LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — While we move into February next week, we reflect on a popular new trend that people have latched onto this month.
It's known as "Dry January," which is where people take a month-long break from alcohol.
We started wondering, is it actually effective?
We are all aware of the health benefits that come out of staying away from that glass of wine or beer, like weight-loss and saving money on your nights out, to name a few.
When you get down to the nitty-gritty though, what does this break benefit in the long-run?
We asked a recovery center here in Arkansas to put in their two cents.
"We get excited about the notion," Tucker Martin, Marketing Director at Oasis Renewal Center, said.
It's a fad that's been growing in popularity over the last several years. People all over the country are jumping in on "Dry January."
Martin said several benefits come out of this break.
"If you refrain from drinking alcohol for a month, I think you're going to find you're going to sleep better, you're going to definitely save some money," he said.
Aside from not breaking the bank, getting a good night of sleep, and overall feeling better, Martin said it allows for soul-searching.
"For a lot of people, it's an opportunity to just take 31 days and reflect on what role alcohol actually plays in their life," he said.
Martin said for some people, drinking correlates with fun.
"If you abstain for a month, you can realize you can still have fun and go out and have a nice dinner and see a band, whatever you'd like to do, without consuming alcohol," he said.
Martin said the popularity of this trend links to the sober-curious movement that has gained momentum recently.
This movement is when people take a break from booze, not because they have a problem with it, but because it's healthier.
"We're more conscious about the type of food that we put in our bodies and about making healthy choices, and cutting out alcohol often times just makes good sense," he said.
So, what happens when the calendar flips to February 1 and the 31 days are finished? Will people indulge more?
Martin said it depends on the individual, but he emphasizes that this type of change can only be positive.
"Being able to step back for a month and see what role alcohol plays in their life is nothing but a good thing," he said.
Martin also added that he has noticed a lot of criticism toward "Dry January" on social media and he wants to caution people strongly to stop criticizing someone's sobriety, even if it's just for 31 days.