In 1832, a cheese merchant named Joseph Livesey did something radical in the industrial town of Preston, England. At a time when beer and spirits were as common as water—often with devastating effects on health and families—he and six others signed the Preston Pledge, committing to total abstinence from alcohol.
Livesey’s idea wasn’t just about sobriety. He believed people could make better choices if they experienced the benefits firsthand. His simple yet powerful experiment sparked the temperance movement, attracting over 3,000 followers within a year.
Nearly 200 years later, his wisdom is making a comeback. Dry February offers a modern take—not as a lifelong commitment, but as a chance to reset, recharge, and rethink our relationship with alcohol.
What Science Has Taught Us Since Livesey’s Time
That cheese merchant was onto something.
A groundbreaking 2024 study of over 135,000 people aged 60+ just confirmed what Livesey suspected:
- Regular drinking increases the risk of early death by up to 33%
- Even one daily drink raises cancer risk by 11%
Younger generations are catching on—65% of young American adults now view alcohol as harmful, compared to just 39% of those over 55.
But here’s where it gets really interesting.
Your Brain on Alcohol: The Dopamine Dilemma
Alcohol gives you a quick dopamine hit—our feel-good neurotransmitter that makes you feel relaxed and happy.
Over time, though, your brain downregulates dopamine production to compensate for these artificial spikes.
Translation? You need more alcohol to feel the same effect, and your baseline mood starts to dip.
The result? You’re chasing the buzz but enjoying it less.
This is where Dry February comes in. Think of it as a dopamine reset—a chance for your brain to recalibrate. Dr. Anna Lembke (Stanford) suggests it takes about four weeks for your brain to regain balance. Conveniently, February is just about four weeks long.
Making Dry February Work for You
Don’t just remove—replace. Your brain loves routines, so swap your evening drink for:
🍋 Sparkling water with lime (fancy glass mandatory).
🚶 A short walk (bonus: natural dopamine boost).
🍵 A proper tea ritual (loose leaf, brewing time, the works).
Embrace your new energy. Alcohol may help you fall asleep, but it wrecks deep sleep. By week two, many of my clients notice:
✅ Waking up refreshed
✅ Clearer thinking
✅ A better mood
Plan ahead for social situations. February avoids major drinking holidays, but you’ll still need a strategy. Try:
- Being the designated driver (instant good karma)
- Bringing a non-alcoholic drink you enjoy
- Confidently saying, “I’m doing Dry February!” (with a hint of smugness)
The Science-Backed Benefits
Beyond the dopamine reset, here’s what happens when you take a break from alcohol:
- Better sleep (your brain finally gets the deep rest it craves).
- Improved liver function.
- Clearer skin (alcohol = dehydration).
- More stable mood (turns out, that “relaxing” drink is actually a depressant).
- Better heart health.
Thinking Long Term
Most people start Dry February as a short challenge. But by March 1st, they’ve gained insights that lead to long-term changes. The goal isn’t necessarily permanent abstinence—it’s about understanding your habits and making conscious decisions.
Some realize they don’t miss alcohol as much as they thought. Others develop a more mindful approach to drinking. Either way, you’ll come out with a clearer understanding of what works for you.
Your February Action Plan
📌 Start with your ‘why’ (write it down—your 7 PM self might need the reminder).
🥤 Stock up on alcohol alternatives you actually enjoy.
📅 Plan your social strategies ahead of time.
📊 Track your sleep & mood (you’ll be surprised!).
🎯 Remember: it’s an experiment, not a prison sentence.
Whether you’re sober-curious, health-conscious, or just up for a challenge, Dry February is a powerful reset—for your body, your brain, and your relationship with alcohol.
Here’s to clear heads, happy neurons, and Joseph Livesey, who knew a thing or two about the power of giving it a try.