You don’t have to wait for Dry January or Sober October to enjoy a break from alcohol. Now is as good of time as any to take a meaningful break from alcohol and discover a healthier, more vibrant way of living. Dan Choi, founder of The NA Beverage Company, is an entrepreneur and advocate of alcohol-free lifestyles, He created The NA Beverage Company with a mission to challenge conventions and support those embarking on their sobriety or sober-curious journeys.
“Dry January gave me the structure I needed to take control and discover a new, better way of living,” says Choi. “It’s not just about cutting out alcohol, it’s about opening the door to overall better health, sharper focus, and a clearer mind.” Choi’s journey from high-functioning alcoholic to sober entrepreneur is one of resilience and transformation. After decades of heavy drinking embedded in both personal and professional environments, he reached a turning point during Dry January in 2021. “I joined my church’s month-long fast, abstaining from alcohol,” Choi recalls. “By the end of that month, I realized I didn’t want alcohol in my life anymore. It wasn’t a restriction—it was freedom.”
The health benefits of cutting out alcohol for 30 days can lead to profound physical and mental transformations, such as:
· Weight Loss: Alcohol is packed with empty calories, some high in sugar, often contributing to weight gain. A month of no alcohol can help reset your metabolism and shed excess pounds.
· Better Sleep: Alcohol disrupts REM sleep cycles, leading to poor rest and fatigue. Many dry month participants report deeper, more restorative sleep.
· Improved Mental Clarity: By skipping alcohol, you reduce brain fog and experience heightened focus with sharper decision-making skills.
· Increased Energy: Without the draining effects of alcohol, your body feels revitalized, allowing you to tackle each day with more energy.
· Boosted Immune System: Alcohol weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. A month of abstaining from alcohol can strengthen your body’s defenses.
· Enhanced Mood: Alcohol is a depressant and taking a break can lead to more stable, positive emotions.
“Alcohol impacts so much more than we realize,” says Choi. “After just a few weeks of abstaining, I noticed improvements in my mood, energy, and overall outlook. Dry January was the reset I didn’t know I needed.”
In addition to the health benefits mentioned above, the former U.S. surgeon general Vivek Murthy released a report on the cancer risks associated with drinking alcohol. According to the report, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, consuming alcohol increases the risk of developing at least seven types of cancer, including mouth, esophagus, breast, throat, voice box, colon, and liver. This happens as a result of the alcohol inducing oxidative stress and altering hormones, leading to a greater increase of carcinogens.
For those ready to take the leap, Choi shares some tried-and-true steps for crushing a month free of alcohol.
1. Set an Achievable Timeframe: Commit to the entire month to experience real health benefits.
2. Find a Friend for Accountability: A partner in this journey can provide motivation and mutual celebration.
3. Pick the Right Time: Start when life events won’t derail your focus, like after major holidays or social commitments.
4. Stock Up on Non-Alcoholic Options: Replace old rituals with new ones using non-alcoholic beers and functional mocktails.
5. Celebrate Wins: Take pride in milestones and pay attention to positive changes in your body and mind.
6. Bounce Back from Setbacks: Progress over perfection is the goal.
“Dry January started as a simple detox but became a profound transformation,” says Choi. “It opened my eyes to how deeply ingrained alcohol was in my life and culture—and how much better life could be without it. True freedom isn’t found in a bottle; it’s in living intentionally, authentically, and fully present.” Fortunately, there are many non-alcoholic beers and mocktails available today, making living a sober lifestyle even easier.
