Dry January: How Much Money Do You Actually Save? (2024)

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Dry January: How Much Money Do You Actually Save? ›

If you're still on the fence about partaking in Dry January, there's another incentive to consider: the financial savings. “Drinking alcohol is expensive,” said Casey McGuire Davidson, a sobriety coach. Davidson found herself with an extra $500 in her first month without alcohol.

“Our work has shown that a month off alcohol, in healthy individuals drinking at moderate to high levels, does lead to tangible health benefits by the end of the month. Our study saw a weight loss of around 2kg, a decrease in blood pressure of around 5%, and improvement in diabetes risk of almost 30%.

According to Addiction Group, even if you buy the cheapest alcohol, ditching your beer or wine habit could save you an average of $200 to $300 a month. That's if you drink alcohol every day, amounting to an annual savings of between $2,400 and $3,600.

Cutting back on the booze can be a really effective way to improve your health, boost your energy, lose weight and save money. If you drink nearly every day, drinking less might lower your risk of having high blood pressure.

Stay 'dry' for even longer, if you can

And Dr. Wakim-Fleming adds that going for longer stretches without alcohol is a better bet for seeing liver recovery. “If you extend Dry January to longer stretches, like for three or six months, you'll definitely see the benefits,” she says.

A. Estimates say that about 35% to 40% of Americans plan on participating in Dry January, but only 16% go through with the exercise for the entire month.

The chances of survival for heavy drinkers are low, on average. Moderate drinkers, on the other hand, tend to have increased life spans. Moderate alcohol consumption improves your health and reduces the risk of deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases by almost half.

The benefits of not drinking alcohol

There's evidence that quitting drinking supports everything from more balanced hormones to a stronger immune system to reduced risks of heart disease, liver disease, and cancer. Cutting out booze has the potential of increasing self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-esteem, too.

Along come numbers, though, that might dry out a little of that impression. Figures just released by the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development suggest that the more successful you are, the more you drink.

Are people happier when they quit drinking? ›

Quitting alcohol can help reduce the depression and anxiety that alcohol can bring and significantly improve your situation in life, increasing your overall happiness.

Week 3 of giving up alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can cause your blood pressure to rise over time. After 3 to 4 weeks of not drinking, your blood pressure will start to reduce. Reducing your blood pressure can be crucial as it can help to lessen the risk of health problems occurring in the future.

Almost three-quarters — 71% — of people who took part in Dry January said they slept better and 67% had more energy, according to a University of Sussex study. More than half, 58%, lost weight and 54% reported better skin.

Dry January® helps people to drink more healthily year-round. Research conducted by the University of Sussex has found that six months after Dry January® more than 70% of people who take on the month with Alcohol Change UK's Try Dry® app or coaching emails are still drinking more healthily.

Dry January: Giving up alcohol can mean better sleep, weight loss and more energy. As the holidays end, millions of Americans give up alcohol during a month-long sobriety challenge called “Dry January.” During a time of multiple celebrations, alcohol consumption can easily get away from us.

The cons of giving up alcohol for Dry January

Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol dependency may include: restlessness, tremors, hallucinations, nausea, insomnia, sweating, anxiety and depression. If you experience any of these symptoms, the best course of action is to seek professional medical help.

The spirit is willing, but the flesh needs a cold one on the couch as only 16% of Americans stick through Dry January, the same study noted. However, for 2024, experts are optimistic about a little more dedication.

Around 90% of people who participated in Dry January in 2018 saved money, 71% had improved sleep, 58% lost weight, 54% saw an improvement in their skin and 67% had more energy, according to a 2019 study by the University of Sussex.