Dry January, the annual challenge to abstain from alcohol for the first month of the year, has grown from a modest U.K. initiative into a global movement.
Launched in 2013 by Alcohol Change UK, the official campaign encourages us to reflect on our drinking habits and promotes healthier choices. Its roots stretch back even further, to 1942, when Finland promoted a Sober January during World War II.
Participation in the U.S. has surged. In 2025, about 22% of adults age 21 and older took part in Dry January, with millions pledging to cut out alcohol for the month. The reasons vary: Some hope to sleep more soundly; others want sharper focus or weight loss. Still others use the month to reset after holiday indulgence or test how dependent they are on alcohol.
The importance of Dry January is underscored by shifting habits: Only 54% of U.S. adults now report drinking alcohol. Yet more than 27.9 million Americans still struggle with alcohol use disorder, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. It’s a stark contrast that highlights how deeply alcohol affects individuals and families across America, even as national consumption trends decline.
For many, Dry January is not just a month off booze, it’s a step toward a more mindful lifestyle.