Good news for anyone thinking of doing “Dry January” – one month without alcohol is linked to better sleep, mood and health.
New research shows even a short break from alcohol can boost health and help drinkers cut back for good.
With the New Year on the horizon, more people are saying cheers to a booze-free January.
And research suggests that the decision might come with some real health benefits and, ultimately, help some people cut back for good.
Scientists at Brown University, Rhode Island in the US, analyzed 16 studies on the month-long alcohol-free challenge known as Dry January.
Involving more than 150,000 participants, the review examined who takes part in Dry January, how they are affected, and what factors helped people succeed.
The study also identified how the campaign might expand and improve participation.
The findings, published in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism, showed that even a short-term pause in drinking can lead to “meaningful” physical and psychological improvements.
Participants who cut out alcohol completely for the month reported improved sleep, better mood, weight loss and even healthier liver function and blood pressure.
They were also more likely to say that they lost weight, were able to concentrate better and had more energy than they did before.
Even those who simply reduced their drinking experienced some improvements in those areas.
Study lead author Dr. Megan Strowger said: “The effort leads to sustained moderation: most participants continue to drink less alcohol rather than increasing consumption afterwards.
“Overall, participating in Dry January allows people to pause, reflect and rethink their relationship with alcohol, including how it affects their social life, mental health and physical health.”
Dry January, which began in the UK in 2013, has grown steadily in popularity, going from 4,000 participants officially registering on the campaign website in 2003, to millions of people now taking part in the challenge globally.
The findings from the new study come at a time when research is shedding further light on the health risks of alcohol and as an increasing number of people are drinking less.
Prof. Suzanne Colby said: “There is so much more support for living an alcohol-free lifestyle now.
“It is more socially acceptable than ever to be ‘sober curious’ or alcohol free.
“Social norms have shifted, in part with the help of influencers on social media sharing the benefits of sobriety and reducing the stigma of not drinking.”
The study also found that people who formally registered and used the campaign tools – such as the Try Dry app, daily coaching emails or text messages – were “significantly” more likely to complete the month alcohol-free and to continue drinking less afterward.
Dry January participants tend to be younger, to be female, to have higher incomes and have a college degree, according to the research.
Participants also tend to identify as heavier than average drinkers – usually a difficult group to reach through intervention programs, according to the research team.
Dr. Matthew Meisel said: “This is a very good thing since drinking alcohol is so ingrained in our society.”
He says one of the biggest takeaways of the study is that even participants who didn’t abstain completely still experienced benefits, including better mental health.
But the review also found some negative side effects of Dry January.
A small number of participants who were unable to complete the month reported drinking more afterward in a so-called “rebound” effect.
The team called for more research on both Dry January and “Damp January” – which calls for only cutting back on alcohol compared to total abstinence.
Prof Colby added: “I think the most important takeaway from our Dry January review is that taking a break from drinking can be reframed as a positive experience.
“I tried it myself and experienced benefits first-hand.”
