By Nick Padlo, CEO, Sophros Recovery

Since its origins more than 15 years ago, Dry January has become much more than the traditional healthy awareness trend following holiday indulgence. Today, it’s become an increasingly more meaningful gateway to self-awareness.

As someone in long-term recovery from alcohol and drug abuse, the first month of each year used to represent a chance (or a test) for me to reset: one that I often failed. But as someone in long-term sobriety today, I believe Dry January is a chance for those struggling to fully understand their issues and take a look at the changes they need to make.

More than 75 million Americans were expected to attempt the Dry January challenge last year. That would be almost one-third of legal-aged adults. Experts say the trend of increased participation has grown steadily in recent years, especially among younger drinkers in the Millennial and Gen Z age groups who tend to be more focused on health and wellness.

That said, the number of Americans who say they drink regularly continues to decline. A recent survey showed that a record low of 54% of U.S. adults say they drink, the lowest seen since the Gallup Poll’s initial 1939 look at the nation’s drinking habits.

So, “why participate in Dry January? It’s only month.” I hear over and over. As a matter of fact, those who do Dry January report having better sleep, more energy and an improved mood. Beyond that, a month of sobriety can also improve blood pressure, reduce inflammation and clear up skin.

In terms of mental health, participants often report better sleep, more energy, better focus, fewer mood swings and a greater overall sense of stability. Oftentimes, many drinkers realize they no longer have anxiety after taking a pro-longed break from alcohol.

Participating in Dry January can also reveal some other important things. Many begin to better understand moments when they use alcohol to fight stress, loneliness, being overwhelmed and other social pressures. And, to no surprise, many also begin to see how much money they spend on alcohol each month.

Attempting Dry January is a chance to better understand your drinking habits and re-evaluate just how serious they are. Signs that alcohol has become a coping strategy include feeling irritated during an alcohol-free week or being restless without alcohol.

The month-long pause can provide an opportunity to examine why you drink along with other long-term habits or dependencies that may be holding you back from achieving the best version of yourself.

For me personally, as I continue my recovery, Dry January has become more about self-reflection and review of the work I’ve done in recovery. I invite others to do the same.

If you are considering participating in Dry January, there are many resources that offer help and support. Social media can actually benefit those in this challenge by providing a level of accountability. There are an increasing number of alcohol-free bars and sober-curious communities that are helping to normalize a lifestyle once stigmatized. As in most recovery communities, connections often sustain change.

Remember also that you don’t need to hit bottom to rethink your drinking. Dry January can serve as a starting point rather than a temporary detox. Sophros Recovery is here for anyone who finds the challenge revealing — whether they want moderation support, recovery guidance or just a simple conversation about what they discovered in their Dry January experiment.

Sophros Recovery is a Jacksonville-based outpatient treatment program helping residents recover from substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health challenges. The center offers a wide range of evidence-based treatments and therapies tailored to each client’s needs. Sophros believes success in recovery involves healing the mind, body and spirit. Learn more at SophrosRecovery.com.