VIDEO – IT’S A START –
Jan. 1, 2026 – Many people are setting new goals for the new year, with one popular resolution focusing on cutting back on alcohol consumption after the holiday season through ‘Dry January.’
“It’s a good trend for people to try and to see what is their relationship with alcohol. Are they better without it?” said Dr. Neeral Shah, professor of medicine and gastroenterology at UVA. She said the month-long sobriety stint can make a big difference for participants’ well being. “They may have better sleep patterns, they may actually have more energy, their acne may clear up, their hair may become fuller,” Dr. Shah said. “All those reasons are actually tangible results of holding back on alcohol use, which people can really see in the mirror.” Those differences, Dr. Shah said, can be seen no matter the reason for starting the trend. Whether it’s mental health, affordability, or concern about the impacts of alcohol use in the long-term.
“I think one of the biggest things also is the new association where there was a certain general warning last year about the association of alcohol use and cancer risk,” Dr. Shah said, referencing an advisory from the Department of Health and Human Services depicting a causal link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risks.
