If you’re planning to try Dry January this year, you’re in good company! Taking a month off alcohol can lead to a whole host of benefits, from weight loss to improved sleep, improved mood, and lower levels of fatty liver and blood sugar. One person who has been through it – and who is more than willing to share his journey – is Hollywood actor Tom Holland. In a recent interview with Men’s health, Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) star shared his experiences with sobriety, offering both inspiration and practical advice for those taking part in Dry January.
Tom’s journey to sobriety
In January 2022, Tom decided to take a break from alcohol, initially devoting only one month to it. He quickly realized how much alcohol was intertwined with his social life. “Every Friday after work was a write-off: let’s get drunk and have fun,” Tom admitted. “I didn’t have a bad experience, but I drank enough to ruin my next day.” This realization was especially clear after an insightful conversation with my brother; Tom has found that alcohol is something he craves, even in social situations where others aren’t drinking. “It was an eye-opening moment for me and for him,” he said, referring to his brother. “It’s really helpful when the people closest to you start saying, ‘Are you sure?'” Despite these struggles, Holland continued to move forward, staying sober for a second month, then a third, and eventually reached the six-month mark.
The benefits of sobriety without the hangover
As the months passed, Holland began to experience the unexpected benefits of sobriety. He found joy in waking up early on Saturday mornings to play golf – something he never had the energy for in the past after a night of drinking. He also found that he could handle stressful situations with greater ease. Holland recalls working on A crowded hall in 2022, when tensions were high on the set. “There was quite a bit of animosity on that set,” he says. “It was not a very harmonious place, and there were many arguments and fights.” Instead of turning to alcohol to cope, Holland decided to stay sober and deal with the situation head on. “I thought, if I start drinking again now, with all this going on, it’s going to be worse, right?”
The support of loved ones was necessary for his journey
Throughout his journey, Holland did not rely on formal treatment, but relied heavily on the support of friends, family and colleagues. He shared a pivotal moment early in his sobriety when talking to a lawyer helped him deal with his cravings. “He gave me some really poignant advice that got me through it all: You never wake up the morning after a night out and not want a drink.” That advice stuck with him. Holland often found that one drink led to another, and eventually he went too far.
By his 26th birthday, the Broadway actor had been sober for six months. Instead of planning a huge party, he didn’t feel like drinking at all. Now, more than two years after his sobriety, Holland has become an outspoken advocate for sober living.
Takeaway for those participating in Dry January
If you’re participating in Dry January, take note of Tom’s interview: it’s okay to have moments of doubt. His story is a reminder that taking a break from alcohol can only lead to positive changes, no matter how difficult it may seem at first. Remember, the benefits are real; with the support of friends, family or professional networks, you can get through this month and beyond!
