What Are The Benefits of Dry January

Therapy @GainingGraceLLC

There are several benefits for participating in a dry January and for decreasing alcohol consumption all together as a lifestyle change. There are benefits emotionally, mentally, physically and financially.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Alcohol is a depressant meaning that it slows down the central nervous system, it slows the messages between the brain and the body and initially releases dopamine and reduces anxiety temporarily. However once the initial affects begin to wear off, it increases irritability and depressive feelings. Alcohol significantly worsens overall anxiety and depression. If we are a person that struggles with overwhelming anxiety feelings and depressive symptoms, consuming alcohol will increase those symptoms.

For all these reasons, taking a break from alcohol can be extremely beneficial. If we practice abstinence we can experience improved mood and clarity. The brain can rebalance its dopamine and serotonin causing a more stable mood, reduced anxiety and better concentration.

Physical Health Benefits

The negative affects of alcohol on the physical body are significant and new research suggests that there are no benefits to consuming alcohol even in moderation. If we decrease our alcohol consumption and/or move more towards abstinence we will see improvement in our immune system, blood pressure and liver function.

Alcohol can disrupt sleep cycles and add empty calories and sugar to our diet. By decreasing or removing alcohol we will experience better sleep and most likely even weight loss.

Financial Benefits

Alcohol is expensive. When we are going out to eat or stopping at the liquor store on our way home from work it adds to our expenses of living. Remaining abstinent for a month will naturally be more income that we have to play with and to allocate towards other things that we may be interested in.

There is no harm in participating in dry January. If we choose to participate in it, it can offer clarity in future decision making and we might start to incorporate more wellness into our own everyday lifestyle even long after the month is over.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hey, I'm Brooke -- I'm a licensed anxiety and addiction therapist serving individuals, adolescents and couples in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Florida. My experience brings both a personal and professional perspective to the work that I do with my clients. If you are interested in learning more about the therapy process and would like to schedule a free consultation, I would love to chat with you!