A recent review published in Alcohol and Alcoholism by researchers from Brown University School of Public Health and the Warren E. Alpert Medical School has found that participating in 'Dry January' can result in significant physical and psychological benefits. The review analyzed 16 studies involving over 150,000 participants to assess who takes part in the month-long alcohol-free challenge, its effects, and factors contributing to participant success.
The research team, led by the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS), reported that even a temporary break from alcohol could lead to improved sleep, better mood, weight loss, healthier liver function, and lower blood pressure. Participants also noted enhanced concentration and increased energy levels. Those who reduced their drinking without fully abstaining still experienced some of these improvements.
Lead author Megan Strowger stated, "The effort leads to sustained moderation: most participants continue to drink less alcohol rather than increasing consumption afterwards." She added, "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."
Dry January originated in the United Kingdom in 2013. According to the researchers, participation has grown globally from just 4,000 official registrants on the campaign website in 2003 to millions today.
The study's findings coincide with a broader trend of declining alcohol use. A recent Gallup poll indicated that only 54% of U.S. adults reported consuming alcohol—the lowest rate since Gallup began tracking this behavior.
Suzanne M. Colby, professor of behavioral and social sciences at Brown University, commented on changing attitudes toward sobriety: "There is so much more support for living an alcohol-free lifestyle now. 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 review also highlighted that individuals who registered for Dry January through official channels—using tools like the Try Dry app or receiving daily coaching emails or texts—were more likely both to complete the challenge and maintain reduced drinking afterward.
Demographically, Dry January participants tend to be younger women with higher incomes and college degrees; they are often heavier-than-average drinkers—a group typically hard to reach through traditional intervention programs.
Matthew K. Meisel, assistant professor of behavioral and social sciences at Brown University said: "This is a very good thing since drinking alcohol is so ingrained in our society." He noted that even those unable to abstain completely still saw mental health benefits.
However, some negative outcomes were observed: a small number of participants who did not complete Dry January reported increased drinking afterward—a phenomenon known as rebound effect.
Study authors recommend expanding outreach efforts by partnering with diverse influencers and tailoring messages for broader audiences. They also call for additional U.S.-based research on both Dry January (total abstinence) and Damp January (reduced consumption), as well as greater investment in supportive tools for goal-setting and motivation.
"I think the most important takeaway from our Dry January 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."
