As we enter 2024, many people worldwide have begun what’s known as Dry January – not drinking alcoholic beverages for the entire month. This campaign has seen an uptick in support over the past few years with many finding it an opportunity to evaluate their experience with alcohol and taking a break from drinking, especially after a holiday period in which alcohol is usually a large component for social gatherings.
Dry January: How it started
Dry January was a part of a campaigned launched by UK charity Alcohol Change UK with the goal of encouraging individuals to cut out alcohol during the first month of the year, increasing education on the negative implications of drinking alcohol in excess and its effects on individuals’ health and wellbeing. The campaign originated from Emily Robinson, who first started doing her own version of Dry January in 2011 to prep for a half marathon in February. Avoiding alcohol helped her get better sleep, lose some weight and gain energy.
Her choice to give up drinking in January sparked interest and many wanted to ask her about what it’s like to do this. Emily started working for Alcohol Change in 2012 and pitched the Dry January campaign as a way to encourage others to join, stop drinking for the month of January to be able to have some time to thinking about their own drinking habits and ways in which they can create healthy changes in terms of their relationship with alcohol. Alcohol Change UK liked the idea and first ran the campaign at the start of 2013 – making this its 11th year!
What once was a campaign based in the UK has become global with many people participating each year. At least 175,000 signed up for the challenge! There is also some participation of Dry January in the Cayman Islands, with even some bars and restaurants offering mocktail specials during happy hours.
So, what are the benefits of Dry January?
Avoiding drinking alcohol for a month can seem difficult at first if its a part of your lifestyle such as having a glass of wine to wind down after the day. As mentioned above, Dry January can also be difficult right after Christmas where alcohol can seem like such a central element of social gatherings and celebration across the world, including in Cayman.
However, after getting over the initial change, evidence suggests many benefits of skipping out on alcohol beverages for a month:
Improved physical health and wellness
Several weeks to a month without alcohol has been shown to do a myriad of things including: reducing your risk of common cancers (breast and colorectal), reducing risk of cardiovascular disease & hypertension, better liver function, improved sleep quality and even improve your skin – with redness and the size of facial pores reducing.
Improves Focus
Abstaining from alcohol can help improve your ability to concentrate – with changes being felt even from the first week of going sober.
Financial Benefit
Many at times underestimate how much they’re able to save if they abstain from alcohol even for a month. Dry January can help individuals to evaluate their spending habits and not only make improvements to drinking in moderation but also help you to build up more savings. Some of those interviewed around the world who previously did Dry January said they were able to save up to $500 in a month by not going out to drink.
Social Aspect
Taking part in Dry January can be difficult at times especially as events can sometimes promote drinking as a main part of ‘having fun’ and ‘winding down’ after work. While it can be a challenge at first, this can help you to explore other events and groups in the community that might not be so alcohol-focused. However, more and more bars and restaurants are offering mocktail deals and mocktail nights in the month of January to promote the Dry January campaign. Therefore take a look at some of the bars and restaurants social media channels doing specials for Dry January in Cayman. You could also do Dry January with a group of friends so you can encourage each other throughout!
Overall, Dry January helps kickstart your year by resetting, reducing alcohol intake and can help with creating healthy habits surrounding alcohol which you can take with you for the rest of the year and beyond. It can improve not only your physical health but mental clarity, energy and mood.
If you’re choosing to do Dry January this year, it’s okay if you accidentally miss a day! The main takeaway is not simply stopping yourself from drinking for 31 days but rather coming away with a better understanding of your experience with the alcohol.
Resources in the Cayman Islands for Alcoholism
While Dry January may be a helpful strategy for some to reevaluate their habits, for others we understand it can be a harder transition. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, remember you’re not alone, there is support available.
We’ve included a list of organisations and resources in the Cayman Islands that offer advice, guidance and support with alcoholism. Please note this is not a complete list. Many General Practice clinics in Cayman can also offer advice and support on alcohol addiction. Contact your local GP for more information on their specific service offering.
Health Services Authority (HSA) Cayman
The Counselling Centre – Cayman Islands
