Dry January: Opportunities for Primary Care Physicians
- Science does not lie either - alcohol can have serious health consequences, and no amount of alcohol is safe too drink.
- Healio: How does Dry January impact the body, especially if a patient is usually a heavy drinker?
- Hendershot: A more light to moderate drinker will usually feel good after the first few days of sobriety.
Key takeaways:
- Participating in “Dry January” can benefit health, especially sleep and overall wellness.
- PCPs should ask patients about their intentions with alcohol consumption during the new year.
- Discussing potential withdrawal symptoms and providing resources for support are crucial for patients considering abstinence.
- “Dry January” can be a conversation starter for broader discussions about healthy habits and alcohol use.
Science does not lie either – alcohol can have serious health consequences, and no amount of alcohol is safe too drink. Taking a break from drinking is a great way to revisit your limits and focus on your health, no matter what time of year that happens. I want my patients to practice moderation and look for ways to improve their health and habits year-round.
Healio: How does Dry January impact the body, especially if a patient is usually a heavy drinker? Could going cold turkey impact them differently? What about patients with certain chronic conditions like CVD or diabetes?
Hendershot: A more light to moderate drinker will usually feel good after the first few days of sobriety. If someone is a heavy daily drinker, thay may experience withdrawal symptoms that worsen over 3 to 5 days. The withdrawal symptoms in this group can be serious.For that reason, a heavy drinker should discuss cessation with their physician before they start. Together, a extensive plan can be created that ensures good long-term outcomes. Regardless of the category of previous alcohol use, anyone experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms should reach out to their doctor to get support during this transition.
Healio: as drinking behaviors can affect sleep cycles, how might Dry January affect sleep?
Hendershot: If you are a regular drinker, taking a break from alcohol can improve your sleep dramatically. When we drink, our resting heart rate rises and our body is under more stress as we process the drinks, leading to more restless nights. Cutting alcohol out of the equation and practicing good sleep hygiene can make sure your shuteye is high quality.
Healio: Alcohol and its impact on health was a huge topic in 2025, as there were conflicting reports from HHS and National Academies of Science,Engineering and Medicine. What is the truth? What are the pros and cons to alcohol intake?
Hendershot: The truth is that alcohol is a toxin, and repeated studies have shown that it contributes to many poor health outcomes. It was reported in early 2025 by the Surgeon General that it is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., after tobacco and obesity. It also shows that the more alcohol a person drinks, the higher their risk is. For certain cancers like breast, mouth and throat cancers, evidence shows the risk may start to increase with only one or fewer drinks per day.
As a physician, I will never advocate that my patientOkay, I understand. I will adhere to all phases and instructions meticulously. Please provide the text you want me to analyze and transform. I am ready to begin.