CLEVELAND — Dry January is a challenge many are holding themselves accountable to in the first month of the new year. Participants pledge not to drink alcohol through the whole month. 

What You Need To Know

  • Dry January is when people do not consume alcohol for the month

  • Damp January is when people limit their alcohol consumption for the month

  • Studies show Dry January has health benefits along with saving money 

According to a study in the National Library of Medicine database from the British Journal of General Practice, there are positive physiological effects to be gained from taking part in Dry January. 

The study shows people experiencing improvements in concentration and sleep patterns. They also had reduced cholesterol and lower glucose levels. Participants additionally had lower blood pressure, weight loss, and lost 40% of their liver fat.

David Harris has been doing dry January for four years in a row now. He said it is a reset.

“Because of the holidays, you tend to overindulge in food and adult beverages. I just like to reset and get the body systems back in order and work normally,” Harris said.

After a month of no alcohol, Harris said he feels much better overall. 

“Little more alert, little less foggy,” Harris said. “Every once in a while you lose a few pounds.”

Harris said he lost 14 pounds one year from not drinking and practicing healthier habits for a month. 

After thirty-one days of not drinking and going “cold turkey,” Harris said in February you ease back into it.  

“You certainly don’t just want to jump back in. It becomes less of a planned event. You just don’t do it as much just as a matter of course and you learn that from the dry January,” Harris said.

Paige Aquino will also not be consuming any alcohol in January. This is her first year trying it and for her, it’s a realistic and achievable goal. She said it’s a good way to start the new year on a high note of reaching a goal you set. 

“One of my really good friends, she’s doing dry January with me as well, so I have her to help me get through it,” Aquino said. “I don’t think it’s going to be too challenging either, but I also really enjoy doing fun, mocktails at restaurants when I’m out with my friends too, it’s something I’ve already done in the past so I think I can use that throughout January to stay away from any drinks that have alcohol.”

Another new challenge circulating social media is “damp January.” Aquino said some of her friends are doing this instead of going completely dry. 

“Most of them are setting the goal of having no more than one drink at dinner or some are even doing no more than one drink a week,” Aquino said.

Harvard Health said one piece of advice for a successful dry January is finding a substitute non-alcoholic drink. For social situations, experts recommend reaching for alcohol-free beverages like sparkling water, soda, or mocktails, which are non-alcoholic cocktails. 

In a survey by Morning Consult, last year 15% of U.S. adults said they would observe dry January. That’s down from 19% in 2022. Many people said they wanted to cut back on their alcohol consumption after an increasing trend of drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

And if you or someone you know feels that drinking has become a problem, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline. The number is 1-800-662-HELP. You can also visit the agency’s website.