Trying Dry January | TheaterFire

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carvethegnar@reddit

I’d also recommend stocking your house with topo chicos, sparkling water, etc. they’re good substitutions and help fulfill the “come home from the office and have a beer or glass of wine” ritual

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

I’ve been stocking up! So far I’ve got lime La Croix, tonic water, club soda, orange juice, blood orange juice, ginger beer, and tart cherry juice. May have gone a bit overboard lol.

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carvethegnar@reddit

Sounds perfect to me! Having a wide selection is perfect! Good luck!

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TheOriginalTarlin@reddit

Yes a few years back when CEO wanted to do it. He lasted 11 days. I normally do dry February every year have for nearly 20 years to detox. You can do it.

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I LOVE imperial stouts, brown liquor, and drinking in cold weather so dry January is pretty much out for me. I've done a Dry June which has been much better. I go from June 4th to July 4th and substitute seltzer for everything. It's been pretty great.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

I always thought a summer month would make more sense than January lol. But I guess a lot of people like to detox from the holidays.

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BackgroundPoint7023@reddit

OP, you're prediabetic now, so the time for Dry January is now. Also, all the usual suspects -no added sugars, no processed foods, eat only complex carbs, etc.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Oh, don’t worry — I’m not waiting.

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BackgroundPoint7023@reddit

Good. This really is the time to change our health habits. Quitting or cutting alcohol back drastically is not actually that difficult.

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kcsews@reddit

Protein should be first thing in the morning lass carbs! Had to learn this taking care of my mom

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Professional-Doubt-6@reddit

About to join that club. I can no longer endure the lack of sleep created by even one glass of wine.

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Better_Days_56@reddit

This is me too! Even one glass of wine and I sleep terribly.

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Alarming_Hippo_6035@reddit

I stopped drinking daily/semi daily almost 5 years ago at 50. Best decision for my health I've ever made. I have the occasional drink but that's maybe 1-3 drinks every 3 months. Once you start seeing it as what it really is, a mild poison, it changes how you see drinking daily.

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plnnyOfallOFit@reddit

**I'll see you ONe Dry January & up the ante w Sugar Free January.** I did it a few yrs ago & kept going. NOt gonna lie, it's the weight loss injection for poors. I have my high school physique just from removing sugar. (inc booze) I just started to get that middle aged fat thingy we all feared. The joint pain is what drove me to extremes- and trust me CUTTING OUT SUGAR WAS A DEMON- only at first tho. Now it's easy & am smug AF. I save money & no more aches/pains, no more "get off my lawn" snapping at ppl for no reason etc.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

I’ve trying to cut sugar too. Can you tell me more about what it was like to you?

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plnnyOfallOFit@reddit

i used a workbook on [amazon.com](http://amazon.com) called the sugar free lifestyle. https://preview.redd.it/pu7t6ovon5bg1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ecd8ae16c1f3d1da14d344472f7548baa757f740 hahaha. hard AF only for first 3-10day progressively easier. Sugar free now for 3yrs from the Elf who lived on sugar added to sugar cereal if ya know ya know😱

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Thanks! I’ll check it out.

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immanut_67@reddit

I'm doing it this year. It is currently 12:30 a.m. and I haven't been able to go to sleep. Off to a great start! But I am determined.

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Old_Advisor_9974@reddit

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mKc_Ej8RiVs&pp=0gcJCU0KAYcqIYzv

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

You got this!

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Less-Mood-3616@reddit

I only drink like 2x/year so no

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SeldomSeen31@reddit

I have quit drinking entirely from January until the Columbus Crew home opener for about 8 years now. Usually sometime in March. It's a great break for my mind and body. I reset my tolerance and wind up drinking less overall as I start back into drinking.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Sounds like it works great!

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Reader47b@reddit

No, but I'm going to try a "no more alcohol in the house" year. I'll still have a drink or two when out to eat or when at a friend's house or BBQ or party.

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jcmacon@reddit

I tried Dry January 12 years ago and never started drinking again. Feel so much better without alcohol. I smoke weed and/or consume sugar free edibles daily instead and no hangover/weight gain/blood glucose crashes.

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RickHunter84@reddit

Been California sober for about a year now, dont regret drinking again! A friend got totally hammered on NYE and I was thinking that’s going to be an awful hang over for a few days!

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braxtonaq@reddit

Does dry January just include booze?

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jimmythebartender_@reddit

Yeah usually. But obviously you can customize it

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BrilliantWeb@reddit

I'm seeing what alcohol is doing to my peers who can't stop. Don't want to be like that. They look like shit.

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EstimateAgitated224@reddit

I used to do it, and sober sept. But I don't drink enough now for the need. I love waking up and feeling good.

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carvethegnar@reddit

Been doing it every year for the last 6 years. You’ll love it. First week is the hardest. Good luck!

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plnnyOfallOFit@reddit

right? Only hard at first, like dope sick from a horror movie. Then easy AF

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Thanks!

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BMisterGenX@reddit

I do quasi dry January. I drink (in moderation) on MLK weekend.

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CarpetDependent@reddit

If you like tracking your efforts, there are free apps out there. I find it helpful to see the visual of my alcohol free days in the calendar in the Try Dry app. You can create goals too (though it seems like mine keep disappearing) to keep you accountable after Jan.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

I’ll check it out, thanks!

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lickmyscrotes@reddit

I’m doing it this year, fingers crossed it goes well. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a dry spell

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Good luck!

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TallGirlzRock@reddit

I stopped drinking years ago. Can attest to everything being better: health, mood, money, relationship, sleep. Cannot recommend it highly enough.

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ThePicassoGiraffe@reddit

I’ve done it for the past two years. The sugar cravings the first week are killer but I sleep so much better and feel so much better overall it’s worth it

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Great to hear!

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marshdd@reddit

I know a woman who in her early 30's stopped drinking completely, but didn't increase exercise. Lost at LEAST 50 pounds!!! Has kept it off for at least 10 years

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Techghetto@reddit

How much did she drink before?!

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marshdd@reddit

A good amount. My nephews's friend so I didn't spend a lot of time with her.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Damn! That’s impressive.

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smokythejoker@reddit

Day one today.

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Effective_Pear4760@reddit

I might, though I rarely drink more than once a month anyway, so I dont anticipate a big change.

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Natas-LaVey@reddit

Whenever I hear about “dry” whatever and how much people feel better I always think “How much are you drinking that stopping makes you feel better?”. I drink but my drinking is usually one or two beers every 3-4 weeks unless we are on vacation somewhere then I might have a few more. I go weeks and sometimes months without drinking just because I haven’t had a beer not because I’m consciously trying to avoid drinking.

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MooseBlazer@reddit

The difference is you don’t drink very much at all. Most drinkers drink at least several times a week. Some every day which could be borderline alcoholics and just don’t know it.

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annang@reddit

Only about half of Americans drink alcohol at all. Of those who do, about 40% drink once a week or less. People who drink a lot tend to overestimate how much other people are drinking (in part because they tend to socialize with other heavy drinkers in alcohol-focused environments).

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MooseBlazer@reddit

The younger generations are drinking less. I would guess a good 75% of people over 40 drink.

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moscowramada@reddit

In general I default to thinking of alcohol as a very addictive drug. But of course individuals will vary, and you, like me, are in the group that's very resistant to addiction. Chances are you could take a wide range of drugs and not find them personally addictive. Nevertheless, when we say something is addictive we're talking about the average person, and for them, it's definitely addictive enough to where dry January would make a difference.

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Komaisnotsalty@reddit

You can't cut back on sugar, technically. It's kinda go big or don't bother with sugar. It's in everything too, and you need to understand sugar to really cut it out. Not just candy and pop and sweet treats. It's in your carbs too: pastas, potato chips, etc. That carb-heavy stuff we love but it also loves to turn straight to fat. If you detox sugar (which I did about 7 years ago), it can be pretty rough. I did it cold turkey and it took about 3 weeks of my body arguing with me because it was used to using sugar to get energy from. I felt like someone had ran me over with a Peterbilt truck - zero energy, brain foggy, just nasty. Then somewhere between weeks 3 & 4, I had ENERGY. It was insane. My body clued in that there was plenty of fat to burn and to stop looking for sugar for it's little hits of energy and the weight dropped off - without me even exercising. I've never experienced anything like it in my life.

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annang@reddit

That’s not what a “detox” is, because sugar isn’t a toxin. And you can absolutely cut back on sugar and notice effects from that without having to stop eating starchy carbs.

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Komaisnotsalty@reddit

We'll agree to disagree that sugar isn't toxic but I go by my own experience. That stuff is worse than crack. I'm not talking about a little sugar in your coffee here though, mind you.

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annang@reddit

The word “toxin” has a definition. Sugar does not fit the definition of a toxin.

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Komaisnotsalty@reddit

Fair, but it should.

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annang@reddit

Why would you want that? If sugar were a toxin, ingesting it would poison people. That would be bad.

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SadRepublic3392@reddit

Lots of good NA options. You’ll feel better after.

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Advanced_Tax174@reddit

This is the answer. I cut alcohol intake by probably 70% last year by switching to NA beer. Aiming for lower in ‘26.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Thanks, I hope so!

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HillbillyEEOLawyer@reddit

I am a little jealous of all the people who have had such success with Dry January. Over the past decade, I have had 5 or 6 dry Januarys (some went into February). Know what happened to me? Nothing. I lost not a pound, my sleep wasn't any better and my vitals didn't change.

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EttaJamesKitty@reddit

Same for me. Have done it a few times. My sleep doesn’t improve. I don’t lose weight. My skin doesn’t look better. I don’t feel any different/ better. I have friends who’ve raved about how good they feel. While I’m over here feeling/looking the same.

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freyas_waffles@reddit

Absolutely the same for me. Nothing changes, just the evenings are a little more boring. I do a few dry days a week now though, because why not.

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HillbillyEEOLawyer@reddit

Thanks for the reply! I am so glad I'm not alone on this!

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Regular_or_BQ@reddit

They're expensive but I like the recess brand seltzers and have those pretty often. Cheaper on Amazon than buying at the local grocery. I stopped heavy drinking years ago just bc I don't like hangovers and menopause brought crippling late night crazies when I get tipsy. I have a glass of wine or two on weekends but that's really about it. I have a fitness watch and it picks up alcohol like it does when I'm getting sick, which I found startling. Good luck and stick with it for a month. You can do that! And with insurance costs skyrocketing you're gonna want to avoid medical costs. Yaaaaay.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Thanks for the encouragement! And thanks for the tip on the seltzers.

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demona2002@reddit

After the holidays my liver is ready for a detox

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Hexagram_11@reddit

I’m doing dry January. I had a dinner party tonight and it turned out my guests were all doing dry January too! So tomorrow I’m giving all my unopened dinner party wine away.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Good luck!

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Abacabisntanywhere@reddit

I do it every year.

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cacraw@reddit

Likewise. The first week my brain is a little “hey, glass of wine before dinner would be good….oh yeah dry Jan.” But by end of the month those thoughts have stopped and I usually go a while longer before having a drink.

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wannareadrandomstuff@reddit

I’ve done it a few times. I found it both very positive and disappointing. Disappointed because I never felt any better. I sleep pretty well and am healthy even when I drink. I assumed I would feel differently when I stopped for a month. Nope. It was positive because I typically drink a good amount, being able to quit made me feel accomplished and good about my ability to walk away from drinking. Supposedly it’s also really good for your liver. I try and do a dry month twice a year, Jan and October. My recommendation is to really commit. Tell people what you are up to, find other things to fill your time, avoid eating more, find alternatives to drink such as hop water as a beer substitute, Kombucha as a fake mocktail. I would also make a plan for Feb. I like to start with limiting drinking to x beers per day and x days per week. Don’t go hog wild as soon as you get back to drinking. Trust me, you got this. But you have to really want it.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Thanks for the encouragement! I’m definitely going to commit. And after this mouth is over, I think it will feel good about what I’ve accomplished. I like your advice about making a plan for February — I’ll think about that.

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UrsaMajor7th@reddit

I’ve never heard of it before

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

It’s just basically when you don’t drink alcohol in January.

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Roloran7@reddit

We tried to do "Dry January" last year and ended up with a "Moist January" instead. Worked so well for us that we continued that through the entire year. Went from having a glass of wine most nights to having a drink 1-2 days per week at most. Also I love freaking people out by saying "Moist".

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

An added bonus lol.

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foozballhead@reddit

January in my family doesn't really have any drinking occasions so I think I accidentally do dry January every year.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Probably not a bad thing!

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bonbonyawn@reddit

I'm doing it this year. I've done it in the past and I have gone as long as a year without drinking. Then I'll allow myself a glass when I'm out, and depending on how stressful life is I might end up back at a glass or two a day. January is a good reset. I'm hoping I'll go past January again this year, but putting too much pressure on it doesn't work.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

That’s definitely true.

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Lightningstruckagain@reddit

Maybe tomorrow

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Never too late, right?

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Lightningstruckagain@reddit

Never

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kaarenn78@reddit

I don’t do dry January because I rarely drink. But a few times I’ve been a buddy for someone doing it. I’ve had 2 friends identify a genuine alcohol dependency from participating in this challenge so it can be very eye opening. As a buddy I’m available for friends that want to reach for a drink but instead reach out to chat with me.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

I’m interested to see how this is going to turn out for me. Whatever happens, I think it’ll be positive.

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st162@reddit

I went on an OMAD (one meal a day) diet and quit drinking during the week, lost 8kg in the last couple of months without any other major lifestyle changes.

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ShelbyDriver@reddit

I lost 70 pounds in 5 months doing this. It works.

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JonnyLosak@reddit

Quit drinking 15 years ago and haven’t looked back.

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InadmissibleHug@reddit

You won’t lose anything while you’re still drinking, that’s for sure. I did mostly dry ‘25 and it was pretty sweet, had a couple of drinks a handful of times, got actually drunk once. Compared to most of 18-24 when I was drunk daily, I’m pretty pumped.

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Timely-Jelly-1126@reddit

Did it last year, was great. Doing it again this year which will be insanely challenging 🤞The first few days can feel a little anxious, the first weekend is tough, but after that it gets a lot easier. Belly fat is the last to go. Your body draws on fat at the ends (face, ankles) first and works towards the middle which means it keeps the belly fat in reserve for the longest. The only natural way to lose weight is to be in caloric deficit, so substituting potato chips for Reese’s cups doesn’t get you there. And Increase your cardio which increases your caloric output *and* helps your heart stay healthy. Good luck!🥂

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McNasty420@reddit

I’ve tried liver failure February

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dumbfuckstick@reddit

If your Dr made recommendations they should have prescribed a GLP1 specifically Tirzepatide/Mounjaro. I’d go back or email your doctor asking for a prescription. GLP1s not only help fight diabetes, lose weight, lower blood pressure, they also impact your desire and ability to drink alcohol. I’m on Tirzepatide and it’s difficult to drink more than 3 drinks in an outing and I have to force myself to drink/finish the 3rd drink. FWIW im a boozer, worked hotels, restaurants, sales so not being able to drink 3 drinks in an outing is like wow. Don’t miss it, I still have about 2 drinks every other week.

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geminiloveca@reddit

I haven't had a drink in about 3 weeks. I started weight loss meds and one of them is an antidepressant that carries a seizure risk when mixed with alcohol. I don't feel like spinning the wheel o' risk on that one. I was not a big drinker anyway, so quitting wasn't too difficult. Also stopped gummies cold turkey too at the same time. Based on the rate I'm losing weight, it'll be around September when I reach my goal, so we'll see what happens then. Probably after almost 10 months sober, I may not want to start again. Fringe benefit, the anti-depressant they gave me seems to work to stop my anxiety attacks and spiraling/runaway thoughts. I started sleeping through the night for the first time in almost 40 years.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

I’m so glad to hear it’s working well for you!

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odafishinsea2@reddit

I did it last year. Then I liked it, so I did Dry ‘til July. Then I liked it, so I haven’t had a drink since. The sleep is amazing.

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BadAtExisting@reddit

Back in 2022 I did dry January. That turned into challenging myself for dry February, by the end of which I was noticing how much better I felt and that turned into dry 2022, dry 2023, dry 2024, and dry 2025

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JoyfulNoise1964@reddit

You should lose weight and improve your health just don't substitute other caloric drinks try sparkling water with lime or something similar

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

That’s what I plan on doing. I don’t like sugary drinks that much. I drink mostly water with meals since I avoid caffeine.

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Lumpy-Artist-6996@reddit

I don't drink very often, probably six cocktails a year. I do drink a LOT of sparkling water though (gave up soda in 2017). The sparkling water sub is filled with people who used to drink alcohol and switched to carbonated water! As someone mentioned up thread, a lot of processed foods has added sugar. Check the labels on stuff like breads, condiments, dressings, and sauces.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Thanks for the tips! Fortunately, I like sparkling water. I plan on drinking a lot of it in January.

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PaulClarkLoadletter@reddit

I don’t drink at all. It’s nice not blowing insane amounts of money on booze.

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Lumpy-Artist-6996@reddit

So right! I went out with friends for dinner, and my carbonated water was free, and the cocktails they ordered were 17 bucks each!

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croissant_and_cafe@reddit

I do dry January every year and we’ve started doing dry June as well. Alcohol wreaks havoc on your liver, skin, gut microbiome, causes inflammation, bloating, weight gain, and often leads to poor choices for good and exercise. I like to drink occasionally but as I age the impacts grow more severe. I hate the effect on my skin and gut health. Also if I had wine the night before I’m less likely to hit the gym in the morning. I love the way I feel in dry January. My partner and I often wonder why we drink at all when we do this.

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Jimmy-the-Knuckle@reddit

I quit a year ago at 53 and I’m never going back. The mental and physical health benefits are unbelievable. Fuck alcohol.

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SourChipmunk@reddit

My wife nearly died from alcoholism last year. She is now over six-months sober. She has substituted sparkling water (lemon/lime is her favorite). Get the store brands -- much cheaper than Waterloo or San Pellegrino and doesn't taste any different. We went out for her birthday and she got a virgin strawberry marguerita. But then Michelob came out with their Ultra Zero, which is the only N/A beer that truly has no alcohol at all. It costs just as much as regular beer, and she drinks it just like she used to drink regular beer. Everyone keeps telling her to knock it off. We celebrated the New Year with a bottle of Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice. I definitely didn't miss the champagne. And I can honestly say I haven't had a drink all year. :-)

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No_Difference8518@reddit

Say congrats to your wife for me. I have had a few NA beers that claimed 0.0%. Even Heineken is 0.0%. I agree that most are 0.5% or 0.3%. one even just said >0.5%. So I doubt Ultra Zero is the only one.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

I’m so glad you and your wife are doing well!

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willingzenith@reddit

I tried it a few January’s ago. It went so well that I stopped drinking all together. Felt better, saved money, lost some weight. Highly recommended.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Glad to hear that! Was it hard initially?

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TX-Pete@reddit

It really depends on how much you’re drinking now. I went from about 6 liters of vodka per week to zero in the span of a week. The first few days were hard, but the difference in quality of life and the 65 pounds I lost the first year more than made up for a couple of days of cravings.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

That’s great to hear. I worry about dealing with the cravings, but it sounds like the health benefits are more than worth it.

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pachoo13@reddit

if one has a regular spot, that becomes the hardest part to break. i’m dryuary with you tho. i went one ten last year but started drinking again in april. it’s time for a lil break again

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willingzenith@reddit

It was the first couple of weeks because I was an almost daily drinker. So drinking was a habit I needed to break. After the first month or so I didn’t really miss it and just kept going. Now I’m in the habit of not drinking so it’s no big deal. I was up early this morning, felt great, and took the dog for a walk as the sun was coming up.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Makes sense. I’m really not sure how it’s going to affect me. I’d be happy with just losing some belly fat, tbh.

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Dogstar_9@reddit

There's literally no safe amount of alcohol consumption. I quit completely in 2023 when I came to terms with that fact and it's been great for my overall physical health.

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Last_Inevitable8311@reddit

I’ve been dry for about 10 weeks and I’ve dropped 7 pounds just from that. Haven’t changed my diet or added additional exercise. 😬 Go for it! I’m sleeping so much better these days too.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

I’m glad!

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freyas_waffles@reddit

I'm a healthy 48 year old, been exercising consistently with a mix of weight training and cardio since I was a lad. I'm a naturally skinny guy, my usual challenge is keeping weight up if I'm doing more lifting. I also love a good cocktail. During the pandemic I definitely started to drink too much, nothing egregious, but I thought it wouldn't be good long term. Because of a confluence of things, I stopped drinking for about three weeks. I literally felt no different. Didn't sleep better, didn't change weight at all, didn't have more energy, nothing. A few other times over the years I did a few totally dry weeks in a row, same result. I went from having 2 drinks every night to having a couple dry days a week. Still felt the same, but figured with all the studies I might as well cut back a bit. Been keeping that up for about two years. This year I might add one more dry day because why not. But I do love that cocktail. Love making my own syrups, love trying new recipes, love making over the top garnishes for tropical drinks. Absolutely love my evening drink on the couch with my wife while we catch up. So I'll say that for some people abstaining is great and has huge effects for them. For me it didn't seem to do much of anything. This post is more for the other people out there who may have tried going totally dry and been surprised by what didn't happen. I was fully expecting to level up my sleep and get more energy, but it just didn't happen. I didn't immediately go "well now it's time to booze it up!", but I was kind of hoping for more from the experience.

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Relevant_Fuel_9905@reddit

I’m doing “dry 99.9% of the year” and I feel all the better for it.

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NoTomorrowNo@reddit

Heart meds don t mix with alcohol, so it s "Dry 2026" for me. It s fine. Also sugar can be found in most store bought food, as it s both a preservative and taste enhancer. So start cooking from scratch, if you really want to avoid diabet and being *forced* to drop pretty much all convenience food options.

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Fishy1911@reddit

Have a friend that needs to quit drinking and told them I'd join in the hardest part with them, just happens to be dry January.. I'll go until the 21st. Unfortunately, my job dictates i take clients out and drink with them, socially. And I have meetings for 3 days that week. But, when I get back I'll be back on the wagon for my friend as long as they need me to be. Until my next trip.

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Pais08@reddit

I’m just curious, how can they dictate that you must drink with the clients? I understand being social and taking them out, but enforcing socially drinking sounds like a horrible idea and a liability.

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Lemon-Cake-8100@reddit

I've had sales/schmooze jobs where the Company does not say you have to drink, but i witnessed first-hand again & again the bonding & relationship building that happened with reps willing to drink w/their clients, versus the ones who were not doing that. Certain industries more than others. And it showed at commission time. (Note: I am NOT condoning this, but merely pointing out that some business roles may reap rewards if willing to party...).

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Fishy1911@reddit

Oh, they can't make me drink. I could absolutely tell the executives of the major construction companies (that I worked the last quarter to set up these meetings with, btw) that I'm buying dinner for at high end restaurants that I'm doing Dry January. Might even get some "us, too!", I'll play it as it goes. Thankfully, I'm not going to World of Concrete in Vegas, this year. Manufacturers are difficult to not drink with when it's their big event with an open card.

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kafin8ed@reddit

Did dry January 3 years ago, best thing ever, haven't had a drop of alcohol since!

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Nice!

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thatsplatgal@reddit

I did dry January a few years in a row. Three years ago I decided I was removing it completely as it was sabotaging a lot of my goals. I’m not a big person but I still lost 10lbs without even trying once I quit. Those calories add up fast. Not to mention it allowed me to stick to all my health goals - clean eating, no sugar, working out, better sleep, improved hormone balance, etc.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Sounds great!

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JoyfulNoise1964@reddit

I stopped drinking entirely almost seven years ago my health is so much better and I'm so much happier without it

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slowlybecomingmoss@reddit

I did it a few years ago and was like “damn, I feel a lot better w/o alcohol” so I started drinking less, like basically cutting it back to weekends and 1 per day. Then when the surgeon general announced at the beginning of 2025 that there was basically no safe level of consumption that was the last nudge I needed to give it up altogether. I don’t miss it, but it has really changed my willingness to go hang out at bars. Unless the ambiance is chill and the mocktails are compelling, hard pass

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PacRat48@reddit

Use it as a springboard. Do whatever you can to make it through January. And don’t be so swift to go back in Feb. I quit drinking almost 10 years ago. One of the best things I ever did

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pantstoaknifefight2@reddit

R/stopdrinking is a great support network. I recommend by engaging with "newest" posts.

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Astroworm2020@reddit

I was thinking of cutting back, but not 100% dry, so a Moist January.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

That works too!

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tommyalanson@reddit

I did it last year. Didn’t lost any weight but I wasn’t trying to. Went fine. Didn’t miss drinking and didn’t mind going back to drinking in late February either. So I ended up doing six weeks or so dry. This year I’m thinking about just not drinking during the work week. I typically have a glass of wine most nights, sometimes two, and I’ve been thinking that’s a lot of empty calories and probably not healthy in the long run. I basically only drink red wine and an occasional beer in the summertime.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

That doesn’t sound so bad.

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fjkelly3@reddit

have completed dry January since 2020, it really helps reset my relationship with alcohol. sleep, is much better along with an overall sense of wellness.

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Molicious26@reddit

If you have to keep doing it every year did it really reset your relationship with alcohol?

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snipes81@reddit

same. Helps that the mrs. is doing it with me this year.

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fjkelly3@reddit

having support for the shared goal is really awesome. good work to the both of you!

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stantheman1976@reddit

Weight loss is probably 75% diet and eating habits. If you're not willing to get into a caloric deficit and eat foods that are beneficial for weight loss/maintenance you're not going to lose any noticeable amount. Have you ever considered a keto diet? It's not a miracle diet for everyone but I had great success with it. From October 2016 to October 2017 I lost over 150 pounds doing a keto diet and cardio exercise. I kept it all off until 2020. I've gained about 50 back since then and fluctuated because I haven't stayed consistent in my eating habits. I've been back on low carb since October minus the holidays when I knew I'd be off my diet. At 49 it seems a little more difficult to lose weight than at 40 but keto is still the best option for me.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

I’ve done a modified keto diet off and on. Seemed to help some.

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stantheman1976@reddit

It's not for everyone and I openly say that when I talk about it. I have a fairly obsessive all or none personality though. I've always had problems with impulse control. It's almost impossible for me to do a "traditional" diet where I could have limited quantities of carb or sugar heavy foods. Keto lets me follow a specific plan that doesn't make me feel deprived since there are plenty of foods I can still eat, especially now with companies making keto friendly products. Aldi sells keto bread that is low calorie as well. It's not quite as exciting to the taste buds as a good sourdough bread but it serves the same purpose without the guilt. I also find that when I'm in ketosis my appetite is lower than normal. I can go longer stretches between meals without feeling super hungry. Supposedly ketones are an appetite suppressant so it checks out if true. It probably also has to do with just eating smaller portions and your body adjusting to that.

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wyocrz@reddit

I was a drunkard for over 20 years. Covid drinking nearly killed me. Now a musician to make up for booze making me feel like a rock star. My $0.02: if you quit, quit. If you don't, don't. But half measures weaken resolve.

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cynzthin@reddit

Numerous studies have shown that being mindful and even achieving “Damp January” has many benefits and people wind up drinking less/more mindfully afterwards. Why ON EARTH would you DISCOURAGE people from this?

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wyocrz@reddit

The main thing I learned taking experiment design is that there's no such thing as a good observational study. In my experience, most people who broke some awful habit did so decisively.

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man_eating_mt_rat@reddit

As a fellow old person ... weight training is what you need, not cardio. Yeah like a walk doesn't hurt but to lose weight you gotta lift.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Thanks. Doing weights too. Trying to cover all my bases lol.

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feralGenx@reddit

The thing about being pre-diabetic and cutting sugar. It takes time for the weight to come off. No need to do extreme workouts. Walking is all you really need to drop sugar weight initially. Not drinking alcohol will also help. If you do need something sweet, carrots are a great substitute.

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man_eating_mt_rat@reddit

Bless your heart but no carrots are not a good substitute for anything. And I'm a fan of carrots.

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KingPabloo@reddit

Gotta also run and workout

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mikeyfireman@reddit

No you don’t. You can fix one thing at a time. The more things you try an do at the same time, the more chance you have of saying fuck it and quit. If it’s a struggle to not drink, put your energy towards not drinking. If you have the will power, do a little more. But pick one main goal and work on it.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Doing that too! Just went to the gym.

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PeonyFluckt@reddit

https://www.reddit.com/r/DryJanuary/s/TdRur3kJ8H

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Thanks! I’ll check it out.

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Silverbitta@reddit

I quit drinking about 3.5 yrs ago and at the time wanted to lose about 10 pounds, but this was not my reason for stopping. After not drinking for several months my weight started just going down a little at a time, and after 6 months of not drinking I was 10 lbs less and have stayed pretty consistent since. My diet and exercise didn’t change during this time, so my theory is that it took this time for my body to adjust to not having to process alcohol every day and to become more efficient at processing calories from eating. I don’t know if that’s really what happened or not and everyone’s body reacts differently to things but all this to say not to be discouraged if you don’t see a lot of weight loss after only a month, it could still happen if you continue, and there are so many other positive changes happening in your body when you stop drinking.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

I think you’re right!

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MyNameIsntFlower@reddit

We’re doing Dry January. I need it more than he does, but that’s beside the point. I’ve done it before, and I just couldn’t believe the sugar cravings I got… and I’m not someone who ever craved sugar like that.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

I am, unfortunately. And I’ve been trying to cut back on sugar in general as well. I wish alcohol wasn’t full of sugar.

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goonwild18@reddit

Well, if you have to use the word "try" over "do" - you likely have a drinking problem that you sort of know you have, even if not out of control. So, it's a good idea for anyone who drinks habitually but not ridiculously to dry out anyway.... you learn a lot about yourself at about day 3 :-) Then, you might even develop a solid non-habitual, healthier relationship with alcohol. The best thing in the world for pre-diabetes is moving every day. You don't have to run a marathon...just actively and purposefully add movement.... a walk.. anything.

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No-Hospital559@reddit

It's been 105 months dry for me, good luck.

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Ambitious_Lead693@reddit

Just a heads up, I quit drinking about a year ago and haven't lost any weight. It has obvious other benefits, but I was pretty disappointed that the weight loss part didn't happen. Anyway, yeah, I guess I'm doing dry January. And February, March... but I find it best not to look so far ahead. All I really know is I am not going to drink today.

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Dusty_Sequins@reddit

Same. I actually gained weight because of the amount of sweets I was eating, which is common from what I understand. I’m losing now, though. High blood pressure and borderline obesity and my dr prescribed glp-1. Down 17 lbs so far! Day 134 sober today!

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Day by day is the way to go!

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defStef@reddit

I’m doing it but let’s be honest: dry January starts on the 2nd 😆

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Fair lol.

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UgliestPumpkin@reddit

I've done a couple of dry Januarys, I didn't find it difficult at all, but I also didn't see a dramatic change in my life. I drink just wine and beer these days (mostly wine, around 2 to 3 bottles spread over a week). The things I noticed most; I didn't think about my evening glass of wine, ever. Usually I'm looking forward to it, but during dry January I actually didn't even miss it or think about it. I saw very slight improvements in my sleep and energy levels, not dramatic, not enough to want to quit forever. Same with weight, I went down 5 lbs. which wasn't bad, but that was also with upping my exercise and watching diet more closely. Overall, I was just more bored. Everything was largely the same, but more boring. Still, I'm planning a dry January this year. (I didn't even try one last year, with the inauguration last January, it seemed pointless to try).

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Good luck with it this year!

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UgliestPumpkin@reddit

Thank you! You as well!

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ego_tripped@reddit

I do dry February but it lasts into March until we go on the beach vacation. Bonus for me as I naturally tone the dad-bod!

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Nice!

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wooksquatch@reddit

I did a dry January last year after NYE. It's officially been a year since I've had anything. Dry January can turn into something else entirely if you let it.

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Maleficent_State7033@reddit

Congrats!

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lizrdsg@reddit

Same here! Best thing I did last year!

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twistedivy@reddit

We’re doing a sweets-free January. No cookies, ice cream, chocolate. Wish us luck.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Good luck!

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Historical_Project86@reddit

Sort of. I stopped on Boxing Day 2024 and haven't touched a drop since.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Good for you!

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A_SingleSpeeder@reddit

I did this a few years ago and I'm going to do it this year too. Of course, that doesn't start until Jan 4th, the day before I have to go back to work. 😉

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Fair enough!

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Lucky-Resolution890@reddit

I think about doing it but then something in my body starts hurting & I see how shitty the world is & figure why make things worse. Haha

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

There is that lol.

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GoodChallenge6928@reddit

Yup! We do it every year (48 and 51 years old). It's hard especially after extra boozy holidays. But we get used to it after a few days and we feel so good, esp by the end of the month. Last year it trickled into Dry February and mostly dry March and April. We just dumped the leftover Prosecco and wine from last night! Pro Tip: drinking sparkling waters/seltzers out of fancy drinking glasses, esp if you add lemon wedges etc- makes it still feel special.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Thanks for the tip!

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Hedonistic_Yinzer@reddit

I don't participate in theme months like dry January or no not November. I rather just try to eat healthy, well healthier, year round and moderate my drinking accordingly year round. If you do it for the month of January, and spend the entire time looking forward to February so you can drink, then you have a year-long problem not a January problem. The same goes for November. Me not having an orgasm for a full month doesn't have any effect on testicular cancer. Or men's health. It does have an effect on my mental health. I wish we'd do away with all this trendy bullshit. Happy 2026

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NoAbbreviations290@reddit

I used to drink. I still do. But I used to too.

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KyOatey@reddit

If you've never done a dry month before, then you should absolutely give it a try. It's a good health decision and may change your relationship with alcohol for the positive.

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SmartNotRude@reddit

I have and it stuck.

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I-used2B-a-Valkyrie@reddit

I don’t drink so every month is Dry, lol. They do these mocktail mixers that are supposedly “just like the real thing” though.

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Wild_Blue4242@reddit

I usually do Dry January every year and end up replacing alcohol with sweets (not on purpose) and actually GAIN weight lol. So this year I’m cutting both alcohol AND sugar all month. We shall see ;)

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Good luck!

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dbrmn73@reddit

Never heard of it...

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Overall_Lobster823@reddit

I do it every year. Usually 1-2 cheats, but I'm aiming for a perfect month this time.

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SamePhotographs@reddit

I did for the most part quit drinking several years ago. I also lost a considerable amount of weight when I stopped drinking my calories.

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MaximumJones@reddit

I tried it 28 years ago and never went back. I was not having health problems, I just did not like who I was and wanted to change.

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Artichokeydokey8@reddit

Do it! But watch your cravings. Often people replace alcohol with sugar.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Yeah, I’ll have to be careful. I wish I didn’t have such a sweet tooth lol.

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Artichokeydokey8@reddit

I think about cookies so much when I take extended breaks from drinking. And I don’t even drink that much! Good luck friend. I need to take a break from sweets too.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Thanks for the support!

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thebestjonbrown@reddit

I don't do try January but a few years ago I learned I had to cut back on drinking. I do drink less in January but mostly because I drink a lot more in Dec. My birthday is in Dec so it's holidays and birthday.... Big drinking time. I have found what works best for me is only drinking on weekends, and if I have 2 drinks and done by around 7pm it doesn't affect my sleep much at all. Moderation is the key for me.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

I’ve tried only drinking on weekends too. My problem is I cheat too much. Good for you for sticking with it!

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thebestjonbrown@reddit

Oh it's not easy but my Garmin watch tells me clearly how bad my sleep is with alcohol so that plus me actually feeling like crap it's easy to cut back. I do look forward to good bourbon on the weekends though so that helps. I also do not drink beer so that helps a lot as well

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tc_cad@reddit

That’s my issue. My birthday is in January so I have at least one friend that wants to go for a few beers.

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PlummetComics@reddit

I did it for a couple years, but I switched to April (the cruelest month) not January (NFL playoffs). Now, I barely drink and have a green leafy friend instead

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ircarlton@reddit

Dry January two years ago turned into dry Forevuary. Dropped 70 lbs and never looked back.

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BlacksmithThink9494@reddit

Wow. Double congrats!!

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Worth-Magazine348@reddit

This is a super low risk way to explore impact of alcohol on your life - so why not try it? For my part, I did a dry January in 2014 and kept going and my life is profoundly better for it in every way.

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BigDigger324@reddit

I did a dry January a few years back and the just forgot to start again. Honestly I don’t miss it at all…

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SquirrelBowl@reddit

This is my 7th Dry January. I enjoy the reset, and it often gets extended into February. Not what you asked, but you may want to check out Wegovy. I had a lot of success in a few months. For most people it cravings, and that includes alcohol. It’s only $199 a month (2 months) to start and then $249 to $349 depending on dose. There’s a good Dry January sub. It’s encouraging but not preachy.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Cool! Might have to look into that.

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Deeschuck@reddit

Quit drinking 6 years ago and dropped 35lbs in 6 months. I like whiskey but not enough to carry 4 gallons of it around with me all the time.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

That’s awesome! I like whiskey too — bourbon to be specific. Manhattans are so damn tasty.

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Sea_Staff9963@reddit

I had to give up alcohol due to medications. I miss it occasionally when I'm socializing, but my life is much better (lost weight, skin improved, sleep better) since I quit.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Good for you! I really enjoy cocktails, but I think I owe it to myself to give up alcohol for at least a month.

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Sea_Staff9963@reddit

I love cocktails, too. The first few weeks I gave up, I allowed myself some mocktails to help the transition. But mocktails are just fancy juice so there's a lot of sugar in them.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

True, unfortunately.

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futurestorms@reddit

Good for you, Break! I hope it goes well for you and your health. You may even go longer! Personally speaking, i gave up drinking alcohol altogether in April 2023. Best decision for my overall health, mental health and well being i ever made.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

That’s awesome! Glad it worked out so well for you.

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PleasantStatement327@reddit

56f I’ve been doing Dryuary every Jan for the past 6-7 years and love it! I think the biggest benefit is the sleep quality. I incorporate a three day juice fast and up my healthy eating game too. My body is always so happy with me for this choice after all the holiday abuse. I encourage you to subscribe to the Dryuary newsletter/email. Very supportive and helpful. https://moderation.org/

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sarah-vdb@reddit

My husband does it every year and sees it as a bit of a reset after the holidays. He usually doesn't drink again until at least mid-February. This year may be slightly different because I gave him a bottle of Laphroaig for Christmas, so I'm pretty sure that'll be opened February 1. And will last until September.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Sounds like a good system!

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PNWOrgonian71@reddit

Day 365 today. Highly recommend it, gym, therapist trainer, clean diet feels great!

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

That’s awesome!

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PNWOrgonian71@reddit

Thank you!

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fastcatdog@reddit

Did that 4 years ago and never stopped 👍

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Didthatyesterday2@reddit

Same here about 5 years ago. Feels fantastic.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Nice!

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who-waht@reddit

I go weeks at a time without drinking alcohol, but I've never specifically tried dry January or any other particular month. Little to no alcohol isn't a weight loss panacea for me. I do sleep much better without it though.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

That’s good. Alcohol can definitely affect your sleep.

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Dangerous_Abalone528@reddit

My A1C dropped with regular exercise. Belly weight dropped with Weight Watchers.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Nice! I’ve been starting to exercise also.

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walk2daocean@reddit

Walk my friend ... get out and walk. Instead of spending on alcohol get yourself airpods an audible subscription and get lost in a book while walking ... have a couple of neighbors who I see walking everyday and their body transformation over several months has been amazing.

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evilgemini50@reddit

I did a 1 month cleanse that accidently turned into sober lifestyle about 7 years ago... Definitely recommend, but suger is another matter.

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minder125@reddit

I went Dry July back in 2013. Best decision I made.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

What were the results?

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minder125@reddit

12 years sober. Still going strong.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Awesome. Congrats!

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Okieloves@reddit

I am with you on this journey. Likewise prediabetic. Been off alcohol for about 2 months and have seen a slight reduction in weight. Working on incorporating more daily walks and less sugar in my diet. It ain't easy. 🫶

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

That’s definitely true! Good for you for doing so well though.

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Okieloves@reddit

Thank you. You got this! Progress not perfection, as they say.

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BreakAllTheChairs@reddit (OP)

Thanks! That’s a great way to look at it.

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Pristine-Shine6365@reddit

I did Dry January two years ago. I never stared back up after the month off. Best thing I ever did.

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Lumpy-Detective-1978@reddit

Quitting drinking is one of the best and nicest things you can do for yourself. I did it for my health about 8 years ago, I went dry for a January and never went back because I liked the results so much. It's unnecessary, it's toxic, it's empty calories, it's costly. There's not much to like about drinking, for real. You'll find that your body will thank you. I'm certainly healthier now.

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mamabear00420@reddit

I love Dry January. Sometimes it lasts a couple days, sometimes it lasts a couple months. One time it last a whole year. My opinion is you don’t know how bad alcohol makes you feel until you go without. I’m in for dry January 2026.

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brngckn@reddit

I did it last year. Felt good about doing it but lost no weight and didn’t really feel any different. Drinkinh less of laye because GLPs not only curb appetite it seems.

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