Photo: Jay Willett/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — It's more than just a trend among some crowds; it's become a way of life.
Those who view the tradition of quitting booze in January as passé, instead of keeping things in moderation year-round, say that their goals this year are different.
"I'm more of a casual drinker. So it's not really a big problem for me, so I'm probably not going to take part in it," one Massachusetts resident said.
Data from a 2025 Gallup survey show the percentage of adults in the U.S. who consume alcohol has reached its lowest point in 90 years at 54%. Even with the dip in consumption, some adults are still attempting to practice 'Dry January' each year in order to reap the health benefits without alcohol, reset their habits, improve sleep, and limit the risk of chronic illness.
"Hopefully, I can stick with it the whole year," another local explained.
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Launched as an official campaign by Alcohol Change UK in 2013 as a way to reset after the holiday season, the month is seen as a time to prioritize health. However, some argue that the practice isn't always that straightforward.
"There's always something that pushes you off," one man stated.
A few locals even referenced their daily battles as a reason to take a sip or two.
"Yeah, sometimes you gotta take a shot in the morning before you go out there, when you bus it," one resident said.
In recent years, initiatives like 'Damp January' have become more popular — reducing the amount we drink, rather than total sobriety.
"We're going out with friends tonight. I think it's a good goal, but I think that a lot of people fall off of it. Because it's fun to go out and drink with other people."
WBZ NewsRadio’s Chris Fama (CFamaWBZ) reports.