Is Not Drinking for a Month Good for Me?

Published December 30 2022 inSexual Health
stopwatch2 minutes read

The months of November and December are filled with lots of holiday parties, get-togethers, and special events. If you’re like most people, that means that you’ll be tossing back quite a few more drinks than usual. While holiday drinks are all in good fun, an excess of alcohol can leave you feeling run down and may even cause you to have questions about your overall well-being. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. “Dry January” is a trending challenge that empowers you to get full health and re-focus on new goals for 2023.

 

What is Dry January?

Dry January centres around making changes for the better. It’s not aimed at shaming people or depriving them of the joys in life. Instead, it’s about taking something back. In exchange for going one month without drinking, you get to clear your head, give your liver a break, rejuvenate your skin’s vibrancy, boost your energy levels, and take steps to become the “you” that you want to be.

Why Should I Try Being Sober for a Month?

There are lots of reasons why people throughout the UK choose to participate in the Dry January challenge. For some, it’s a way to “detox” their bodies. For others, it’s about kicking the new year off to the best possible start. It’s a personal journey, though, and everyone’s goals will be unique. But regardless of your own reasons, giving it a try can result in the following:

  • Improved sleep habits
  • Clearer thinking
  • Increased energy
  • Positive weight changes
  • Healthier skin
  • Financial savings
  • Improved liver function

Can I Ever Drink Again?

That’s your choice, and that’s the whole point! Dry January isn’t about saying you can never drink again. During this 31-day journey, you’re simply making the conscious choice not to pick up a bottle. Especially after a holiday season of indulgence, drinking becomes a habit or a default that we don’t even think about. By using the month of January as a reset, you’ll become more aware of and in control of your decisions so that you can make better, more self-aware choices going forward.

Is Dry January Safe?

If you have been binge drinking quite a lot, it’s important to realize that suddenly stopping drinking can be dangerous. In cases like these, it’s best to consult with a doctor to talk about how you can safely change your habits. Look out for dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including:

  • Hand tremors/shaking
  • Excessive sweating
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Depression
  • Severe anxiety

If you have any concerns about your ability to stop drinking safely, reach out for help. In addition to scheduling an appointment with your GP, it’s smart to test your liver for healthy functioning. The liver can take a heavy beating after excessive drinking, and a test will show you if it has suffered any harm from alcohol. The sooner liver function issues are detected, the sooner you can start making lifestyle changes and returning it (and your whole body) to maximum health. Order your test today.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mike has been delivering world class Sexually Transmitted Infections testing services to Better2Know patients around the world for over ten years. He has written extensively on the subject, including numerous blogs for Better2Know which are designed to demystify the complex intricacies of sexual health testing. Mike wants to help his readers understand the risks they take in their daily sexual lives and provide the information they need when choosing an STI or STD test in a clear, concise and understandable way. Mike is particularly interested in writing about viral STIs like HIV and Hepatitis, as these infections can have a devastating impact on people’s lives if they are not diagnosed quickly. Only through being well informed can you best care for your health, and Mike is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience to help you and all his readers lead a happier, healthier life.