Dry January: More than a Month Without Alcohol

Jan 12, 26
Drug & Alcohol Testing, Drug Abuse, Featured

Dry January has become a widely recognised annual challenge where people choose to abstain from alcohol for 31 days. What started as a public health initiative has grown into a global trend, with millions taking part each year, not just to abstain but to rethink their relationship with alcohol and reset habits after the festive season.

For employers, Dry January isn’t about enforcing abstinence, it’s about understanding how changes in drinking behaviour can affect wellbeing, performance and safety at work.

Dry January by the Numbers

  • 32% of UK adults plan to take part in Dry January in 2026 — that’s roughly 5 million people across the UK [1].
  • Between 61–64% of people who sign up to Dry January complete it successfully, compared with around 30% of those who attempt it unofficially [2].

These figures show that participation is both substantial and meaningful with many people reporting not just short-term effects but lasting changes in their drinking habits and wellbeing.

What this Means in the Workplace

Participating in Dry January can bring benefits like improved sleep, better energy and stronger focus, but the transition isn’t always linear. In the early weeks, employees might experience shifts in mood, energy and routine as their body and mind adjust. This can show up at work as:

  • Variable concentration or inconsistency in focus
  • Temporary irritability or emotional sensitivity
  • Lower resilience under stress
  • Early efforts to adapt to new habits alongside normal work demands

Understanding these nuances helps employers respond with empathy and clarity, rather than assuming a straightforward “reset.” Recognising that Dry January is part of a broader behaviour change journey not just about not drinking for a month is key.

Beyond January: The Bigger Picture

Dry January also presents an opportunity for organisations to reflect on workplace culture around alcohol, health and wellbeing:

  • Reinforce clear, supportive alcohol and drug policies
  • Promote healthy habits without pressure or stigma
  • Equip managers to notice early signs of strain or adjustment
  • Encourage behaviour change support and wellbeing resources

Framing Dry January as part of a wider commitment to health and safety rather than a standalone challenge creates a more inclusive, productive environment for everyone.

How Employers can Support Positive Change

A balanced approach is essential. Rather than focusing only on whether someone drinks or not, the emphasis should be on supporting wellbeing and maintaining performance:

  • Encourage open dialogue about health goals and challenges
  • Provide resources for behaviour change and wellbeing support
  • Normalise conversation around alcohol and mental health
  • Use testing and risk management where compliance and safety are required

This supports a culture where employees feel understood and empowered — not judged or policed.

Contact us today:

Now that teams have returned to work and routines are re-established, it’s a valuable time to review how alcohol and drug-related risks are managed in the workplace. Randox Testing Services supports employers with practical guidance, policy support and accredited testing services to help maintain safety, performance and compliance throughout the year.

Whether you’re reviewing existing controls or looking to strengthen your approach going forward, our team is here to support you.

Email: testingservices@randox.com

Phone: +44 (0) 28 9445 1011

LinkedIn: Randox Testing Services

Learn more about our services at: Randox Drug & Alcohol Testing Services

References

  1. Alcohol Focus Scotland. “News | UK Brings a Jan-Do Attitude to Better Health and Wellbeing in 2026 as Record 17.5 Million Plan an Alcohol-Free January.” Alcohol Focus Scotland, 2026, www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/news/news/uk-brings-a-jan-do-attitude-to-better-health-and-wellbeing-in-2026-as-record-175-million-p/. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
  2. de Ternay, J., Leblanc, P., Michel, P. et al. One-month alcohol abstinence national campaigns: a scoping review of the harm reduction benefits. Harm Reduct J 19, 24 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-022-00603-x