Top Story: Good Question: What are the benefits of participating in Dry January?

We tend to indulge during the holidays, so many people decide to take some time off of alcohol for the month of January. A survey showed that nearly a third of those who drink are very likely to do Dry January this year. But what does a month with no alcohol do to our bodies?

Dr. Sheila Specker, associate professor and addiction psychiatrist with the University of Minnesota Medical School, spoke to WCCO-TV about the benefits of Dry January. “It’s resetting and gives people the opportunity to really examine alcohol and the role in their lives. Alcohol really affects the blood pressure. It affects things like blood sugar as well, so even within that month span of time, it improves, as well as weight.”

A survey out of the UK found, of those who did Dry January, 71% slept better, 67% had more energy, more than half lost weight and 54% saw their skin improve. "If people are finding that they can't do it, that it's too overwhelming, that gives the person a fair amount of information, that, hey, maybe this is beyond me and I need to seek help," Dr. Specker said. Doctors caution heavy drinkers against quitting cold turkey, as they may experience withdrawal symptoms.

You can watch Dr. Specker’s interview about Dry January here.