Why Try Going Dry?

As the new year approaches, a lot of us naturally start thinking about our health. And while weight loss tends to dominate that conversation, my work—and this podcast—has always been about gaining health, not shrinking bodies.

In that spirit, today’s episode is about alcohol, sober curiosity, and Dry January, and why taking a break from drinking, even temporarily, can be one of the most impactful things you can do for your overall health and wellbeing.

I’m currently about 15 months sober, but that didn’t happen overnight. In this episode, I share my sober-curious journey from a “failed” Dry January a couple of years ago to where I am now (and why that first attempt mattered more than I realized at the time!)

This conversation is not about perfection, detoxing, or deciding on anything forever. It’s about curiosity, data, and self-trust. If you ever find yourself curious about what life (and your health!) could look and feel like with a little less alcohol, tune in to hear my story and journey to sobriety via curiosity, ensure you know what the science says and research on alcohol consumption and its link to cancer / disease risk, and consider whether you too might want to try out drinking less (temporarily or permanently) when January comes!

First up, I share my own sober curiosity journey:

• 1 month sober curious
• 2 months in: from FOMO to mostly JOMO
• 100 days: reflections on beginning again
• 6 months without alcohol
• 1 year sober

Next I share the science and research on alcohol & chronic disease risk:

• World Health Organization & IARC: No safe level of alcohol consumption for cancer https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/04-01-2023-no-level-of-alcohol-consumption-is-safe-for-our-health
• National Cancer Institute: Alcohol and Cancer Risk https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-sheet
• Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (2023 guidelines): https://www.ccsa.ca/canadas-guidance-alcohol-and-health
• Mehta et al., BMJ Open (2018): Short-term abstinence and metabolic health markers https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/8/7/e020951
• de Visser et al.: Dry January participation, self-efficacy, and longer-term drinking behavior https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26690637/

Other Resources & Recommendations - books by Ruby Warrington

• Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol
• The Sober Curious Reset: Change the Sway you Drink in 100 Days or Less

How to keep up with me

• The current Build with Becky Program, Sustain + Shift is all about sustaining your strength and shifting with ease into a new year with the assurance you’re caring for yourself and building the strength you need to feel and function your best!
  • Learn more about my program and sign up at my website, www.betterwithbecky.com
• Subscribe to my newsletter / Beckygram to get my latest updates in your inbox - a mix of slice-of-life, fitness, and mindful moments to support your journey to a stronger self and a better life!

Get in Touch

• I’d love to hear from you!
  • If you decide to give a damp or dry Janauary run a go, or have a comment, question, or topic you’d like me to dive into in a future episode, please don't hesitate to contact me at podcast@betterwithbecky.com
    • If you are finding the podcast enjoyable and valuable, please consider leaving a review and 5 star rating to help others find the show! Thanks so much ◡̈
  • Questions about my strength training program, Build with Becky can be sent to becky@betterwithbecky.com
    • If you use my program and would like to leave me a review, you an do so here: https://share.google/5FA3HEJMTHmerGR17