Dry January and a Changing Relationship with Alcohol

Millions of Americans have started the new year sober. Maybe you're one of them.

While Americans don't plan to decrease their alcohol use overall in 2025, about one-third of US drinkers planned to participate in Dry January this year, according to a New Consumer Trends report. Dry January-launched in 2013 by Alcohol Change UK-challenges participants to abstain from alcohol for a month to realize some of the benefits of curbing their consumption.

"If you're regularly spending money on alcohol, there are going to be 31 days when you're saving," said JR Denson, alcohol and other drugs prevention specialist for AU's Center for Well-Being. "There are also a lot of empty calories in alcohol. [Other considerations include] sleep latency, which is how fast or slow you can fall asleep. While alcohol does improve sleep latency, it worsens sleep disruption."

Temporary teetotaling is indicative of a changing relationship with alcohol-particularly among young people. Adults between 18 and 34 are less likely to drink today than two decades ago, according to 2024 data from the Pew Research Center, which has surveyed Americans about their drinking habits for more than eight decades. Last month, New Consumer Trends found 51 percent of Generation Z and Millennials planned to participate in Dry January this year.

In his work at AU, Denson said he's encountering more young people who are "sober curious" and considering abstinence or reevaluating their relationship with alcohol. He cited a booming nonalcoholic beverage industry, which provides more options than ever before as one reason for the shift. Generational differences are another.

"The prevailing wisdom is that Gen Z is pretty risk-averse," Denson said. "It's not just alcohol and drug use. It's virtually any risky behavior." For example, the number of Gen Zers with driver's licenses is also declining, he said.

Powering through Dry January? Denson provided tips for how to finish the month strong-and how to take a break anytime during the rest of the year.

Have a Plan

The New Consumer Trends report found that 74 percent of Americans believe alcohol matters-to varying degrees-for making social connections and having fun.

While taking a break, it's best to anticipate and avoid situations where you might encounter alcohol or be pressured to drink, Denson said. Channeling your time into other activities can also help.

"If you think you're going to be tempted to drink when you're out with friends, be proactive instead of reactive," Denson said. "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

Seek Support

If you notice during Dry January that abstaining from alcohol is difficult, Denson encourages seeking professional guidance.

Denson offers free and confidential alcohol and other drugs consultations for AU students. The sessions, which are tailored to Eagles' individual needs, focus on behavior modification and harm reduction.

"You can always come talk to me anytime, in person or virtually," Denson said. "If you want to talk to somebody and it's not me, I won't take that personally. When you're seeking help, the messenger matters. We have a counseling department with a lot of trained clinicians that can help. If they can't help you, we can refer you to somebody that can."

Try Mocktails

The District has several bars that offer only alcohol-free creations, but any cocktail can be made into a tasty mocktail at home by substituting for nonalcoholic spirits or omitting the alcohol.

Denson regularly offers mocktails to students at campus events, and this one has become a favorite:

Tequila(ish) Sunrise

2oz. orange juice

1oz. pineapple juice

1oz. nonalcoholic tequila

1oz. club soda

0.5oz. grenadine (add in last, don't stir in)

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Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.