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Dry January 2026 Gains Steam as Review Finds Measurable Health Benefits

Experts say structured support improves outcomes.

Overview

  • A systematic review in Alcohol and Alcoholism pooling 16 studies and more than 150,000 participants reports better sleep, mood, blood pressure, liver markers and modest weight loss after a month without alcohol.
  • Researchers and campaign data indicate that registration, tracking apps, daily motivational messages and online communities substantially raise the odds of completing the month and support lower drinking afterward.
  • Clinicians caution that people with heavy dependence should not stop drinking abruptly without medical supervision due to potentially life‑threatening withdrawal risks.
  • Survey findings show many participants slip in the first week and only a minority finish the month alcohol‑free, prompting pragmatic tips and flexible options such as “Damp January.”
  • Market signals reflect a cultural shift as Gallup reports the lowest share of U.S. adults drinking on record, NIQ finds Dry January boosts non‑alcoholic sales, and consumers increasingly alternate between alcoholic and zero‑proof drinks.