University Syracuse UniversityWrapping up Dry January? An expert has answers for you about why taking a break from drinking alcohol has become so popular. Perhaps most significantly, taking part in Dry January or similar breaks appears to create lasting behavior change for many participants. “Dry January provides a space for people to reflect on their relationship with alcohol and rethink their drinking habits,” Zaso says. “‘Rebound’ effects—drinking more after participating in Dry January—have not been consistently identified for most people who complete these challenges,” says Zaso.