What's Dry January and How Many People Actually Participate?

Do you participate in Dry January?

If you aren't familiar with the term, it's an easy way for anyone sober-curious, struggling with alcohol, or just anyone looking to start the year off on the right foot, to simply test out sobriety during January with other participants around the world.

Dry January originated in the UK in 2014 with a total of 4,000 participants who pledged to take a break from drinking for the first month of the year. It's since grown in popularity and spread across the world. In 2024, 215,000 globally people pledged to abstain from alcohol during Dry January.

I think the allure of a single month of sobriety is that it cuts down on the overwhelming weight of promising to stop drinking forever. You're also not doing it alone and it's an easy way to say "no" to drinks offered by friends at the bar. It's dipping your toes in the sober pool without making too big of a commitment. You can even just treat it like a short reset for your brain and body.

It's a nice long holiday for your liver!

You don't have to have a drinking problem to participate in Dry January or to reap the benefits of taking on the new year with a clear mind and a little extra cash flow you may have otherwise spent at the bar. You might even drop a few pounds or get back into old hobbies that you typically set on the shelf in exchange for a night on the town with your pals.

I'll be participating in Dry January this year. I did it last year, and I can honestly say that January was the best month of my entire year. I spent my time focusing on my health, reading books, and making music, things I tend to put on the back burner all too often. I lost 10 pounds without even trying last January and I was on time for work every single day! Win-win.

I've been looking forward to this reset, and if you're up for the challenge, you should join me!

When the month is up, you can head to the bar and treat yourself to a cold one, or, you just may decide sobriety looks good on you. Either way, I've got your back. Good luck!

For more information or to read testimonials from past participants, click here.

Do you think you might have a problem with alcohol? Click here for help.

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