Benefits of Dry January: 7 Reasons To Quit Alcohol

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a break from alcohol? To give your body and mind a chance to refresh, recharge, and reset? If so, then you’ll be glad to know that Dry January has become an increasingly popular trend among those looking for lasting lifestyle changes.

People who participate in Dry January give up booze for a month. While this challenge may seem tough, the payoff is amazing. Abstaining from all types of alcohol provides numerous physical and mental health benefits which will help you feel better in the long run.

If you need more motivation to keep on doing this challenge, here are some of the incredible benefits of taking part in Dry January.

1. You'll have more energy.

Without the effects of alcohol, your energy levels will naturally increase. Alcohol can suppress your energy to the point where you feel sluggish or unmotivated all day. Cutting out alcohol makes it easier for you to move around, exercise, and get stuff done every day.

Stopping drinking can also help you feel more alert.  This can be especially helpful for students and employees who need to stay focused and alert throughout the day.

2. You'll save money.

Alcohol is expensive! According to statistics, Americans spend roughly $300 billion on booze every year — that’s a lot of money!

When you cut out alcohol even for just one month, you can save money that would have otherwise been spent on drinks at the bar or beer bottles at the store.

3. You'll lose weight.

Studies have shown that heavy drinkers tend to gain more weight than those who don’t drink as much. If weight loss is one of your resolutions in the New Year, abstaining from drinking during Dry January is one of the best ways to losing weight quickly and efficiently.

Plus, if you abstained from alcohol, you don't have to worry about a hangover and also means more time for working out and eating healthy foods!

4. You'll sleep better.

Alcohol intake affects your sleep patterns in several different ways. Consuming alcoholic beverages decreases REM sleep (the deepest stage of sleep), increases snoring, and causes disrupted breathing during sleep.

By ceasing your alcohol consumption for one month, you will be able to get better quality sleep throughout the night which leads to feeling more energized during the day.

5. You'll have better skin.

Drinking affects your skin health in various ways. Alcohol causes dehydration which leads to dryness, it increases inflammation, and it can make existing skin conditions worse such as acne or psoriasis.

When you cut out alcohol from your diet completely, your skin will start looking healthier over time because it won’t be exposed to all those bad ingredients found in alcoholic beverages anymore. So to have better skin, instead of reaching for a glass of wine, have sparkling water instead!

6. You'll be in a better mood.

Do you know that your drinking habits largely impact your mental health? Drinking alcohol has been known to worsen anxiety and depression symptoms due its depressive effects on the body and mind.

When you quit drinking, your mood becomes better regulated because you aren’t trying to mask your feelings with booze any longer. Plus, not having hangovers means less irritability too.

7. You'll lower your risk of serious diseases.

One long term benefit of quitting alcohol is that it reduces your risk of developing serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and liver damage. Alcohol has been known to cause cell damage and weaken your immune system over time.

By abstaining from drinking for even just one month, you are giving your body enough time to repair itself and help protect against potential long-term health issues.

Of course, giving up alcohol consumption also lowers your risk of developing alcohol abuse. This is especially important if you’ve struggled with alcohol abuse in the past.

Get Help from the Best Alcohol Rehab in Anaheim

There are so many great reasons why participating in Dry January is beneficial. These Dry January benefits are just scratching the surface! So if you're looking for a change this new year, consider taking part in this amazing challenge. Not only will it help improve your overall well-being, but also give you an extra push towards achieving your goals this year.

If you feel that your relationship with alcohol is already unmanageable and you're struggling to quit, reach out for help. Our alcohol rehab in Anaheim is  here to help you take the best steps towards recovery. With our comprehensive treatment plans and professional guidance, we are here to help you recover and live a healthier life.