Overview
- Brown University researchers synthesized 16 studies covering more than 150,000 participants and found consistent improvements in sleep, mood, energy, concentration, weight, and overall well-being after a month without alcohol.
- Measured biological changes included lower blood pressure, reduced liver fat, improved blood glucose and insulin measures, and decreases in cancer‑related growth factors.
- Many participants continued to drink less after the month and reported greater confidence declining drinks, with partial participation strategies such as “Damp January” also showing benefits.
- Outcomes improved when people formally registered for the Dry January campaign or used supports such as the Try Dry app and daily coaching emails or texts.
- Caveats noted across coverage include a small rebound effect among some who did not complete the month, concerns about ‘binge or bust’ behavior, potential downsides of sugary or triggering mocktails, social‑media pressures, and the need for medical guidance for people with alcohol use disorder.