PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — More drinkers have been saying cheers to a booze-free January, according to a new study, and that choice might come with real health benefits and ultimately help some people cut back for good.
Published in Alcohol and Alcoholism, the review by researchers from Brown University’s School of Public Health and Warren Alpert Medical School analyzed 16 other studies, with more than 150,000 total participants, that specifically mentioned the term “Dry January.” The team examined who takes part in the month-long alcohol-free challenge, how they are affected and what factors help people succeed. The study also identified how the campaign might expand and improve participation.
Researchers found that even a temporary pause in drinking can lead to meaningful physical and psychological improvements. Participants who cut out alcohol completely for the month reported improved sleep, better mood, weight loss, and healthier liver function and blood pressure. They were also more likely to say that they were able to concentrate better and had more energy. And even those who simply reduced their drinking experienced some improvements in these areas.
“The effort leads to sustained moderation: most participants continue to drink less alcohol rather than increasing consumption afterwards,” said Megan Strowger, who led the project as a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies within Brown’s School of Public Health and is now at the University at Buffalo. “Overall, participating in Dry January allows people to pause, reflect and rethink their relationship with alcohol, including how it affects their social life, mental health and physical health.”
The Dry January public health campaign, which began in the United Kingdom in 2013, has grown steadily in popularity, going from 4,000 people registering on the campaign website in 2013 to millions of people worldwide now taking part in the challenge, according to the researchers. For consistency, the review focused only on studies that evaluated the program in the U.K.
The findings come as studies are expanding the understanding of the health risks of drinking and as alcohol use is decreasing. Data from a recent Gallup poll showed that only 54% of U.S. adults said they consumed alcohol, the lowest percentage in Gallup’s history collecting data on drinking behavior.
“There is so much more support now for living an alcohol-free lifestyle,” said study author Suzanne M. Colby, a professor of behavioral and social sciences at Brown. “It is more socially acceptable than ever to be ‘sober curious’ or alcohol free. Social norms have shifted, in part with the help of influencers on social media sharing the benefits of sobriety and reducing the stigma of not drinking.”
The study also found that people who formally registered and used the campaign tools — such as the Try Dry app, daily coaching emails or text messages — were significantly more likely to complete the month alcohol-free and to continue drinking less afterward.
Participants for Dry January tend to be female, younger and have higher incomes and a college degree, the research showed. Participants also tend to identify as heavy drinkers, which the researchers said is typically a difficult group to reach through intervention programs.
“This is a very good thing since drinking alcohol is so ingrained in our society,” said study author Matthew K. Meisel, assistant professor of behavioral and social sciences at Brown. Meisel says one of the biggest takeaways of the paper is that even participants who didn’t abstain completely still experienced benefits, including better mental health.
The review found some negative side effects of the challenge: A small number of participants who were unable to complete the month reported drinking more afterward in a so-called rebound effect.
To increase the positive effects of the campaign, the authors recommended expanding outreach, partnering with diverse influencers and tailoring messages for a wider audience. They also called for more U.S.-based research on both Dry January and Damp January — which calls for only cutting back on alcohol versus total abstinence — as well as greater investment in tools that help participants set goals, track progress and stay motivated.
“I think the most important takeaway from our review is that taking a break from drinking can be reframed as a positive experience,” Colby said. “I tried it myself and experienced benefits firsthand.”
Colby said that those not participating in Dry January might want to support others who are, since they’re taking a positive step for their health, and added that it’s never too late in the year to try a month-long break from alcohol.