The Dry January® challenge 2025 – embracing the true spirit of the experience

Embracing the true spirit of the experience, participants throughout the UK and beyond bossed the booze while taking on their 31-day challenge, gaining invaluable learning - even (or especially) if they had a slip up along the way.

Going alcohol-free in January isn’t always easy, with alcohol companies spending millions to keep their products in the spotlight. So often, alcohol tries to grab the starring role in our lives and social occasions – even though, when it comes to birthdays, weddings or date nights, friends and family, not the alcohol, should be the real star of the show.

That’s why taking part in the Dry January® challenge is such a rewarding experience. It encourages us to have fun, relax, celebrate, unwind or anything else without alcohol, helping us try out what life could be like with less alcohol or none at all. It gives us new skills and insights that we can apply from February onwards to improve our relationship with alcohol for the longer-term and avoid falling into the trap of drinking more than we’d like.

And this year’s participants did just that as they bossed their drinking habits for the better!

We were delighted that just under 200,000 people took part globally, from over 180 countries, using our free programme tools: our Try Dry® app, daily motivational emails, and online communities. Alongside this, we developed exciting partnerships with BetterHelp, Lucky Saint, Lyre’s, Counter Culture, DASH Water, TRIP Drinks, and Wise Bartender, and with our international partners in France, Switzerland, USA, Norway, South Tyrol (Italy), and Austria - expanding the challenge and the use of our Try Dry® app throughout the world.

Those using the Try Dry® app to track their progress have made incredible savings. The data reveal that UK participants saved an average of £123.91 in reduced spending on alcohol; consumed an average of 100 fewer units of alcohol; and cut their calorie intake from alcohol by an average 7,140 calories.

That money that can be spent on quality time with friends and family, or saved for something special. And those fewer units of alcohol mean a lowering of alcohol-related health risks, especially as 67% of participants continue consuming fewer units for at least six months.

And of course the Dry January® challenge is about more than numbers. It’s about the benefits people feel from resetting their relationship with alcohol for the longer-term and the supportive online community that forms with people helping each other to succeed in whatever way works for them. These experiences can be transformative.

Here’s a small selection of anonymised comments that people have shared with us during this year’s challenge:

“Kick started 2024 with Dry January. Then thought I might as well give Sober Spring a go. And then it was only another six months to the end of the year so... Now on Day 368 and intend finishing Dry Jan again. The Try Dry app was great and don't think I'd have succeeded without having it to tick off the days.”

“It's worth doing. I feel much better, full of energy, sleeping better and very proud of myself.”

“A month and two days alcohol-free. The app has helped me on that success and I will be using it indefinitely as I am to reach my initial goal of 90 days AF 🧡”

“A really useful app. Tracking your dry days in a visual format is really helpful. I also like the dashboard giving me a cumulative update on what I haven't drunk in terms of money, units and calories.”

“Very nice tool for monitoring your drinking if you want to cut back or quit altogether. It's nice to have that little extra motivation to keep you and your goals on track.”

“I truly felt that the emails were genuine and very supportive. I think they made all the difference for me to get through the month and reframe my perspective. Thank you!!”

“Dry January - such a delight! Finding different things to drink, Kombucha and bubbly water is a treat! And evaluating why I drink, when I do.”

“We decided to do Dry January...three weeks in: feel great, and actually think Dry January might turn into dry forevermore! Zero alcohol beers taste just as good if you're out socialising! 😂"

“Thank you so much for all the support and advice during Dry January, I can’t believe I’ve not had an alcoholic drink for 30 days! 1 day to go and I’m feeling amazing!”

We’re delighted that so many people continue to have such a positive experience of the Dry January® challenge and go on to make lasting changes to their drinking for a better, healthier life.

For anyone looking to continue reaping the rewards of going alcohol-free or cutting down, our Try Dry® app is available year-round and can really help you to manage your drinking and set personalised goals to keep you on track.

You can also check out our top tips for drinking more healthily beyond January You’re bound to find some ideas that work for you.

And if you've taken part in this year’s challenge and have felt the benefits of our tools and resources, please share your story, pass it on through a donation, tell a friend, or leave a review on App Store (Apple devices) or Google Play (Android devices) and help us spread the word!