Everyone wants to feel better, live longer and enhance their overall wellness. What many don’t realize is that one of the keys to doing these things may be found in what you drink if you are consuming alcohol. We live in a society where millions are spent on ads to influence people to drink alcohol, and it has become synonymous with numerous activities we love to engage in. Truth be told, however, drinking can have serious consequences, mentally and physically, and it may be time to give it a second thought.
Each New Year, many embrace resolutions to improve their health, productivity, and overall well-being. A newer trend that some are trying is Dry January, which is abstaining from alcohol for the month. For me, Dry January is more than a trendy challenge. It literally transformed my life. It was a profound opportunity to reset, reflect and rediscover a vibrant way of living — and it changed my life forever.
My story, like many others, began navigating personal and professional environments where alcohol was omnipresent. It wasn’t uncommon for me to wind down with a drink or celebrate with cocktails. Over time, my “fun” indulgence turned into dependency. I was a high-functioning alcoholic, thriving on the outside but struggling inside. The turning point came in January 2021 when I ed my church’s month-long fast, abstaining from alcohol. What started as a test of willpower became a revelation. By the end of the month, I realized I didn’t want or need alcohol in my life anymore. It wasn’t a restriction, it was freedom.
Dry January offers countless benefits extending beyond putting down the bottle. It can lead to profound physical and mental transformations. Many also shed excess pounds, as alcohol is packed with empty calories and carbohydrates that contribute to weight gain. I was amazed to see how my metabolism reset, energy levels soared, and my production at work improved. The quality of my sleep also improved because alcohol disrupts the REM cycle, and I often found myself feeling fatigued.
Additionally, mental clarity increases as brain fog from drinking lifts, sharpening focus and enhancing decision-making. During my journey, I thought more clearly and approached life with newfound confidence and creativity. The immune system, too, receives a boost. Alcohol weakens our body’s defenses, making us more susceptible to illness. A break allows the body to rebuild and strengthen its resilience. Perhaps most importantly, mood and emotional stability improve. Alcohol, being a depressant, often exacerbates anxiety and mood swings.
For those needing more motivation to try going dry, consider the new report on Alcohol and Cancer Risk by the U.S. surgeon general. The report states that consuming alcohol increases the risk of developing at least seven types of cancer, including mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, breast, liver, colon and rectum. The report explains that alcohol can cause cancer by damaging DNA, creating oxidative stress in the body, and disrupting hormones.
Dry January is an invitation to experience life in high definition. It opened my eyes to how deeply ingrained alcohol was in my culture and how much better life could be without it. It’s a chance to break free from autopilot, reevaluate priorities and discover how small changes can ripple into monumental transformations.
I’m not here to tell anyone they need to give up alcohol forever. Yet I do encourage you to try it for a month — just one month! See how your body, mind and spirit respond. For me, what started as a temporary detox became a permanent shift toward living intentionally. That freedom — to feel, to connect, to thrive — is a gift I wish for everyone.
As we embrace the notion of Dry January to detox our bodies from alcohol for a 30-day period, perhaps you want to give it a try in February or March. Pick any month to try it. Let’s not think of it as a restriction, but as an opportunity. It’s a chance to press pause, reflect on our habits and step into a healthier, more vibrant version of ourselves. Here’s to starting the year with clarity, purpose and renewed well-being! You might find, as I did, that true freedom isn’t found in a bottle, it’s in choosing to live fully.
Choi is the founder of The NA Beverage Company and lives in San Clemente.
