A new year always brings resolutions to improve health and well-being.

Dry January is a concept that's soared in popularity in recent years. It aims to give your body a break from consuming alcohol in the first month of the year.

With the holidays now behind us, Dr. Akhil Anand, who specializes in addiction at the Cleveland Clinic, explained the physical and mental benefits of trying Dry January.

"Studies have shown that there have been some health benefits from engaging in Dry January," Dr. Anand explained. "One is that your medical health, so liver health, improvement in sleep, weight loss, and decrease in your blood pressure have shown to happen during Dry January if you complete it."

When it comes to mental health, Dr. Anand added a break from alcohol can improve your mood, confidence, and make you feel less anxious.

"During the holidays, people tend to drink more than they normally drink," explained Duane Piccirilli, Executive Director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board. "You visit people and the alcohol comes out when you're at parties."

Piccirilli agrees Dry January could be a fresh start for your mental health. "It could improve your mental health and your relationship with others," he said. "You also sleep better when you're not drinking and eating healthy. Not drinking at all could be a hard challenge for some people, so some people may choose to reduce the amount of alcohol they consume. It's all about wanting to get healthy again."

Dry January could also be a way to determine if you are too dependent on alcohol. "If you are cutting back and start getting withdrawal symptoms such as sweating or you're shaking," Piccirilli explained. "See a doctor immediately. Because it could be fatal. Some people may have an alcohol addiction and not even realize it."

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include headache, anxiety, insomnia, upset stomach, rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures, and hallucinations, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Experts say if you're considering Dry January, it's important to set goals and make it a team effort to achieve them.

"If you do them together, it's easier to meet your accomplishments," Piccirilli added. "You want to see success. But, if you don't, it's okay. You're probably better than you were when you started."

“If you do end up drinking, don't take it too personally," Dr. Anand added. "Get back on track again. A slip-up is okay. Don’t beat yourself up. I think that any reduction is better than anything.”

Dr. Anand added limiting alcohol helps save you money and gives you a chance to reflect on your relationship with alcohol.

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics states there are approximately 95,000 alcohol-related deaths in the U.S. every year. Additionally, approximately 10,500 drunk driving deaths happen in the U.S. every year. 

Visit this CDC link to learn more about the benefits of limiting alcohol intake.