Why Dry January Matters

January 8, 2025 Zach Zerr

Why Dry January Matters to Me

It’s January 8th, 2025, so it’s still not too late to wish everyone a happy New Year, but only for another week or so. And with a new year comes hope and opportunity, a chance for fresh starts, and unless you’re a Scrooge, you’ve probably made a resolution or two.

One of my resolutions is to prioritize wellness in 2025. I just turned 30, and my body doesn’t feel as spry as it used to. I’m getting older, and it’s time to focus on what matters; for me, that’s my health. I’ve been blessed most of my life because I’ve been healthy. Fitness and nutrition have always gone hand in hand for me. Still, like most people, I’ve always enjoyed unwinding with a couple of drinks, going out to parties, and often throwing most of my health convictions out the window when I’m out with friends.

So, I’m starting this year by taking on Dry January. To me, it’s not about challenging myself to be perfect but taking this opportunity to hold myself accountable and actually do something to prioritize my health.

I already go out of my way to eat well, work out, and take supplements to maintain the dad bod I’ve cultivated over the years, so Dry January feels like the perfect compliment to my resolutions. I enjoy having a couple of drinks with friends, but it would make more sense to quit undermining all the other work I put into my wellness.

We’re eight days in, and I feel pretty good, but I also don’t want to commit to becoming completely sober. I still want to be able to go out for drinks with friends. But I’m also wrestling with the fact that alcohol simply isn’t good for you. While I enjoy the occasional drink, I can’t ignore the facts.

The Case Against Alcohol

Alcohol is embedded in our culture, but its impact on our health is undeniable. The Alcohol-Related Disease Impact Application estimates that more than 178,000 deaths each year in the United States are attributed to excessive alcohol use. That’s a staggering number, especially when you consider that these deaths are preventable.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also identifies excessive alcohol use as one of the leading preventable causes of death in the United States. Among alcohol-related deaths, about two-thirds are linked to chronic conditions, including cancer, heart disease, liver disease, and alcohol use disorder.

These statistics alone are enough to make you reconsider your drinking habits, at least, they were for me. Last year, I explored the dangers of alcohol more deeply in a blog post. If you’re interested in learning more, I encourage you to check it out.

Understanding the risks associated with alcohol hasn’t just motivated me to participate in Dry January; it’s caused me to reevaluate my life and seek healthier alternatives. Because I don’t need to drink to have fun, but a nice glass of whatever your drink of choice is can undoubtedly help you unwind at the end of a long day. And I’m not alone there. Life can be stressful, especially in the information age, where we are all constantly being bombarded with emails, texts, and content from every part of the globe.

So, I’m using this month to take a break from booze and seek out natural alternatives. I already have a few things in mind, like making my first visit to a Kava bar. But, I’m also not going to let perfection stand in the way of improvement. While I’m doing my best to stay on track, I won’t beat myself up if I stray. If I break a streak, that just becomes my new goal to beat and potentially give me a reason to stretch this challenge into February.

What Dry January Means to Me

To me, Dry January is not about perfection or even permanent sobriety. For me, it’s about taking the first step toward being more intentional, mindful, and in control of my health. It’s an opportunity to reflect and clear my mind. It’s also an opportunity to connect with others taking on the same challenge.

Taking this month off allows me to focus on what truly matters most to me—my health, both physical and mental. It’s also an opportunity to find healthy alternatives, like mocktails, fancy sparkling waters, and plant-based alternatives that I might prefer. There’s no way to know until you try, right?

A Fresh Start for the New Year

Kicking off the New Year with a challenge like Dry January is a chance to get a fresh start and hit the reset button on life. It’s a great way to set the tone and get locked in on your goals.

Whether you’re sober curious, looking to cut back, or simply want to challenge yourself, I encourage you to give Dry January a try with me. You don’t have to go all in, even small steps—like swapping out a cocktail for a mocktail can make a big difference.

So, let’s raise a glass (of sparkling water, of course) to the New Year, better health, and a commitment to living our best lives. Whatever your goals are this year, I wish you the best and hope that 2025 treats you well.

Happy New Year,

Zach from CBD for Life