Dry January: Why Bother?

Where did Dry January start and why do people want to do it?

January is upon us and for many people that means a break from the booze. Many people jumping on the bandwagon to have a month free from alcohol may not know where the tradition started. People that choose to participate in Dry January also do so for a variety of reasons. Continue reading to learn where the idea comes from and why people choose to go all in.

We have Finland to thank for Dry January. The tradition dates back to 1942 and began because the Finnish started a campaign for abstinence from alcohol in the month of January. Since then the tradition has grown in popularity with milestones like Alcohol Change UK launching a public Dry January in 2013, crediting Emily Robinson and her experience with a month free from alcoholic beverages.

The healthy trend quickly gained global traction. In 2021, Forbes reported that one in seven Americans participate in Dry January. The popularity of starting the first month of the year has grown year after year. In 2021, 23% of Americans reported interest in a Dry January, which was more than 2020 at 16%.

So, what are the most common reasons people are joining this popular campaign?

Self-assessment

Choosing to stay sober for 31 days allows people to reassess their relationship with alcohol. By deciding to abstain from drinking, an individual can get a clear picture of how important the socially acceptable crutch has become to them. For many participants, they find the plan too difficult to stick with, which may plant a seed in their minds that their drinking habits need further review.

Other drinkers who choose to participate in Dry January feel empowered by their decision. Being able to refuse alcohol while continuing their normal routine reminds them that they are still in control of their drinking. The sober month gives them confidence and a simple reset to their alcohol habits.

It’s Trendy

Dry January has become a movement of sorts. Many schools, workplaces, and social groups encourage participation. When a group of participants jumps on this bandwagon together, it becomes a fun and healthy challenge. People are able to do something great for their minds and bodies while embracing a sense of unity.

Peer pressure is never going away. Even when Dry January is not an organized event in a group, people still participate because of the influence of others. They watch their friends and idols brag about their sober accomplishments and want to join in on the fun.

Financial Reasons

January is one of the hardest months for people to make ends meet financially. Many people overspend at the holidays or drain their bank accounts paying annual bills. Cutting out alcohol for the month allows them to boost their bank accounts.

The average cost of a six-pack of beer is $9. For a drinker that consumes beer at home 4 nights a week, they are able to save $144 by skipping the six-packs in January. A bottle of wine averages out at $8 per bottle, saving 4-time per week drinkers $128 in just one month. These amounts do not even compare to the money saved by someone who puts a pause on buying drinks in a bar or club even one day a week.

Health Benefits

Many people begin each new year with health goals. Some people are concerned about medical diagnoses like high blood pressure or diabetes. Whatever the health goal, taking a break from alcohol lets people jump-start their “new year, new me” campaigns.

January follows November and December which are two of the most common months for people to over-consume food and alcohol. Maybe they want to shed a few pounds or have clearer skin. A Dry January allows people to combat some of the damage they’ve done in the last couple of months of the previous year.

Productivity

New Year’s resolutions are a promise someone makes to themselves to do something different in the coming year. Common New Year resolutions include losing weight, exercising more, getting a promotion, writing more, learning a new skill, and countless other positive goals.

By taking a break from alcohol, people increase their productivity and get a head start towards achieving the Near Year’s Resolutions they’ve made. Drinking has a way of costing people precious time and energy, so setting it aside allows an individual to focus on another priority.

Final Thought

Dry January has been around a very long time and was first made popular in the UK in 2013. Since then it is a tradition that people all over the world participate in. By taking a break from alcohol, people can reassess their relationship with alcohol, collaborate with friends, save money, and boost their health and productivity goals.

Intrigued? Give it a try. It doesn’t have to be January 1st for you to set a month-long goal that will have lasting benefits.

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