Why Do People Do Dry January?

Why do people do dry January? The simple answer is that many people look to make changes with the new year, and one of the ways they can do this is by taking a look at their own drinking habits. However, there’s much more of an answer to this question than just wanting to drink less for a month.

Dry January is the perfect opportunity to do so in the company of many others. Over the past decade or so, it has become a popular movement wherein participants abstain from alcohol for the month of January. It has become a well-known event that many people see as a way to reset health and rethink drinking habits.

What Is Dry January?

Dry January was originally a campaign started by the charity Alcohol Change UK in 2013. It has grown over the years, and the charity says that the number of people participating has more than doubled in the last five years alone, from 4.2 million in 2019 to 8.5 million in 2024.

Alcohol Change UK and its partners still run the official Dry January campaign, but the concept, in general, has also taken hold in people’s minds all across the world. Many people may be attempting their own alcohol-free January without necessarily signing up or taking part in the official campaign or even knowing where the idea originated.

The important thing is that Dry January can help individuals take a break from alcohol and reflect on their drinking habits. As well as bringing a number of immediate benefits, it can also serve as a catalyst for some people to make lasting changes moving forward.

Top Reasons People Participate in Dry January

So why do people do Dry January? There are a number of reasons that can vary from one person to the next. Some people want to improve their physical and mental health, with potential improvements including better sleep, losing weight and increasing energy. Cutting out alcohol can also save a lot of money, which can be particularly welcome in the post-festive period.

Others may use Dry January as an opportunity to reassess their relationship with alcohol or explore sobriety. This may be particularly relevant for people who have started to become concerned about their own drinking. Dry January can also be used as a fund-raising opportunity.

The largest study to date on Dry January surveyed more than 6,000 participants, as well as members of the general population who did not take part. The most commonly cited reasons for taking part, given in order, were:

• To have a break from alcohol,
• To improve health
• To prove something to themselves
• To lose weight
• To have more energy
• To improve sleep
• To gain more control over drinking
• To improve concentration
• To save money
• To raise money for charity

The Health Benefits of Taking a Break from Alcohol

There are many potential benefits of Dry January. Of the participants mentioned in the study above, some of the self-reported benefits included:

• 86% had saved money
• 81% felt more in control of their drinking
• 70% were sleeping better
• 67% had better concentration
• 66% had more energy
• 65% had generally better health
• 54% had lost weight

There is also plenty of evidence regarding the damage that alcohol can do and the benefits of even a relatively short break from drinking. One study in moderate to heavy drinkers found that a month’s abstinence improved insulin resistance, lowered weight, improved blood pressure and led to a reduction in cancer-related growth factors compared to the control group.

You might also notice other benefits after 31 days, like improved mood, better skin and a boost to your immune system, making you less susceptible to illnesses like colds and flu. However, one of the most important benefits of Dry January is its potential to have participants make changes to their relationship with alcohol over the longer term.

Dry January as a Gateway to Long-Term Changes

For some people, the link between Dry January and sobriety can last for longer than 31 days. It was always envisioned as a way to get people to question their drinking habits, and it can inspire participants to adopt healthier drinking habits year-round or explore a sober lifestyle.

The health benefits of quitting alcohol are long established and backed by mountains of evidence. Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for death, ill health and disability among 15–49-year-olds in the UK and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages. It is linked to a wide range of health conditions, and there is no safe level of drinking – only more and less harmful ones.

As well as physical issues such as liver disease raised blood pressure, and certain forms of cancer, alcohol consumption has been linked to mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. It can cost a lot and lead to poor decisions and behaviour – which could, in turn, lead to an increased risk of accidents, unsafe sex and conflict with strangers and loved ones alike. There is also a risk of dependency and addiction.

Challenges and Tips for Success

If you’re thinking of going for an alcohol-free January but are worried you might not last the course, there are a few things you can try to improve your chances of success. You could try:

• Substituting alcoholic drinks for an alternative like mocktails
• Avoid temptations – don’t have alcohol in the house or go to usual drinking spots
• Join a support group
• Participate with friends or family members

You can also download the Alcohol Change UK Dry January app. In addition to more tips, it has loads of features such as a tracker for units, calories and money saved, notes to record your feelings and thoughts, and a well-being tracker for sleep, energy levels, mood, and craving intensity.

The Role of Dry January in Raising Awareness

As well as the benefits to the individuals participating in the event, Dry January also serves to raise awareness of some of the issues surrounding alcohol consumption and the UK’s drinking culture.

You may want to consider participating in Dry January as an opportunity for self-care and personal reflection. If you are exploring the possibilities of a sober lifestyle or need assistance with addiction recovery, Addiction Advocates can provide resources and professional assistance. Get in touch today to find out more about how we can help you move to a new life free from addiction.