January is a month of goals and resolutions and experts say one of those resolutions should be to participate in “Dry January.” This resolution challenges people to abstain from drinking alcohol for one month and the benefits are amazing.

Studies of over 800 people showed that by quitting drinking for one month the participants regained control of their drinking, had more energy, lost weight, and quit smoking. Participants also maintained their less boozy habits too. Most of them even in August reported that their drinking days had decreased from 4 to 3 days per week and their average drinks per drinking day decreased from 8.6 to 7.1.

There are, of course, immediate benefits of decreasing alcohol consumption. People are more likely to save money, sleep better, and lose weight. Participants also reported learning more about when and why they drink, felt more in control of their drinking, and had a sense of accomplishment by decreasing their consumption.

People that are trying to quit smoking as part of their new year’s resolution should also consider changing their drinking habits. Studies show that reducing alcohol consumption can help reduce a daily smoking habit.

Research suggests that how fast a person’s body metabolizes nicotine is increased if they cut back on their drinking. This means that reducing alcohol consumption could provide smokers who are trying to quit an edge. The use of alcohol and cigarettes among adults is high, with an estimated 1 in 5 adults using both. Smoking is especially prevalent in heavy drinkers.

If you know someone who has set goals to reduce their drinking or stop smoking, be sure to share this article with them. These habits are hard to break, so having every possible tool to assist you is always a bonus.