Have you made any New Year’s resolutions or set goals for the months ahead? Maybe you’re ready for a challenge that could set the tone for a healthier, more energized year. One simple but powerful option is Dry January, a month-long commitment to avoiding alcohol. It’s straightforward, but the impact can be life-changing.

Why consider it? In Reclaim Your Life: You and the Alcoholic/Addict, Carole Bennett, M.A., calls addiction the nation’s number one health crisis. She notes that one in three failed marriages is linked to addiction. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence reports that 15.4 million people struggle with alcohol, 18% of adults have alcoholism in their family, 10 million are married to someone with alcoholism and 85,000 deaths each year are alcohol-related.

Even if you don’t see yourself as struggling, it can be difficult to honestly assess drinking habits. Many binge drinkers believe they can stop anytime, but often discover it’s harder than expected. Drinking to numb pain or fit in may feel like a quick fix, but over time, it can damage health, relationships and resilience. Dry January offers a chance to step back, reset and prove to yourself that you can make choices that strengthen your well-being. Here are some reasons this challenge may be worth your time:

• More money: Alcohol is expensive. Cutting it out frees up cash for things you truly value.
• Better sleep: Alcohol disrupts REM sleep, leaving you drained. Without it, your rest improves and your energy rises.
• Weight loss: Boozy drinks add empty calories and drinking often leads to poor food choices. Dropping alcohol can help shed pounds.
• Improved mood: Alcohol worsens anxiety and depression. Many people find their mood stabilizes when they stop drinking.
• Clearer skin: Alcohol dehydrates the body, dulling skin and fueling breakouts. Removing it helps restore a healthier glow.
• Research shows that people who take part in Dry January often experience these benefits along with a sense of achievement and improved overall health. If you’re ready to give it a try, here are some tips to help you succeed:
• Create a new routine. Replace the after-work drink with something positive — exercise, cooking or connecting with a friend.
• Recruit support. Ask a friend or family member to hold you accountable or, better yet, join the challenge with you.
• Find a substitute. Experiment with mocktails, sparkling water or other drinks you enjoy so you don’t feel deprived.
• Develop new coping strategies. If alcohol was your way to destress, find healthier outlets, like meditation, journaling or hobbies that help you unwind.

Dry January is about giving yourself the chance to reset, recharge and prove to yourself that you can make choices that strengthen your health and resilience. Whether you continue beyond January or simply use it as a fresh start, the benefits can ripple through every part of your life.

If you’re interested in more support with no judgment or red tape, support is available. This includes the Peace Officer’s Fellowship (POF), a 12-step program pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous but tailored specifically for law enforcement personnel. Since POF’s inception in the 1970s, our Department has been a steadfast pillar of support, helping employees tackle a range of issues, from alcohol and prescription medication misuse to substance dependence. In addition to the POF, the Substance Abuse Resource Program is available to all LASD employees to offer support and resources as needed, as is our team of peer supporters, chaplains and police psychologists. You can connect with someone from POF by calling anyone noted on the table above. You can connect with the other resources mentioned above by calling Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) at (213) 738-3500.