Texas DJ Explains Benefits of Staying Sober Through Dry January

In 2024, I decided to try something I had never done before - go through an entire month without any booze. Dry January was the perfect time to challenge myself to do so.

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What is Dry January?

Dry January is a health challenge that was launched in the UK in 2012 as a public incentive to abstain from consuming alcohol. Since then, it has spread worldwide as people look to cut down on alcohol or rid it from their lives altogether.

I've been a drinker for well over three decades now. I may not drink every day, but you can bet your bottom dollar that I will have a few before the week is up. So when I told everybody my plan to abstain, there was quite a bit of surprise, especially since I do a drinking segment on my show called The Weekend Buzz.

It's not that I think I have a problem with drinking or that I'm having any particular health issues. Quite honestly, I just thought I'd do it to see if there would be any benefits, and to see if I would WANT a drink or NEED a drink.

Benefits of Dry January

According to Harvard University, regular drinkers who abstained from booze for 30 days saw an increase in energy, lost weight, and had a better night's sleep. They were also able to lower their blood pressure and cholesterol while also reducing cancer-related proteins in the blood.

As I mentioned, Rock 108 has teamed up with Ben E. Keith Beverages to do a weekly show called The Weekend Buzz, where I sample different craft beers and spirits from all over the planet and let everyone know how they taste.

This month, we are featuring non-alcoholic brews for Dry January, so I thought I'd give it a shot. (pun intended) Of course, it helps when you have many non-alcoholic options that taste so much like the real thing.

I am now 18 days in on this journey but I noticed a difference within only a week. Overall, I have way more energy and motivation. I don't feel bogged down or tired, and I seem to have more focus. It truly is amazing and unexpected how good I feel daily.

While I have certainly wanted a beer on many occasions, I have not felt the need to cave in and crack one open. Even when my wife or friends have consumed around me, it's been easy for me to abstain. Not to pat myself on the back but...I'm patting myself on the back.

Does this mean I'm going to quit completely? Probably not. But seeing the results of not drinking has opened my eyes to doing this more often throughout the year.

If you're looking to cut back or quit drinking completely, reach out to me. I'm not an expert by any means, but I can definitely give you some pointers and will never judge you.