Dry January and the Benefits of 31-Days Alcohol Free

What is Dry January?

Dry January is a challenge or commitment that people make to abstain from drinking alcohol for the month of January. 

While it seems like Dry January has been “a thing” forever, I recently learned that the first official campaign was launched in 2013. It was organized by Alcohol Change UK, a leading alcohol charity in the United Kingdom that “works for a society that is free from harm caused by alcohol”. That makes this January the twelfth year of their campaign. 

However, it turns out that organized breaks from alcohol actually date back to 1942, when Finland deemed the first month of the year “Sober January” to aid the war effort against the Soviet Union. 

As we enter 2025, Dry January Challenges have popped up all over the place, most heavily across North America and Europe. I’m excited to be facilitating a Dry January Group Challenge, available to women around the world. Learn more about it here. 

Why Do People Participate in Dry January?

As is the case with sobriety, there are a variety of reasons why someone may decide to participate in a Dry January challenge. 

• The holiday season tends to include lots of parties, family gatherings, work functions, etc. etc. which for many folks means over indulging in things that are not good for us, including alcohol. So, they see Dry January as a way to take a break from alcohol and recover.  

• Others join along for Dry January because they are concerned they may drink too much and are looking to take a break and see how they feel by the end of the month. It’s a way to slow down, and check-in with themselves. For some, this may be a first intentional break from drinking. 

• Health-related goals are among the most common New Year’s resolutions, which leads to the next reason why people decide to join a Dry January challenge. They want to improve their health and start the year off with a focus on their health and wellness. 

• And for some people, they are already in the process of removing alcohol from their lives and use this as an opportunity to work towards that long-term goal. 

I had many breaks from drinking (including a number of Dry January challenges) before I finally quit. But each one brought me closer to that last Day 1. 

Benefits of Dry January 

No matter what the reason is for joining Dry January, there are a number of benefits of participating. These benefits include: 

• The normalization of reducing alcohol intake.

• Better sleep.

• Improved health. 

• Weight loss.

• Saving money. 

• Reducing stress and anxiety. 

Are You Ready For Your Dry January? 

Here’s the thing. Dry January isn’t just about saying no to wine or those weekend martini’s. It’s about saying yes to taking care of you.

I did my fair share of Dry January’s before I quit drinking for good. Some went well, some I threw in the towel after a couple of days. Usually my only “plan” was: Do dry January.  Nothing else. Hence the throwing in the towel. 

This is why I’ve created a month-long Dry January coaching program. For $50 you will get: 

• A Daily Workbook to guide you through each day.

• Weekly live coaching calls (with replays!) to keep you on track.

• Access to our supportive online community of women just like you.

• Step-by-step strategies to handle triggers and build lasting habits.

Imagine waking up every day feeling PROUD of yourself—glowing from the inside out, present for your family, and ready to crush your goals.

One of the things I wish I knew the first time I tried a Dry January challenge was this: you don’t need to give up on a Dry January if you slip and have a drink. You can move forward and continue on for the rest of the month. It’s about progress, not perfection. 

This is why I am so excited to be leading this group challenge. I will guide you along through the month and provide you the tools and insights to help you reach your sober or sober curious goals.

You will join a community of women who share deeply, have big goals, and hold others accountable in a space where Love, Safety and Belonging are cherished. You will be supported and guided on exactly what to do when you feel like throwing in the towel. It makes a difference. 

My Dry January Coaching Group is here to help you:

• Break the habit with tools that actually work.

• Feel energized, clear-headed, and confident.

• Build a support system with other like-minded women.

• Create lasting habits that go beyond January.

This is your chance to see how amazing life feels without alcohol. 

Feeling energized and ready to go? I’ve created a list on Amazon of my favorite things to support you through your Dry January.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. #shareAsale