Most are familiar with the term ‘Dry January’: the month-long challenge at the very beginning of each year where some drinkers choose to abstain from alcohol. Given the often unpleasant effects of drinking on the body – including a raging hangover the following day – as well as reasons like being sober curious, many people aim to cut down on their alcohol intake over January. But does this abstinence continue into the months following the Dry January Challenge? It appears not for long.
Detox.net, a provider for addiction treatment resources, conducted a survey of 3,094 drinkers to determine if those partaking in Dry January will continue this trend of abstinence into the following months. It was discovered that nearly 1 in 5 (18%) North Carolinians who partake in Dry January each year admit they drink more alcohol in February to make up for the lack thereof during Dry January. This compares to a national average of 18%.
When compared across states, this figure was highest in Alaska, where 40% of drinkers admit they clink glasses more in February in order to make up for lost time over Dry January. On the other hand, this figure was just 8% in Kansas.
You can check out the infographic showing ‘Festive February’ stats across the country here.