By Charalampos Karouzos,
As the festive season winds down, and slowly life gets back on track after the necessary winter pause, many individuals incorporate into their, often overly ambitious, New Year goals the concept of Dry January or “Drynuary”, a month-long commitment to abstain from alcohol. This burgeoning tradition has gained traction in recent years, with an estimated 15-19% of US adults participating, providing a clean sheet for the new year after the revelries of the winter holidays, a slightly unpickle for their livers.
The inclination to start the year alcohol-free stems from the desire to take an abrupt step away from the holiday mania and perform a very well-needed post-holiday reset. The winter holidays, undoubtedly, are the perfect time for gatherings and reunions among friends and family, not easily arranged outside the holiday season. These get-togethers are commonly held in the presence of an abundance of festive drinks, creating a season synonymous with alcohol indulgence that ranges from champagne toasts on New Year’s Eve, to holiday parties adorned with a variety of cocktails. The aftermath of such celebrations leaves some yearning for a detox, a break from the excesses of the holidays, finding shelter in the idea of Dry January, as an opportunity to recalibrate habits, fostering a healthier trajectory for the coming months, a deliberate decision to break free from the cycle of indulgence and start the year with a focused commitment to well-being.
The alcohol-filled winter holiday season, however, is not a purely social observation but a documented phenomenon in the realm of medicine. The most characteristic case is the firstly documented in 1978 connection between alcohol consumption and irregular heartbeats, titled Holiday heart syndrome. The syndrome promptly named alcohol-induced atrial arrhythmias, is the result of excessive alcohol consumption in the regular function of the heart as a pump of blood, that specifically occurs during the holidays. Data are inconclusive regarding the prevalence of the syndrome, however, as highlighted in the prestigious NEJM “Alcohol is the most common trigger of atrial fibrillation”. Dry January however, extends beyond purely physical health, and the well-known consequences alcohol consumption withholds, positively influencing mental health and overall well-being that take a heavy toll when drinking, thus prompting many of us to use the start of the year as a pivot point for positive change.
Cutting down alcohol for a month is a simple but not easily achieved goal, with many individuals particularly struggling in the first days of abstinence but feeling much better towards the end of the month. As Dr. Nixon said in the related NYT article, it’s normal in the first days to be irritable and a bit depressed, which is the result of the temporal spike of your stress hormones after abruptly stopping alcohol, which will normalize after a few days making you feel better sooner than later. However, for daily heavy consumers of alcohol, men drinking five or more drinks and women drinking 4 or more drinks, it’s necessary to contact their physician before quitting drinking as the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may be very severe including confusion, hallucinations, fever, or seizures.
Although the decision for most people may require determination and perseverance toward the goal, participants report a plethora of benefits of an alcohol-free month. Undoubtedly, one can agree that letting go of an addictive psychoactive drug, that’s directly damaging to many tissues, benefits the overall well-being of the organism. Participants in Drynuary often report improved sleep heightened energy levels, and even enhanced mental clarity. While individual experiences vary, research, although not very extended regarding a single month of abstinence, provides compelling insights into the benefits of Dry January. Studies very clearly indicate that a month of alcohol abstinence can lead to improved liver function, reduced blood pressure, and even weight loss, along with the notable feeling of a sense of accomplishment and pride, factors that greatly contribute to increased confidence and motivation to maintain healthier habits throughout the year. Indeed, a study published in the British Medical Journal showed that participants who completed abstinence experienced health benefits and decreased alcohol consumption six months later.
The dry month often catalyzes positive lifestyle changes, assisting us in adopting habits that extend well beyond the temporary abstinence from alcohol. However, if you start drinking again in February the same amount of alcohol you will not experience the long-term health benefits from Dry January said Dr. Clark, in the NYT. Often participants by drinking for a month realize the quantity of the alcohol they consume and the underlying reason they do so, further helping them to understand the link between drinking and their everyday mood. It’s not uncommon for participants towards the end of the dry month to wander around the question “Do I even need/want alcohol?”
For those contemplating participation in Dry January, success often hinges on the details, careful planning, and presence of robust support systems. Establishing clear goals, communicating intentions to friends and family, and finding alternative activities to replace social drinking can significantly contribute to a positive experience. Further, seeking support from like-minded individuals or engaging in organized challenges can foster a sense of community, making the journey enjoyable and sustainable. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that social settings, habits, and cultural expectations can make the commitment to a dry month challenging. Though, navigating and overcoming these issues leads to discovering new avenues for socializing, unwinding, and coping with stress, and even promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle, not requiring alcohol. Recently, a new tool has been created to assist during the dry month, a smartphone application from the UK that helps track and monitor the calories and money saved by not drinking. The Try Dry app is free to use.
In conclusion, Dry January transcends being a mere trend; it’s a first step toward a healthier lifestyle that in addition provides a chance for self-discovery and improved mental well-being. By choosing to commence the year alcohol-free, we set the stage for positive changes in our lives, that transcend alcohol consumption, aiding in achieving all kinds of goals. As we collectively embark on a new year, let’s raise a metaphorical glass to the possibilities given by a fresh start. Whether one chooses to participate in Dry January or not, the essence lies in making intentional choices that contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling life. Here’s to a year replete with self-discovery, growth, and overall well-being!
References
- Moyer, M. W. (2024). What Are the Health Benefits of Dry January? The New York Times. Available here
- Fairbank, R. (2023). What is holiday heart syndrome and how can you avoid it? Premium. Available here
- Solan, M. (2023). Thinking of trying Dry January? Steps for success. Harvard Health. Available here
