Dry January: Why Taking a Break From Alcohol Can Be Good for Your Health & Wellness Family Health

"As the New Year rolls in, many people examine their lifestyle choices, including their relationship with alcohol," says National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Director Dr. George F. Koob. "These observations often lead to New Year’s resolutions, such as participating in 'Dry January.'”

Dry January is a health and wellness trend that emphasizes taking a break from alcohol for an entire month. This break gives you a chance to evaluate your relationship with alcohol and allows you to gain an understanding of what is motivating you to drink and how it is impacting your life.

Some people might discover their alcohol use was irritating their stomach, disrupting their sleep, causing weight gain, contributing to conflicts or that they relied more on alcohol for stress relief than they thought. Waking up without the fatigue, malaise and other common symptoms of hangovers could greatly improve one’s quality of life. In addition, potential improvements in health and well-being could have positive effects on relationships. And, for some people, the financial savings could be substantial. Research has also shown that taking a month-long break from alcohol can be good for the liver.

For a successful Dry January, as with dieting, having a plan in place when the allotted break time ends is important. Otherwise, it is easy to slip back into old habits.

Read Dr. Koob's full statement to get more tips for a successful Dry January.

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