According to the results of a new study recently published in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism, avoiding alcohol consumption for just one month can lead to significant physical and psychological benefits, such as improved sleep, better mood, and weight loss. Specifically, the research study analyzed data from 16 previously published studies on “Dry January,” which involved over 150,000 participants. Researchers examined individuals who participated in Dry January, assessing its effects on participants and also identifying factors that contributed to successful completion of the campaign.
“Our decision to conduct this systematic review stemmed from a recognized research gap,” said study lead author Megan Strowger, postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS) in the School of Public Health at Brown University, in her interview with Medical News Today. “However, the robust, peer-reviewed scientific findings on its actual effects were not centralized or widely known,” Strowger continued. “We saw an urgent need to move past anecdotal evidence, to systematically identify all existing rigorous studies, and provide an unbiased, comprehensive assessment of the campaign’s true impact on participants’ overall health and long-term drinking behaviour.”
The study results revealed that participants who abstained from alcohol throughout Dry January reported significant improvements in sleep and mood, greater energy and weight-loss capacity, and favourable changes in liver function and blood pressure. Researchers also found that study participants who used Dry January support tools, such as apps and daily motivational emails or text messages, were more likely to complete the month without alcohol and to sustain lower alcohol consumption afterward.
The significance of these findings is that they underscore a crucial principle of behavioral health: willpower alone is often not enough for sustained change,” Strowger said. “The study demonstrates that digital tools such as the tracking apps, motivational content (emails/texts), and online community groups, are not just supplementary; they are highly effective mechanisms that significantly increase the likelihood of success and long-term reduction.”
An article published by Medical News Today authored by Corrie Pelc offered recommendations for successful Dry January participation and completion by several health experts, including ensuring adequate preparation, registering with official programs, using apps or motivational tools, and communicating goals openly with friends and family. Furthermore, health experts also recommend setting realistic expectations, planning alcohol-free activities, avoiding alcohol near bedtime, and seeking professional help if alcohol use is difficult to manage.
