It’s time for New Year’s resolutions, and one of the most common goals is to cut down on alcohol. Thousands of people commit to spending the first four weeks of the year without alcohol. It’s well-known today, but the practice of a dry month has its roots in World War II. In 1942, the Finnish government launched a mass movement during its war effort against the Soviet Union. They called it “Raitis Januar”: Sober January. Just as countries around the world reduced or eliminated sugar, the Finnish government encouraged its population to stop drinking alcohol completely for at least the month of January in order to save national resources. Through newspapers and magazines, Dry January reached the population – and the population responded. Although it was a radical cultural shift, the campaign was one of the most successful in Finnish history.
A sober January was beneficial for the troops and the country as a whole. It reduced alcohol consumption on the front lines and through citizenship, which benefited the well-being of the soldiers and saved money throughout the country. The movement was limited to a small group of Finnish countries. It took several decades for the movement to spread throughout Europe.
2000s: Dry January
The Dry January challenge as we know it today emerged in the 2000s. During this time, Dry January started as a way to start the new year with a clean slate. Little by little, it became more well-known. Dry January is mentioned in a multitude of blogs, newspaper articles, and more as challenge participants spread the word.
Especially as a break from the holidays, many people were starting to see the benefits of Dry January. By abstaining from alcohol, you can improve your health, mental well-being, and foster new personal and professional growth. The month of Dry January gives you a space to recover from the holiday season, evaluate your lifestyle, and make an active change to a healthy lifestyle. However, Dry January didn’t become famous until 2013. A British organization known as Alcohol Change organized the first official Dry January in 2013.
Abstaining from alcohol for a month can be a significant challenge. Yet Alcohol Change has received an overwhelming response. Thousands of people have participated in Alcohol Change’s Dry January, which is still running today. Alcohol Change hosts an app to help track progress throughout Dry January, and they even have an email subscription to send participants tips, success stories, and motivation.013-2021: DRY JANUARY, INTERNAT
Since 2013, Dry January has expanded internationally, gaining recognition in Canada and the United States, where more and more people are joining each year. People around the world are discovering the health benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle, including lower blood pressure, reduced risk of liver disease, better sleep and improved mental health.
Dry January isn’t just about temporary abstinence. It can be the first step toward changing your life. Whether you’re sober, curious, or in recovery, participating in Dry January can help you feel encouraged for the new year and get you closer to your personal goals. This is the year to give Dry January a try. Eliminate your drinking, check your drinking habits, and save money.
Today, few people don’t recognize the term. The hashtag #dryjanuary is popping up in the thousands on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, as people around the world discuss the challenges and celebrate the benefits of a successful Dry January.
What better way to approach the new year?
