‘Dry January’ Can Bring You Health and Happiness in the New Year: How and Where to Start
Thinking about 'Dry January?' These non-alcoholic options can help!
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For many, the new year is a time of resolution, which can come in various forms. After a holiday season of decadent meals, sweet treats, and alcohol, some people choose to do "Dry January" when the new year comes around. But where did the trend of giving up alcohol in January come from? How and why did it start, and more importantly, what are the benefits of giving up alcohol for a month?
Alcohol use in older adults — especially women — has been trending upward over the years with the rate of alcohol use disorder increasing 107% between 2001 and 2013. Drinking alcohol can have a number of negative effects on the body, especially for older adults because of slowed metabolism and decreased body mass.
Whether you're looking to give alcohol up entirely or cut back on your alcohol consumption, "Dry January" could be a great place to start. Find out why, plus some alcohol alternatives to get your "Dry January" journey started.
When did 'Dry January' start?
"Dry January" has only been around since 2013. A woman named Emily Robinson gave up drinking in 2011 after signing up for a half marathon. The following year in 2012, she joined Alcohol Change UK, an alcohol charity in the United Kingdom and once again gave up alcohol in the month of January.
"That got us thinking," the charity site reads. "If we got more people having a break from booze in January, could we get more people thinking about their drinking? And would they drink less after their month off because actually they enjoyed the break so much?"
In January 2013, Alcohol Change UK hosted the first "Dry January," which quickly became a world-wide trend among people with health goals, the sober-curious, and beyond. In 2023, 175,000 people participated. For 2024, the charity hopes to have 200,000 people enroll in "Dry January."
What does 'Dry January' mean?
"Dry January" is when people choose to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January. This decision is usually a New Year's Resolution for many, but it can also be a great way to assess your relationship with alcohol or even kickstart a diet. In some cases, completing "Dry January" inspires people to give up drinking entirely, especially when they see the immediate benefits.
'Dry January' benefits
Alcohol can do damage to anyone's body, especially when it comes to heart disease. But women are more susceptible to alcohol-related heart disease than men regardless of how much less they might consume. Additionally, research points to alcohol causing brain damage more quickly for women than it does for men.
Liver damage is another alcohol-related concern, especially for women. Misuse of alcohol can cause alcohol-associated hepatitis, a potentially fatal liver condition. What's more, women who have at least one alcoholic beverage a day have a 5-9% higher chance of developing breast cancer — a risk that increases with every additional drink consumed per day.
Cutting out alcohol won't prevent these conditions from developing, but it may help. Additionally, there are some immediate health benefits you'll notice if you choose to participate in "Dry January." A break from alcohol can result in benefits like:
Weight loss
Better sleep
Improved energy and mood
More physical activity as a result of energy and mood
A better diet due to fewer calories from alcohol
Reduced liver fat and blood sugar
A decrease in growth factors associated with cancer, insulin resistance, and blood pressure
How to do 'Dry January': tips for success
Did you know there are guidelines for drinking in the United States? For adults of legal drinking age, "drinking in moderation" means limiting intake to 1 drink a day or less for women. Of course, some individuals, like those with health conditions or those on certain medications, should avoid alcohol entirely.
If you're interested in cutting alcohol out completely or simply cutting back, here are some "Dry January" tips and tricks:
Seek support. Inform friends, family, and loved ones of your decision to cut out alcohol. Having this support group can help keep you accountable and have someone to turn to if the task becomes too challenging.
Take away temptation. Help set yourself up for success by removing alcohol from your home. When you go out, bring your own non-alcoholic drink selections with you, especially if you know there aren't going to be any present.
Pick the perfect substitute drink. A successful "Dry January" is all about finding a replacement drink that you love. In many cases, you can find non-alcoholic versions of your favorite cocktails, but there are also dozens of other beverages designed to make cutting back on alcohol easier.
'Dry January' drinks
Discover some alternatives to alcohol this January, including an alcohol-free wine, zero-proof mocktails, and more!
Best Electrolyte Drink for Dry January : Liquid I.V. Multiplier Bundle
Best Zero-Proof Mocktails for Dry January : Recess Zero Proof Sampler
Best Sparkling Adaptogen Drink for Dry January : Odyssey Sparkling Mushroom Elixir
Best Healthy Soda for Dry January : Olipop Classic Soda Variety Pack
Best Energy Drink for Dry January : waterdrop Sports Energy Set
Best Non-Alcoholic White Wine for Dry January : Thomson & Scott Noughty Alcohol-Free Sparkling Chardonnay
Best Non-Alcoholic Red Wine for Dry January : Sovi Red Wine Duo
Best Non-Alcoholic Negroni Sbagliato for Dry January : Curious Elixir No. 1 Booze-Free Cocktail
Best Non-Alcoholic Apéritifs for Dry January : De Soi Dry January Deluxe
Best Non-Alcoholic Rum for Dry January : FLUèRE Spiced Cane
Best Cannabis-Infused Social Tonic for Dry January : Cann Starter Pack
Best Herbal Alcohol Alternative for Dry January : Free Spirit Minis Set
Liquid I.V. Multiplier Bundle
Best Electrolyte Drink for Dry January
Why You'll Love It
Hydrates better than water alone with zero sugars and artificial sweeteners
Contains 3x the electrolytes in the leading sports drink
Contains eight vitamins and nutrients to hydrate faster and promote all-around wellness
Promising Review: "I am over 60 and have a tendency to get dehydrated. Since I have the Liquid IV all is goo and I love the wild berry flavor plus the added immune support."
Recess Zero Proof Sampler
Best Zero-Proof Mocktails for Dry January
Buy from Recess, $30 for 8-pack
$40 for a subscription 12-pack
Recess is also on Amazon! The full collection is 30% off now through Jan. 7, 2024.
Why You'll Love It
Made with real ingredients, uplifting guayusa & balancing adaptogens
5 grams of sugar or less (sweetened with agave!)
10mg of natural caffeine from guayusa
Promising Review: "I used to go to bars, now I go to house parties and show up with a case of Recess."
Odyssey Sparkling Mushroom Elixir
Best Sparkling Adaptogen Drink for Dry January
Buy from Amazon, $38 for 12-pack
Why You'll Love It
Functional ingredients like Panax Ginseng to boost energy and Green Tea, which aids in digestion and improves heart and mental health
85mg of L-Theanine to promote relaxation and mental well being by reducing stress and anxiety levels
Use code DRYJANUARY for purchases from the Oddyssey Elixir site for discounts throughout the month:
Jan. 1-7: 30% off
Jan. 8-14: 20% off
Jan. 15-21: 15% off
Jan. 22-31: 10% off
Olipop Classic Soda Variety Pack
Best Healthy Soda for Dry January
Buy from Olipop, $36 for 12-pack
Why You'll Love It
9 grams of fiber
2-5 grams of sugar
Non-GMO
Classic flavors like Cream Soda, Vintage Cola, and Classic Root Beer
Promising Review: "I am giving up regular soda. This is so good."
waterdrop Sports Energy Set
Best Energy Drink for Dry January
Buy from Amazon, $37 for 48 cubes
Why You'll Love It
Get your energy kick with all natural caffeine (the cubes come in three different strengths!)
Zero sugar, hello hydration
Promising Review: "Love all three. They have great flavor. I used to drink energy drinks and now I only drink one of these in the morning."
Thomson & Scott Noughty Alcohol-Free Sparkling Chardonnay
Best Non-Alcoholic White Wine for Dry January
Why You'll Love It
Organic, sustainably sourced, and free of unnecessary fillers
Vegan — no animal by-products are used in the filtration process!
Promising Review: "I was amazed at how this tasted so close to a sparkling wine but was a no alcohol product. It's a bit on the sweet side, but that's what I was going for. Excellent carbonation as well, not like a soda at all, but exactly what it's supposed to be."
Sovi Red Wine Duo
Best Non-Alcoholic Red Wine for Dry January
Comes With
A Red Blend, a lighter style red with lots of bright red fruit
A Reserve Red, which is richer and savory with complexity from a long oak aging process
Curious Elixir No. 1 Booze-Free Cocktail
Best Non-Alcoholic Negroni Sbagliato for Dry January
Buy from Curious Elixirs, $36 with subscription (8 cocktails in 4 bottles)
$40 for one-time purchase
Why You'll Love It
Gluten and caffeine free
Free of preservatives, sulfates, and fillers
Organic ingredients
No refined sugar
Made with herbs and adaptogens for stress relief
De Soi Dry January Deluxe
Best Non-Alcoholic Apéritifs for Dry January
Buy from De Soi, $122 with subscription
Why You'll Love It
Blended with mood-boosting adaptogens like lion's mane, ashwagandha, and passion flower, each of our flavors gives you the buzz you crave without the booze
Come ready to sip, so all you have to do is pop them in the fridge, pour them into a pretty glass, and enjoy
FLUèRE Spiced Cane
Best Non-Alcoholic Rum for Dry January
Why You'll Love It
24-months shelf life
Delicious notes of chocolate and coffee, it is further enriched with the sweetness of Dominican sugar cane, tonka bean and spices
Easy to mix in simple cocktails like Cuba Libre or Zero Proof Mule
Cann Starter Pack
Best Cannabis-Infused Social Tonic for Dry January
Why You'll Love It
2MG THC + 4MG in every serving (12oz "Hi Boy" servings contain contain 5MG THC + 10MG CBD)
Promising Review: "The flavors are so nice and refreshing. And the buzz takes some time for me but it’s very nice. Better than being drunk and nice to not have a hangover the next day."
Free Spirit Minis Set
Best Herbal Alcohol Alternative for Dry January
Why You'll Love It
Stress-soothing and sleep-promoting herbs in Wine Down? help relax the mind and body while easing you into deep, restful sleep
Nervine herbs in Take the Edge Off? help calm head and muscle tension while cooling the nervous system after high-stress episodes
Uplifting and adaptogenic herbal ingredients in Rosé-Tinted Glasses? help boost the mood and mental clarity while promoting moisturize and tone in the skin
Promising Review: "I have been on Ambien for years as it was the only sleep medication that I could take that helped me to fall asleep right away. I have tried many other sleeping medications as well. Then a friend told me about take the edge off. I take one dropper full under my tongue and within 30 min or so I am able to fall asleep. I wake up the next morning feeling refreshed and not drowsy. Take the edge off has changed my life for the better!!"
Want more tips and tricks for January resoltions? Keep reading!
7 Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Sip During Dry January (Or All Year Round)
Expert Advice: How Do I Stick To My New Year’s Resolutions?
7 Style Resolutions Every Woman Over 50 Should Make for the New Year
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
