Dry January: A Transformative Reset Worth Embracing

Jan 22, 2025Shane Halliburton
Dry January: A Transformative Reset Worth Embracing

In recent years, Dry January has become a cultural phenomenon—a collective reset after the indulgence of the holiday season. It’s a time for introspection, rejuvenation, and clarity. Yet lately, the buzz around "damp" Januarys and “moist” alternatives has been growing, with industry experts—many from the wine world—questioning the benefits of going fully alcohol-free for a month. As someone deeply immersed in the non-alcoholic industry and passionate about what it offers, I feel compelled to challenge this narrative.

Let’s not mince words: Dry January, or any dry month of your choosing, is not just good for you; it’s transformative. The benefits of taking a full break from alcohol are undeniable, from improved sleep and mental clarity to better digestion and a reset of your relationship with alcohol itself. These changes aren't just anecdotal—they’re backed by science. Studies show that even a month-long pause can lead to lower blood pressure, reduced liver fat, and an overall improvement in physical health. More importantly, it provides an opportunity to evaluate the role alcohol plays in your life, free from its influence.

The idea of a "damp" month—moderation rather than abstinence—may seem like a reasonable middle ground, but let’s consider the source of this advice. Many of these voices come from within the alcohol industry, an industry that thrives on maintaining a steady flow of consumption. Their claims that full abstinence is unnecessary or even harmful often lack the right intentions. Are they truly prioritizing your well-being, or are they safeguarding their bottom line?

Speaking from personal experience, even during my heaviest drinking days, I never shied away from a month off booze. My choice wasn’t January but October, a decision spurred on by a buddy who picked the same month. It wasn’t a grand, scientific undertaking—we simply wanted to see what would happen. And even though we knew we’d be hitting the bottle hard again afterward, the benefits were undeniable. I slept better. I felt sharper. I remembered what it was like to wake up refreshed. Those fleeting glimpses of clarity stayed with me, eventually leading me to explore the non-alcoholic world more deeply.

Our reasoning back then? Part of it was about health. Coming from a social circle where many of us joked about being "functioning alcoholics," there was a desire to prove we could take a month off without succumbing to temptation. Another, admittedly flawed, motivation was financial: after a month off, it didn’t take as much alcohol to feel the effects again. Looking back, I can’t fathom that mindset now, but it gives you an idea of where my journey started. I’m not some teetotaler preaching the good word here—I know where a lot of us are coming from. My path wasn’t going to work for myself or my family, and I’m glad I realized it.

Back to Dry January! Here we are in 2025. Everyone knows alcohol is poison. The warnings are hitting the news—maybe they’ll be hitting the bottles and cans. And yet, I’m reading articles suggesting taking a month completely off alcohol is absurd, stupid, unneeded. Just a little moderation, they say, is what your body needs. I’m here to say that moderation is needed every month of the year. Dry January is for you to test your body and mind—to see what a month completely free of alcohol can do. Leave moderation for every other day; your body will thank you for that too.

These wine and drinks experts see their dollar values falling year over year. A month of consumers laying completely off their products? That’s even worse for business. I have a hard time believing their advice is for you; I’m pretty sure they’re giving this advice to benefit someone else.

Now, you might think I’m saying this because I’m on the opposite end, selling non-alcoholic drinks. That obviously comes into play, but I give this advice for your body and mind. Your wallet will feel the hit whether you’re buying alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. I’m totally fine with you stocking up on sparkling water from the store or sticking to plain old still water. There’s an even harder challenge: a month of water only—no alcohol, no sugar, nada. I’d encourage anyone to give that one a go too. :)

There’s my pitch. Please give Dry January, or any dry month, a try. Not for me, not for anyone you know—for you. You will thank yourself. (Even if it’s simply because it takes fewer alcoholic drinks for whatever you’re after that next month—man, that was a different me. :S)

Discover more

Søbr Market Brings Zeronimo Premium Alcohol Removed Wines To Canada
Nov 22, 2024
WINNIPEG, MB:  Søbr Market Holdings Inc., a Canadian chain of specialty stores offering an extensive selection of alcohol-free beverages for every occasion, is pleased to...

Comments (0)

There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!

Leave a comment