Dry January: What a Month Without Alcohol Can Do for Your Health

Dry January has become one of the most popular New Year's health trends, with people across the country taking a break from alcohol—or at least cutting back—for the first month of the year. According to experts, even a short pause from drinking can lead to noticeable health improvements.

Psychologist Katie Witkiewitz at the University of New Mexico says abstaining from alcohol for just four weeks can make a real difference. Many participants report better sleep, increased energy, weight loss, more physical activity, and an overall sense of improved well-being.

"Dry January is a great opportunity to stop drinking or even reduce your drinking for the month," Witkiewitz said.

Sticking with it can be the hard part. Witkiewitz recommends recruiting friends or family to join you for built-in social support. She also suggests having a go-to non-alcoholic drink ready—whether that's sparkling water, club soda with lemon, or a mocktail—so ordering out or stocking the fridge at home becomes second nature.

Challenging moments can also be useful. Witkiewitz says noticing when it's hardest to skip a drink can reveal how much you may be relying on alcohol without realizing it.

And if you slip up? Don't let it end the effort entirely.

"If you're trying Dry January and you experience a time of drinking, it's totally fine to just start it back up again," she said.