Each January, thousands of people around the world take part in Dry January, a campaign launched by the charity Alcohol Change UK in 2013.
The idea is simple: spend the first month of the year alcohol-free.
What began as a small health initiative has become a global movement, with more than 175,000 official participants in 2023, and many more joining unofficially.
According to research led by Professor Richard de Visser at the University of Sussex published in Psycholoy and Health, even a short period of abstinence can produce measurable benefits for both physical and mental health.
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Better sleep, sharper focus
Although alcohol can make people feel drowsy, it actually interferes with deep, restorative sleep.
Richard De Visser’s studies found that over half of Dry January participants reported sleeping better by the end of the month. Many also felt more alert and energetic during the day.
Physiologically, one alcohol-free month can lead to lower levels of liver fat, improved blood sugar control, and healthier cholesterol readings.
For many, these early changes are a powerful reminder of how quickly the body begins to recover once alcohol is removed.
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Finding control that lasts
The psychological impact can last well beyond January.
In a parallel research published in Alcohol and Alcholism, participants said they felt more in control of their drinking habits and more confident about making healthier choices.
About 40 percent reported continuing to drink less in the months that followed.
Experts note that community support plays a major role in success.
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People who signed up through Alcohol Change UK and used its online tools were twice as likely to complete the challenge as those who went solo.
Dry January isn’t suitable for everyone. People with alcohol dependence should seek professional help, but for most, it offers a meaningful reset and a chance to start the year with clearer focus, better rest, and renewed self-control.
Sources: The Conversation, Alcohol Change UK, Psycholoy and Health, and Alcohol and Alcholism.
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