Each year, millions of people take part in Dry January, which sees them give up booze for the first month of the year.
Now, a medical study has shed light on the effects of the challenge, which could bring tangible health benefits and, for some, help reduce alcohol consumption in the long term.
A review carried out by researchers from the Brown University School of Public Health and the Warren Alpert Medical School in the US analysed 16 studies into Dry January, which began in the UK as a way to recover from excess festive drinking.
The review, which examined data from more than 150,000 participants, looked at who takes part in the challenge, how they are affected, and which factors contribute to its success.
The study was led by researchers from the Centre for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS) and published in the academic journal Alcohol and Alcoholism.
It also explored how the campaign could be expanded and participation improved.
Researchers found that even a short break from alcohol can lead to significant physical and psychological improvements.
Participants who abstained completely for a month reported better sleep, improved mood, weight loss, healthier liver function and lower blood pressure.
They were also more likely to say they felt more energetic, were able to concentrate better and had lost weight.
Importantly, even those who did not fully abstain but reduced their alcohol intake experienced some of these benefits.
‘The effort leads to sustained moderation: most participants continue drinking less alcohol afterwards rather than increasing their intake,’ said Megan Strowger, the study’s lead author, who conducted the research as a postdoctoral fellow at CAAS and is now a postdoctoral associate at the University at Buffalo.
‘Overall, taking part in Dry January allows people to pause, reflect and rethink their relationship with alcohol, including how it affects their social lives, mental health and physical wellbeing,’ she added.
Dry January, which began in the UK in 2013, has grown steadily in popularity. According to the researchers, official registrations increased from just 4,000 people in its early years to millions of participants worldwide today.
