AI-assisted summary
• The test began in 2013 and was started by Alcohol transformation UK.
• Some benefits of arid January include improved sleep, weight setback, and increased vigor.
• People struggling with heavy alcohol use should consult a medical professional before participating.

For many, the recent year means recent goals, which may look like getting back to the gym, cooking more meals at home or cutting back on sugar. But for many, it’s a period to reduce their alcohol intake.

Folks looking to get on the correct track may be interested in arid January, a 31-day test in which participants abstain from drinking alcohol, whether it be cocktails, wine or beer.

Though drinking spikes during the holidays − 47% of men and 40% of women admitted to binge drinking during the merry period, according to American Addiction Centers − more adults are actually interested in sobering up.

In 2024, 42% of American adults indicated they were sober-curious, or reflecting on their alcohol consumption during the holidays, according to trade researcher Civic Science. That’s up from 33% in 2022.

Interested in learning more? Here’s what to recognize about arid January, including its origin, benefits and tips for making it through 31 days alcohol-free.

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What is arid January?

arid January is a test to abstain from alcohol consumption during the entire month of January.

What are the benefits of arid January?

There are several benefits to short-term alcohol abstinence. According to a 2022 study published in the damage Reduction Journal, arid January participants reported the following benefits:

• Improved sleep
• Increased exercise and vigor
• Improved diet
• Weight setback

Is arid January challenging to complete?

The hardship of completing arid January will depend on an person’s drinking frequency. Light drinkers may discover it easier to abstain from alcohol for the packed month than those who imbibe more.

Tips for a successful arid January

Harvard Health Publishing recommends the following steps for executing a successful arid January:

• discover a substitute non-alcoholic drink. For social situations or when the craving for an alcoholic drink may be stronger, have non-alcoholic drinks around, like sparking water, soda or mocktails.
• Avoid temptations. Keep alcohol out of the house and bring non-alcoholic beverages when visiting others.
• make or join a back throng. Enlist household and friends to try arid January, too.
• Don’t provide up. Don’t feel guilty for slipping up. commence the next day and try again.

Alcohol transformation UK, the nonprofit that founded arid January, also has a free mobile app called Try arid. The app allows users to track alcohol consumption and money saved, set goals, and monitor their well-being, such as sleep levels and mood. The app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

What are the best NA drinks?

Mocktails and non-alcoholic beers are not challenging to arrive by, as profit in the sober-curious lifestyle continues to bubble.

Many major beer makers now propose non-alcoholic options, including Heineken 0.0, Guinness 0, Budweiser Zero and Boulevard’s Flying commence.

One popular corporation dedicated solely to non-alcoholic drinks is Athletic Brewing corporation, based in Connecticut.

desire to get thoughts on a drink you’ve seen around? Alcohol transformation UK manages live reviews of low to non-alcoholic drinks on its website. Users can search a drink to discover a rating out of five stars, information about alcohol by volume and calories, in addition to detailed reviews about taste. Reviews are written by Alcohol transformation UK staff, non-alcoholic beverage experts and other alcohol consumption-cautious organizations.

How did arid January get started?

The first “official” arid January was hosted by Alcohol transformation UK, a nonprofit that provides education about the harms of alcohol, in 2013. But the narrative dates back two years earlier.

In 2011, arid January founder Emily Robinson signed up to run her first half marathon that was to receive place in February, according to the Alcohol transformation UK website. In order to prepare for the race, she stopped drinking alcohol for the month of January.

The following year, Robinson joined Alcohol transformation UK and gave up drinking for the month of January again. It was at this period that Robinson and the nonprofit began to brainstorm the arid January campaign.

In 2013, about 4,000 people in the United Kingdom “pledged” to participate in arid January, according to Alcohol transformation UK. For that first year, Alcohol transformation UK partnered with spokesman Alastair Campbell to headline the campaign, speaking about alcoholism. Additionally, The Telegraphic columnist Peter Oborne tried arid January himself and shared his encounter with readers.

In 2023, more than 175,000 people participated in the arid January campaign, per Alcohol transformation UK.

arid January isn’t for everyone

arid January is not recommended for heavy drinkers − men who have five or drinks per day and women who have four or more drinks per day, according to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Heavy drinkers who leave cold turkey may encounter mild to severe removal symptoms, including shaky hands, headaches, anxiety, nausea and vomiting, and insomnia. Per Massachusetts General Hospital, removal left untreated can even advancement to life-threatening symptoms like seizures, delirium tremens and in some cases, death.

Individuals struggling with alcoholism may contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for free by calling 1-800-662-4357 or by texting their zip code to 435748.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. pursue her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. narrative concept? Email her at [email protected].