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Dry January: It’s time to change the narrative
With Dry January in full swing, db explores how it could be time to revamp the all-or-nothing approach to the month.
Dry January is upon us, bringing with it the usual mix of smug social media updates, countless mocktail recipes, and that one friend who insists they “feel amazing” by week two. While there’s no denying the health benefits of giving up alcohol for a month, do we really need to treat it as the ultimate badge of honour?
As Dan Harwood, wine expert and managing director for Eisberg’s SW Wines Europe, tells db, Dry January doesn’t have to be all or nothing. “Moderation shouldn’t be a punishment – if you want a glass of wine, then have one, but balancing your intake with alcohol-free alternatives can massively help.”
The popularity of Dry January has surged alongside a growing movement of people aligning themselves as “sober curious.” A recent Eisberg study revealed that 36% of Brits are now exploring ways to cut back on alcohol, with 30% finding no-and low-alcohol products more appealing over the past year. Findings from Drinkaware reinforce this trend, with 44% of UK drinkers using no-and low-options to moderate their intake.
Thanks to the explosion of non-alcoholic beverages, there’s no shortage of options to keep things interesting.
The case for moderation
Yet, for many, the thought of a completely dry month is daunting. Whether it’s a friends birthday party or the simple pleasure of a glass of wine with dinner, the fear of “failing” can discourage participation altogether. In fact, a recent study by Tiny Rebel IPA found that 63% of adults do not even attempt Dry January, and most give up two weeks into the challenge.
Harwood is quick to dismiss the all-or-nothing mentality. “Not getting through the whole month doesn’t make you a failure. Each alcohol free choice, whether it be on a night out, a social event, or just skipping a drink, can be celebrated.”
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He vouches for a more flexible approach. “You can treat Dry January as a challenge, a goal, or even an experiment. Sometimes experiments fail, but that doesn’t mean you don’t learn something from them.”
The ‘why not?’ mindset
Harwood discusses adopting a data-driven approach to alcohol consumption, likening it to tracking steps or calories. “As a nation, we love counting things – steps, heart rate, macros. So why not track your alcohol too? Data is powerful. If you understand your habits, you can make better decisions for yourself.”
For those reluctant to dive into full abstinence, Harwood advocate for a “why not” mindset: “Why not use this as an opportunity to explore moderation? You can have fun with it and enjoy discovering new alcohol-free drinks without feeling like you’re missing out.”
‘Wine is more than just alcohol; its a ritual’
With 85% of pubs now serving alcohol-free beer and a growing range of alcohol-free wines, moderation has never been so accessible. “Wine is more than just alcohol ; it’s a ritual. It’s about sharing experiences and conversations, and you don’t need alcohol to enjoy that,” Harwood notes.
At the end of the day, Dry January doesn’t have to be about perfection or deprivation. So if you’re not going fully dry, don’t sweat it.
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