is a challenge (of sorts) for people who are steadily consuming alcohol a bit too often (i.e. exceeding the recommended guidelines of alcohol consumption). It originated as a public health initiative in 2013. Launched by Alcohol Change UK, a British charity and campaign group founded in 1984, the aim of the organization overall is to reduce the harm caused by alcohol. 

Dry January is exactly what it sounds like – no alcohol consumption for the entire first month of the year. The challenge is especially timely coming off the heels of the holidays, during which many of us are likely indulging ourselves more than we typically would due to all of the holiday get-togethers and parties of all sorts. 

Before we get into talking about why people partake in Dry January and whether or not it’s actually worth it, let’s outline what the recommended guidelines of alcohol consumption are. 

The overarching recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption advocate for drinking in moderation or as little as possible. For those who consume alcohol on a semi-regular or regular basis, The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adult men have no more than two drinks per day and adult women have no more than one drink per day. 

For adults 65 years of age and older, the National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention recommends no more than one drink per day.

So, why do people do it? 

In an article by Harvard Medical School, Matthew Solan, the executive editor of Harvard Men’s Health Watch, wrote that “while past observational studies suggested a link between drinking a moderate amount of alcohol and health benefits for some people, more recent research has questioned whether any amount of alcohol improves health outcomes.” 

Solan noted that heavier drinking or long-term drinking can increase physical and mental problems, especially among older adults. Some common issues include heart and liver damage, a higher risk for cancer, a weakened immune system, and memory issues, among others. 

According to a study in BMJ Open, a peer-reviewed medical journal, regular drinkers who abstained from alcohol for an entire month not only slept better and had more energy, but they also lost weight, lowered their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reduced cancer-related proteins in their blood. 

It may improve the way you drink in the long run, too. A study conducted in 2014 by the University of Sussex found that 72% of participants had sustained reduced levels of harmful drinking (drinking over the recommended limits) six months after completing one month alcohol-free. 

Is it worth it? 

The answer to that question will be different for each person. For those, like myself, who drink infrequently with the exception of the occasional glass of wine in social settings or out to dinner, Dry January might not make too much of a difference. For others who like to partake in an alcoholic bevvie multiple times per week, maybe it will. 

When it comes down to it, though, it’s only for one month, so if you feel like Dry January is something that will benefit your health, give it a try! 

The same article from Harvard Medical School outlines some additional tips for a successful Dry January, including finding a substitute non-alcoholic drink for social situations or when you crave a cocktail after a long day; avoiding temptations by keeping your house free of alcohol for the month (or longer!); and let your friends and family know that you’re partaking in Dry January and encourage them to keep you accountable, if necessary. 

Be kind to yourself. If you slip up and have a drink during the month of January, it’s not the end of the world. Recommit to the challenge and try again tomorrow, if you so wish. 

For more information about the origins of Dry January, visit Alcohol Change UK’s website here.