At the start of the new year, many people focus on health and lifestyle. For some, this means exercise or dietary changes; for others, it involves alcohol.
In recent years, Dry January has become a familiar concept and is now being studied more systematically by researchers.
Alcohol and everyday life
Alcohol continues to play a significant role in everyday life in many countries and is responsible for numerous diseases and health problems worldwide.
In this context, Dry January has become a focal point for people seeking a break.
Also read: Scientists find link between daily steps and reduced Alzheimer’s risk
The initiative was launched in 2013 by the organization Alcohol Change UK and has since grown significantly.
According to Popular Science, around 200,000 people officially took part in 2025, while many more participated without registering.
What does the research show?
A review published in the scientific journal Alcohol and Alcoholism compiled results from 16 studies involving more than 150,000 participants.
The researchers, led by Megan Strowger of Brown University, examined the effects of taking a one-month break from alcohol.
Also read: Drop weight loss: How you can improve your health in other ways
She told Popular Science: “Even with a one month pause on drinking, there were noticeable changes in several biomarkers that are associated with alcohol use”.
The researchers were surprised that these changes could be measured after such a short period.
The effects last
In the short term, participants experienced, among other things, better sleep, improved mood, and weight loss.
Improvements were also observed in blood pressure, liver function, and blood sugar levels.
Also read: Hospital opens AI clinic focused on early disease detection
According to Megan Strowger, alcohol affects the body broadly and not only the liver.
However, the most significant result emerged later. Six months afterward, many participants were still drinking less alcohol and had a lower risk of alcohol-related problems.
The researchers emphasize, however, that people with alcohol dependence should consult a doctor before abstaining, as withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous.
Sources: Popular Science, Alcohol Change UK, and Alcohol and Alcoholism.
Also read: Less motivation and lower energy: Why January blues may affect you
Also read: Research links sugary drinks to reduced healthy life minutes
This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.