Mahoning Valley & U.S. - It's the start of the New Year, but for some it's the start of month-long sobriety. For those participating in dry January, toasting to the New Year with bubbly champagne, or partying until the ball drops will be their last time drinking until February.

Whether it’s an effort to try to learn about your relationship with alcohol, or to stop the hangovers, dry January is a growing tradition among adults.

Adam Lonardo, executive director of Broadway recovery services, encourages the trend. He said it's the best way to see how alcohol impacts your life.

“I think most importantly, it's recognizing how much mental space consumption of alcohol really takes up, and how important it is in your life,” said Lonardo.

Within 31 days without a drink, some can see improvements in sleep, anxiety, energy, focus, their digestion, mood and even weight loss. 

Lonardo said alcohol affects everyone differently.

“What's important to notice is, how is it affecting your life? Is it affecting your sleep, your mood, your personal relationships, family relationships, your work and your health?” said Lonardo.

Those questions can help determine if their relationship with alcohol is healthy, or if it's time to cut back.

“Sometimes it's stress, sometimes it's boredom, social pressure, just reward ourselves. But instead of doing it automatically, we have to pause and think, why am I having an urge to drink right now?” said Lonardo.

Lonardo suggests seeking medical advice or talking with a professional if anyone is drinking heavily, and is having a hard time cutting down on alcohol consumption.

“When we think about detoxing with withdrawals, our brains automatically go to drugs. But in fact, alcohol is one of the main drugs on the planet that the withdrawals can kill us and can be life threatening,” said Lonardo. “So anybody that is, you know, moderately heavy, heavy drinking, I would highly suggest, you know, seeking medical advice, talking to a medical professional, someone in the field, and having a structured plan for that, so that you don't put yourself into a physically harmful situation.”