January 20, 2026
Dry January comes with a predictable arc, and Hello! Magazine asked Dr. Nzinga Harrison, Eleanor Health’s Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, to map it out week by week. Her advice starts before day one: get clear on the actual reason for the break, whether that’s better sleep, less anxiety, or more energy, since the “why” tends to carry people through the harder early days.
“Cravings are common, especially in the first couple of weeks, and they don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.”
— Dr. Nzinga Harrison, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Eleanor Health
Those early days are the hardest part. Cravings are common in the first couple of weeks, and Harrison was careful to normalize that rather than treat it as a warning sign. By week two, most people notice sleep and digestion improving. By week four, energy, focus, and confidence tend to follow.
One caveat she was clear about: a month off alcohol is safe for most people, but anyone who drinks heavily or daily should talk to a provider before stopping suddenly, since that kind of withdrawal can carry real risk.
“By the fourth week, increased energy, improved focus, and a stronger sense of confidence are common.”
— Dr. Nzinga Harrison, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Eleanor Health
Read the full article at Hello! Magazine →
About Eleanor Health
Media Contact: marketing@eleanorhealth.com
Eleanor Health delivers comprehensive, evidence-based care for individuals affected by substance use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and mental health conditions. With a whole-person, trauma-informed approach, Eleanor Health is committed to improving the lives of its members, their families, and their communities.
