No, Dry January does not have to end. If a month without alcohol left you feeling better, you can keep going with a plan, support, and, for some adults, alcohol-free options such as CBD. As January comes to a close, many who participated in Dry January, a commitment to abstain from alcohol for the month, are reflecting on how they feel. A University of Sussex survey of more than 800 participants found that seven in ten reported sleeping better and 67% reported more energy. If Dry January made you feel better, why stop now? At Growing In Health Florida, we believe that health is a journey, not a deadline.
• Dry January does not have to end. You can stay alcohol-free or drink less, whichever fits your goals.
• CBD is not proven to reduce drinking or cravings. Some adults explore it as a non-intoxicating option for relaxation.
• The FDA says CBD can cause liver injury and drowsiness, and using it with alcohol raises the risk of sedation.
• If you drink heavily, do not stop suddenly on your own. Talk with a doctor or call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
• Your tolerance will be lower after a month off, so go slowly if you choose to drink again.
Many people keep going because the benefits they noticed, such as better sleep and more energy, feel worth protecting. If you’ve noticed positive changes in your body and mind from staying dry, why not continue making choices that support your well-being? Whether you want to reduce alcohol consumption or eliminate it completely, some adults explore CBD as one option to help along the way.
The Sussex researchers also checked in again later. By August, participants reported drinking on 3.3 days per week on average, down from 4.3 before Dry January. These findings are self-reported, come from a university press release, and had no comparison group, and fewer people answered the later survey (816 of 2,821 who signed up), so treat them as encouraging, not proof.
CBD is not a treatment for cravings or alcohol use, but some adults explore it as a non-intoxicating option for relaxation while they cut back. One of the biggest challenges of cutting back on alcohol is managing stress, cravings, and sleep disruptions. Researchers are studying how CBD, a plant-based compound from hemp, interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate functions such as mood, sleep, and stress responses. Read more about CBD as an alcohol-free option.
CBD is not risk-free. The FDA says CBD can cause liver injury, drowsiness, and changes in mood, and it can affect how other medications work. The FDA also says that using CBD with alcohol increases the risk of sedation and drowsiness, which can lead to injuries.
So far, research does not show that CBD reduces drinking, cravings, or the urge to drink in people. Early animal studies are promising, but human evidence is limited.
A 2019 review of CBD and alcohol found that CBD may reduce alcohol consumption and some harmful effects of alcohol in animal studies, but it concluded that too few human studies exist for definitive conclusions. A newer pair of small randomized trials with 54 adults who had alcohol use disorder, summarized on RecoveryAnswers.org, found no clear advantage for CBD over placebo.
Medications such as naltrexone and acamprosate, along with behavioral treatment, have stronger evidence for alcohol use disorder. If cravings or mood swings feel hard to manage, please talk with a doctor.
CBD may fit into your goals as an alcohol-free way to unwind, but the evidence for stress, sleep, and mood benefits is early, and it is not a proven treatment. Here is how some adults think about it.
Some adults explore CBD for relaxation, but there is no proof that it reduces stress. Many people turn to alcohol to unwind, and CBD does not cause intoxication. You may see claims that CBD regulates cortisol, the stress hormone. That is not well established, so we do not make it. Exercise, time outdoors, and time with friends are better-proven ways to unwind.
Alcohol can make you drowsy but disrupts sleep, and research on CBD and sleep is still early. Alcohol may make you feel drowsy, but it actually disrupts REM sleep, leaving you groggy the next day. A 2013 review of sleep studies found that alcohol reduces REM sleep at moderate and high doses and increases sleep disruption in the second half of the night. CBD may cause drowsiness in some people, but there is no guarantee it improves sleep. A steady bedtime matters most. See our guide to CBD for sleep.
Human research has not shown that CBD reduces alcohol cravings or the urge to drink. Cutting back on alcohol can sometimes bring mood swings or cravings. If they feel hard to manage, you do not have to handle it alone. Talk with a doctor, or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), which is free, confidential, and open 24/7.
Alcohol-free months work best alongside sleep, hydration, and movement, which do more for overall wellness than any single product. Alcohol can lead to dehydration and digestive issues over time. Some people add CBD products as one part of a routine, but research on inflammation and digestion is still developing.
The habits that help most are simple and free, and CBD is at most a small add-on. This table shows where each goal stands.
| Goal | What Helps Most | Where CBD May Fit |
| Better sleep | Steady bedtime, no late alcohol, less screen time | Research is early; drowsiness is a known side effect |
| Less stress | Exercise, time outdoors, social connection | Some adults explore it for relaxation; no proof |
| Cravings | A plan, support, and a doctor if needed | No human evidence that it reduces cravings |
| Energy and hydration | Water, regular meals, movement | CBD is not a substitute |
| Social situations | Alcohol-free drinks and activities | Do not mix CBD with alcohol |
Adults who explore CBD during an alcohol-free stretch usually choose from four product types. Ask our team to show you third-party lab reports before you buy.
Some adults choose full spectrum oil as a relaxation option. Our CBD oil provides whole-plant content, including trace THC, so check the lab report, especially if you are drug tested.
CBD gummies are a simple, pre-measured, alcohol-free option for evenings. Our CBD gummies are a simple way to support your wellness goals. Learn more in our CBD gummies buying guide.
Some adults use CBD sleep products as part of a bedtime routine, but results vary and there is no guarantee. Struggling with sleep without your usual nightcap? Pair any product with a steady bedtime, and expect that CBD may cause drowsiness.
CBD topicals are applied to the skin, so people usually choose them for a specific area after activity. If you’ve been using alcohol as a way to unwind physically, our CBD creams and topicals are another option to explore for relaxation after a long day.
To keep going safely, pick a clear goal, plan alcohol-free options, and get medical advice first if you drink heavily. Alcohol Change UK suggests these steps:
• Weigh the pros and cons of drinking, and decide whether to stay dry or drink less.
• If you drink again, plan a soft drink between each alcoholic one, and remember your tolerance will be lower.
• If you drink heavily or feel dependent, do not stop suddenly on your own. Ask a doctor about safe options.
• If you try CBD, start with the smallest serving on the label, and do not mix it with alcohol.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every product you use, because CBD can affect how other medications work.
You can enjoy Naples without a drink by spending time outdoors and with friends. Watch the sunset at Vanderbilt Beach, paddle or hike at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, browse the Saturday morning Third Street South Farmers Market, or try an alcohol-free drink at home. Small, enjoyable habits make an alcohol-free routine easier to keep.
No. Dry January is a one-month challenge, but you can keep going. Many people stay alcohol-free or drink less afterward. Pick a goal that fits your life, plan alcohol-free options, and ask a doctor for support if you drink heavily or feel dependent.
Decide whether you want to stay dry or drink less. Alcohol Change UK suggests weighing the pros and cons, planning a soft drink between alcoholic ones, and measuring your drinks. Your tolerance will be lower after a month off, so go slowly.
CBD is not proven to reduce drinking or cravings. Some adults explore it as a non-intoxicating option for relaxation while they cut back, but human research is limited. Talk with a doctor, and call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support.
It is best not to. The FDA says using CBD with alcohol or other substances that slow brain activity increases the risk of sedation and drowsiness, which can lead to injuries. If you choose to drink, keep CBD separate and talk with your doctor.
Research on CBD and sleep is still early, so there is no guarantee. Alcohol disrupts REM sleep, so staying dry is a good first step. Steady bedtimes, daylight, and exercise help most. If you try CBD, ask your doctor first.
Adults commonly explore oils, gummies, and topicals. Full spectrum products contain trace THC, so check the lab report, especially if you are drug tested. Growing In Health Florida can show you options and lab reports in person in Naples, Florida.
Visit Growing In Health Florida at 7211 Vanderbilt Beach Rd #3, Naples, FL 34119. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The team can answer your questions and show you product lab reports.
You can make the shift last by choosing one habit at a time and getting support when you need it. If you’re feeling better after a month without alcohol, why go back to old habits? CBD is one option some adults explore alongside healthy habits. Ready to keep going? Visit our online shop.
Need guidance? Call (239) 331-4807 or stop by Growing In Health Florida at 7211 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 3, Naples, for lab-tested options and honest answers.
