The United States has a complicated relationship with alcohol. From celebrating at sports games and concerts to toasting at family gatherings, it can be hard to avoid the allure of drinking. Many find themselves over-imbibing during the holidays, where one glass becomes two, and eventually three or four, which is why a growing number of Americans participate in “Dry January.” Dry January is exactly what it sounds like -- giving up alcohol for an entire month so your body has a chance to rest and recover from the effects of alcohol, but can temporary abstinence really make a difference? 

In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of going without alcohol for 31 days and how THC drinks can help fill the void left behind by alcohol.

Short-Term Benefits of Dry January 

A 2018 study showed that regular drinkers who took a break from alcohol for an entire month showed improvements in three core areas: 

• Weight- Participants in the study lost weight and improved insulin resistance. Alcohol provides empty calories, or calories that don’t add nutritional value, and can contribute to weight gain. 

• Blood pressure- Having one drink a day can contribute to high blood pressure, especially if you’re 35+ or have pre-existing conditions that make you more prone to high blood pressure. 
• Liver function- Cutting out alcohol for a month can help decrease inflammation, which lowers the risk of developing fatty liver disease. This condition can progress into cirrhosis of the liver. 

Other self-reported benefits of giving up alcohol include improved sleep, clearer skin, and higher energy levels. According to the American Addiction Centers, alcohol can worsen existing anxiety and depression and lead to new diagnoses. Other research-backed benefits include lowering cholesterol and glucose levels and losing up to 40% of their liver fat. 

The benefits of alcohol go beyond health and wellness -- you’ll also save money. The average alcoholic beverage costs around $13 at a bar or restaurant, with some establishments in larger cities like Los Angeles or New York charging upwards of $25 for a single cocktail. Multiply this by 3-4 drinks a night a few times a week, and you’ll save yourself hundreds (even a thousand!) of dollars a month. 

Long-Term Benefits of Going Alcohol-Free 

If you successfully make it through Dry January and are considering abstaining from alcohol for even longer, there are several important long-term benefits of going alcohol-free. You’ll reduce your risk of: 

• Cancer- Several types of cancer are associated with alcohol use, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancer. Learn more about alcohol and cancer here. 

• Infection and illness- Eliminating alcohol can reduce inflammation and give your immune system a break, reducing the risk of certain infections and illnesses. 

• Digestive issues- Alcoholic beverages are often chock full of sugars and carbs, and sobriety can help improve digestive issues like bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. 
• Heart complications- Moderating or eliminating alcohol consumption can improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, heart rhythm, and overall cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease and related complications.

For both short-term and long-term benefits of sobriety, consider speaking with your primary care provider or a healthcare professional. They can assess your current health and establish a baseline to track your progress as you embrace a sober lifestyle. Since there is no universal solution for reducing alcohol consumption, a personalized approach tailored to your unique needs can be especially effective.

Practical Tips for Avoiding Alcohol 

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to give up alcohol. If you’re concerned that you’ll fail on your sobriety journey (temporary or otherwise), here are some practical tips for avoiding alcohol. 

Cut Down Gradually 

Start preparing for Dry January a few weeks in advance. Start cutting down gradually, perhaps by replacing one night of drinking each week with THC drinks or non-alcoholic seltzers. Depending on your current alcohol usage, it can be difficult to go cold turkey, so tapering off gradually may be necessary. 

Find a Drink Substitute 

For some drinkers, consuming alcohol is more about the ritual and less about the alcohol. If you enjoy winding down at the end of a long day with alcohol or having drinks with friends, replace the alcoholic beverage with a CBD or THC drink. Available in a variety of flavors, you’ll be sure to find one you enjoy. You can even make your own THC drink by adding water-soluble tincture to your favorite tea or sparkling water. 

Find a Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shop

Non-alcoholic bottle shops are growing in popularity and are full of functional alcohol alternatives (like Three Spirit), which are made from nootropics like GABA, ashwagandha, and valerian root to enhance the social experience without inebriation. A few of our favorites in the area are Hopscotch Bottle Shop in Baltimore, Modern World in Hampden, and Good Libations in Hagerstown. 

Be Ready to Respond to Triggers  

This is one area where finding a drink substitute can really come in handy. If you’re heading to a party and are concerned about feeling triggered to drink, ask the host to stock up on THC drinks or non-alcoholic seltzers, or ask if you can bring your own. Have a canned response ready to go in case someone offers you alcohol. Something as simple as “No thanks, I’m not drinking tonight” should suffice. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Professional Help 

If you experience obsessive thoughts about alcohol or can’t make it through the break you set for yourself, a temporary break might not be enough. If you’re concerned about your relationship with alcohol, help is available. Discuss your concerns with your PCP or contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357.) The hotline is free, confidential, and is available 24/7, 356-days-a-year. 

Find THC Drinks @ CULTA 

If you’re curious about THC drinks, you have options; CULTA is proud to have plenty of edibles and THC drinks in stock at any given time. 

As of January 2025, you can find the following in our stores: Keef Colas, Sunnies Seltzers, Tall Seltzers by Evermore, and Vibations drink powders, which have a variety of blends with electrolytes and minor cannabinoids. Browse our menu for our latest offerings, or head into our Baltimore, Urbana, or Columbia dispensaries to see our offerings in person. Good luck on your sobriety journey!