Many people choose to participate in a personal initiative called “Dry January.” This experience involves going the entire month without consuming any alcohol. There are various reasons why people choose to do this. For instance, the holidays are often associated with increased indulgences, including more alcohol consumption than usual. Some people may feel as if they need to cleanse and give their bodies a break. 

Other people choose to participate in Dry January because they are interested in what the detox process is like and may be considering sober life. They may know they drink a lot and are interested in cutting back. This is their perfect excuse to give it a try. 

Abstaining from alcohol for an entire month comes with a set of both mental and physical health benefits. In fact, some people feel so much better after completing the month that they choose to give up alcohol completely. 

Exploring the Benefits of Dry January

With January comes a New Year and a fresh chance to break old habits and begin living a happier and healthier life. If you feel like you’ve been drinking too much lately and need a change of pace, Dry January might be right for you. However, if you’re on the fence and feel hesitant about participating, consider some of the following benefits that you can likely expect from the experience. These potential benefits may change your outlook. 

#1. You Will Better Understand Your Relationship With Alcohol

Many people drink when they feel like relaxing or enjoying themselves and don’t think much more of it. For others, the relationship they share with alcohol can be a lot deeper and more complex than they may even realize. 

As we know, it’s normal for people to deal with stress in their day-to-day lives. Turning to alcohol as a way to calm down may seem like a perfect solution to people. While enjoying a beer or a glass of wine at the end of the day is one thing, it becomes a problem when you need that drink to relax. If you can’t cope with stress without the influence of alcohol, you may have a problem. In this situation, it’s vital to find healthier and more long-lasting methods for stress relief and maintaining a sense of well-being. 

Many people also turn to alcohol as a way to deal with mental health problems like depression and anxiety. When you are constantly masking these emotions, you’re not processing what you’re really thinking or feeling. More seriously, you’re not doing anything to fix the real problem. In fact, alcohol is probably making these problems worse. 

#2. You’ll Likely Have Better Quality Sleep

Did you know that alcohol can really disrupt your sleep cycle? This is because it interacts with the chemicals in your body that are intended to help you calm down and relax as you prepare for rest. In addition, even just small amounts of alcohol can impact your REM sleep which is necessary for quality rest. This is why you might wake up after a night of drinking and feel tired, despite having had lots of sleep.

#3. You May Lose Weight

Alcohol carries lots of carbs and empty calories. When you factor in sugary mixers and chasers, the number of those calories goes even higher. It is also important to consider what you’re eating while or after you’re drinking. 

Drinking can impact your decision-making. While under the influence, you might chow down on junk food and choose unhealthier options than you typically would while sober. This can increase how bloated you feel the next morning. Thus, it would make sense that you could easily drop a few pounds by abstaining from alcohol for an entire month. 

More About Dry January  

There are some important things to note when it comes to Dry January. First of all, even though January is the month when a lot of people choose to take a break from drinking, you can still try this exact same concept at any point in the year. It doesn’t have to be January. 

Additionally, this practice might allow you to learn more about yourself, possibly revealing that you’re struggling with substance use disorder. When determining this, some questions to ask yourself include:

• Have you tried to quit drinking and failed?
• Do you hide how much you drink from others?
• Have others confronted you about your drinking?
• Is alcohol affecting your personal relationships?
• Do you often regret the things you do while drinking?

If this is your case, it is important to seek out help today. It’s also important to recognize that you’re not the first person to go through this. There are lots of resources and support available for you. 

Many people choose to participate in Dry January, which involves abstaining from alcohol for an entire month. They may do this because they feel like they need a cleanse after the holidays or because they are curious about what the detox process is like. Abstaining from alcohol for a month leads to many physical and mental benefits. You’ll better understand your relationship with alcohol and your own mental health, you’ll have better quality sleep, and you may even lose a few pounds. Many people who try Dry January choose to give up drinking completely. If you’re struggling with substance use disorder, our team at The Kimberly Center can help. Call (855) 452-3683 today to learn more.