It’s Time for Dry January: Why People Cut Back on Drinking Alcohol

Dry January is here. This month-long sobriety challenge continues to grow in popularity, especially as those participating report on social media and to others about the overall benefits they experience. As we noted during Sober October, or Ocsober, people find that a month-long hiatus from alcohol can positively affect physical well-being, enhance sleep and encourage the exploration of alcohol alternatives. According to the Washington Post, “people who participate in Dry January and other sobriety challenges frequently experience lasting benefits.” 

What are some of the reasons for cutting back? Let’s hear directly from our study participants!

• “I want to be skinnier and have better skin. Alcohol makes me gain weight and not feel my best self.” (Woman, age 21-34, planning to participate in Dry January)
• “I want to live a more healthy lifestyle. This would include drinking less alcoholic beverages.” (Man, age 45-54)
• “The reason I decided to limit my drinking is because I want to be healthy and alcohol is not as good for you as water.” (Woman, age 21-34)
• “In this next year my plan is to equal the amount of all alcoholic beverages intake with non alcoholic drinks for health and mental health purposes.” (Woman, age 21-34)

• “The initial reason for drinking less is the cost of alcohol. This money could be spent elsewhere. Next, because I don’t need it to have fun.” (Woman, age 45-54)
• “Cost. With the state of the economy it has gotten considerably more difficult to splurge on alcoholic beverages.” (Man, age 21-34)

• “I would like to drink more with purpose [in 2024]. I want to drink less at home and instead enjoy drinking at a restaurant or dining experience catered to cocktails and fine dining.” (Woman, age 21-34)
• “I only like to drink when I’m in a meeting with other people and on special occasions or specific occasions.”  (Woman, age 21-34)
• “I only really drink for the occasion and not for the effects it gives me. I wouldn’t normally enjoy it unless I was in a social setting.” (Man, age 21-34)