HEALTH: The mental-health benefits of Dry January

Dry January has really caught on, with more and more people opting to forego alcohol for the month after the excesses of Christmas. Most are motivated by wallets and waistlines, but according to national mental health charity Turn2Me, this widely popular initiative can have significant benefits for your mental health, helping people reset after the festive season and start the new year on a positive note.
“Alcohol is a depressant,” explains the charity’s CEO, Fiona O’Malley. “It can have a significant impact on mental health, often worsening feelings of anxiety, low mood, and fatigue. Dry January is an excellent opportunity to take a break, reflect on your relationship with alcohol and prioritise your mental wellbeing. Even just one month without alcohol can lead to noticeable improvements in your mood, energy levels, and overall health.”
Some people think a drink will help them sleep better. However, although a drink might make you feel sleepy, alcohol disrupts the quality of your sleep, often leading to fragmented rest and early awakenings. Poor sleep can have a domino effect on your mental health, impacting your ability to focus, regulate emotions and cope with stress. By swerving alcohol you can get deeper, better-quality sleep, leaving you feeling more energised and mentally sharp.
In fact, one of the most noticeable benefits of cutting out alcohol is improved mental clarity. Without the brain fog that often accompanies drinking, you may find it easier to think clearly, make decisions, and focus on important tasks. This clarity can also create space for self-reflection, helping you set intentions for the year ahead.
It’s also worth thinking about how alcohol can numb emotions, masking underlying stressors or challenges. Taking a break allows you to connect more deeply with your feelings and address them constructively. This self-awareness is a key step in improving mental health and building resilience, helping you feel more in tune with yourself and your needs.
While Dry January is a great way to start the year with a fresh perspective and a renewed focus on your mental health, it might not be an easy decision to make. Turn2Me provides free mental health support, including up to six free counselling sessions and peer support groups, for adults seeking additional help during Dry January or beyond. These services are available 365 days a year on the turn2me.ie website.
Turn2Me, a national mental-health charity, was founded in 2009 by two brothers, Oisín and Diarmuid Scollard, who tragically lost their brother Cormac to suicide. Turn2Me offers up to six free counselling sessions to adults living in Ireland; free, unlimited support groups on anxiety, depression, grief and relation issues; a free meditation programme; and a free ‘Thought Catcher’ online mood diary, all available on Turn2Me.ie.

• For participants with a dependency on alcohol, Dry January may lead to symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome if they start out abstaining completely. For such people, experts advise consultation with a health professional before participating in this exercise.