Dry January isn’t a weather prediction
Dry January has nothing to do with expected precipitation. It’s the annual campaign, started in 2013 in the U.K., that challenges moderate drinkers to give up alcohol for the 31 days of January.
Why would you do that? Because studies have shown that there are positive physiological effects to be gained from taking part in Dry January. An article published in the British Journal of General Practice tells how participants testified how great a month off from alcohol can be: “They sleep better, have more energy, some lose weight and save money, and others notice improvements in their skin and hair.”
We know that reducing or eliminating alcohol long term can significantly decrease the risk of cancer because I mention it just about every article I write on the subject. And of course, I mention how it can decrease the risk of heart and liver problems just about as often.
“The new year is a popular time to take stock of your health and lifestyle choices,” Bethany Agusala, M.D., an internal medicine physician at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, said. “So, now is as good a time as any to try the sober-curious lifestyle. The communal aspect of the Dry January challenge might make it easier, too, particularly if you have friends or family members who want to join you in abstaining from alcohol for 31 days. The dry month is also an opportune time to examine your relationship with alcohol and decide if you might want to change your drinking habits to improve your health.”
She explains that low-risk drinking is defined as having no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two a day for men. “High-risk drinking is more than three drinks a day for women and four a day for men, and this is considered higher risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD).”
We’ll talk about AUD another day. Today we’re focused on the lower-risk drinkers, who often can lose track of how much alcohol they’re consuming during an average week. It’s easy to accept that “just one more” drink, that “night cap” or “one for the road” which is particularly a bad idea if you’re driving.
Dr. Agusala tells of a 2018 study that showed regular drinkers who took a monthlong break from alcohol showed improvement in three key areas: weight, blood pressure and liver function.
“Alcohol provides empty calories, which don’t add nutritional value but can contribute to weight gain,” she said. “Drinking can cause the blood vessels to narrow, which can make existing hypertension worse. Having one drink a day can contribute to developing high blood pressure, especially after age 35. And limiting alcohol for a month can help decrease inflammation, which lowers the risk of developing fatty liver disease, a condition that can progress into cirrhosis of the liver.”
An article published by Massachusetts General Hospital says this about sleep and alcohol: “Although alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, it impairs the overall pattern of your sleep, leading to poor quality sleep and feeling groggy in the morning. By abstaining from alcohol, you may notice improved sleep quality and wake up feeling more refreshed.
“Abstaining from alcohol can also have a positive effect on your mood. Alcohol is a depressant, which may feel like relaxation when consumed, but the next morning can leave you with feelings of anxiety and low mood. By taking a break from alcohol, you may experience increased energy, improved mood, and a greater sense of well-being.”
Dr. Agusala said, “Drinking can trigger the brain to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and motivation. Overindulging can disrupt natural dopamine production, causing the brain to rely on alcohol to feel good. Taking a four-week break helps the body reset and allows you to acknowledge how you feel without alcohol,” she said.
So, now that you have all this information, you can decide if you want to join the millions who will be giving up alcohol for the month of January. Make it easier by recruiting friends and family members, then remember to up your water intake, make healthier food choices, and maybe add an exercise routine or two. Good luck and happy New Year!
Kathy Hubbard is a member of Bonner General Health Foundation Advisory Council. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com.