The clubs are quiet. The booze isn’t flowing. The wine glasses are dry — and perhaps, at this point, you are too… IYKWIM. ICYMI, Dry January — the challenge where folks go alcohol-free for the entire month of January — is in full swing. And while we all know that taking a break from booze is fantastic for your liver (and other parts of your body), it can also have positive impacts on your sex life.
For years, Dry January has been a popular challenge for people to adopt at the start of every new year — mainly, to start off the new season with a fresh mind, body, and soul. According to Alcohol Change UK, which spearheaded the Dry January challenge, giving up alcohol for an entire month can improve sleep, boost your energy, and enhance your mental health and concentration. (Not to mention, it’s a great way to save money — those $8 vodka crans add up, babe.) But beyond mental clarity and a thriving bank account, all of these factors can also lead to something more — a boomin’ sex life.
Turns out, alcohol can have some seriously unsexy impacts: Alcohol consumption can lead to vaginal dryness — which may make penetration feel uncomfortable or painful. Additionally, a June 2022 survey of over 3,000 Gen Zers by Hinge found that 75% of respondents mentioned that they want booze-free romantic hangouts — and two-thirds said that an intoxicated first date is a dealbreaker. Oof.
So, how does Dry January really impact you between the sheets? And, in a month when everything seems to slow down — including the social settings that typically lead to sex — how can you make sure you’re having the best sex possible during Dry (no pun-intended) January? I spoke to Lilithfoxx, a Board-certified sexologist, AASECT-certified Sexuality Educator, and relationship and intimacy coach, about everything you need to know about the link between sex and Dry January.
Sobriety Can Lead TO Better, More Intentional Sex.
Sobreity isn’t just for your liver, bestie: According to Lilithfoxx, all of the benefits of Dry January — better sleep, improved concentration, and so on — also support your libido and arousal. “Alcohol disrupts sleep, hydration, circulation, and hormone regulation, all of which affect libido and physical responsiveness,” she tells Her Campus. “When alcohol is removed, many people notice more stable energy, clearer sensations, and greater awareness of their bodies.”
In turn, this can lead to — you guessed it! — better sex. Not just in the sense that your body and mind is right, but also that the intentions behind sex are clearer. “Sex can feel more grounded and embodied because the nervous system is not compensating for a depressant,” Lilithfoxx says. “Desire may also feel more consistent rather than fluctuating based on intoxication.”
Lilithfoxx adds, “Without alcohol lowering inhibitions, attraction and interest tend to feel clearer and easier to assess — people are more likely to notice whether they genuinely want connection or are acting out of habit, pressure, or social momentum.” Due to this, she says that “communication around boundaries, pacing, and desire can feel more authentic because it is not filtered through intoxication,” leading to dating and sexual choices that align more with personal values and needs.
Beyond that, dabbling in sobriety can be a great way to reevaluate how you approach sex. “Some people discover that their libido increases with better sleep and reduced stress on the body, while others realize alcohol had been masking anxiety, people-pleasing, or lack of compatibility,” Lilithfoxx says. “The month becomes an opportunity to observe what kinds of sex feel authentic, what feels pressured, and how desire shows up without chemical influence.”
Dry January Can Still Get Wet.
While the month is dry (of alcohol), you don’t necessarily have to be (of… you know what I mean). So, if you’re looking to meet sexual partners organically, still put yourself out there! “Finding partners during Dry January usually involves adjusting expectations rather than avoiding social spaces entirely,” Lilithfoxx says. “Many people still go to bars or clubs and order nonalcoholic drinks, which are increasingly common. Others focus on daytime dates, activity-based outings, or smaller gatherings where conversation and presence matter more than alcohol.”
So, along with trying out a no-booze lifestyle in the month of January, also take this time to approach sex with more intention. “Even for those who resume drinking later, the insight gained can lead to more mindful choices around both alcohol use and sexual connection,” Lilithfoxx says. Because while the clubs are silent, that doesn’t mean the bedroom is, too. I’ll raise a non-alcoholic sparkling cider to that, baby!