Dry January: Skipping the spirits
There’s no shortage of health advice trending on social media – much of it worth ignoring. But experts say Dry January, a public challenge that encourages people to abstain from alcohol for the month, may actually offer health benefits.
While we’re already a couple weeks into January, there’s no rule saying you can’t abstain for the rest of the month – or even try it in February.
University Health counselor, Brit Buell, specializes in caring for people with substance use disorders. He said that throughout the holiday season, it’s not unusual for people to consume more alcohol than usual. He considers Dry January an opportunity to step back and consider whether having a drink is a choice, or just a habit.
Buell recommends viewing Dry January as an opportunity to build and add healthy coping skills into your routine. After all, life’s stressors aren’t going anywhere in 2026 – but this challenge may help you discover new ways to manage stress without relying on alcohol.
Watch this video to hear what Buell says about post-holiday reset.
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