Giving up alcohol for the first month of the year has become a popular trend. While up to 40% of Americans plan to partake in Dry January, statistics show approximately 15% end up following through by abstaining from alcohol up for the full month. Staying dry for the month offers a mental and physical reset and may stave off serious health issues, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Alcohol takes a toll on your brain, heart and several other organs of the body including the liver and pancreas. There is also a link between drinking and the increased risk of cancer.

But, according to Shape, a mere 30 days of sobriety can reap hefty rewards:

• More restful sleep. A 2022 study found that people who cut back on alcohol enjoyed more quality sleep. Those who totally abstained experienced even greater benefits.

• Increased energy. Since alcohol is a depressant, giving it up for a month can bring you back into emotional balance. Research found that 54% of people who swore off booze reported having more energy.

• Emotional clarity. Alcohol can blur and numb life’s problems, which can stunt emotional growth. Not drinking for 30 days gives you a chance to delve into your relationship with yourself and others which can garner improvements.

• Weight loss. Not only is alcohol a source of empty calories, but it also slows down metabolism, so you burn fewer calories overall. About 38% of people who shun liquor for a month lost weight in one study.

• Stronger immune function. Heavy drinking can suppress your body’s immune system, says Good Housekeeping. Research found that four to five hours after heavy drinking, the levels of disease-fighting immune cells decreased.

• Healthier skin. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes you pee more often than if you stick to water. That makes it harder for the body to hydrate, which can lead to dry, listless skin. Alcohol also boosts hormone levels and spikes blood sugar, triggering breakouts. Research published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that the toxins in alcohol accelerate the aging process. According to HuffPost, if you want dewy skin, skip the booze. “When you are systematically dehydrated, one of the first places you see it is in the skin,” says Dr. Teo Soleymani, a California-based dermatologist. Wrinkles and lines on our skin become accentuated when we are dehydrated, note experts. But within several days of abstinence, your skin may appear smoother and brighter.

• Enhanced liver function. Alcohol inhibits the liver’s natural ability to get rid of toxins in the body. Giving up alcohol for a month will help the liver do its job and may even help balance hormones.

• Improve gut healing. Alcohol inflames the intestinal tract and colon, making it easier for harmful substances to infiltrate the body. Alcohol also disrupts the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut, which we now know is important to stave off heart disease, diabetes and depression. Even a 30-day reprieve from liquor can help your gut health.

To ensure your Dry January success surround yourself with friends and family who support your efforts. Celebrate the victories along your alcohol-free journey and forgive any lapses, says Shape. If you feel you have a problem with alcohol, you can seek help at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services’ hotline that is always available at 1-800-662-HELP(4357).)