Some people are not drinking alcohol for the month of January as part of a public health initiative called Dry January. Doctors say it's working.

"Dry January actually got started in the UK," says Dr. Ryan Wade, director of addiction services for Silver Hill Hospital.

The idea started in 2013 with 4,000 people. Now, it’s over 200,000 in the UK and hundreds of thousands all over the world.

"Even in those 30 days, we see decreases in blood pressure, a 6% decrease in blood pressure, we see people losing weight," says Wade.

Experts say Dry January has encouraged most people to reduce their alcohol intake even after a month.

"Most notably, sleep tends to improve, and sleep underlies all of these. We have a little bit better of a mood if we're sleeping well, we're feeling a little more energetic if we're sleeping well," says Wade.

Doctors say rates of depression and mood disorders are higher in the winter when it's colder and there's less daylight. Often times alcohol is used as a means to self-medicate.

Wade offers two simple tips.

"It's a lot easier to refrain if it’s not something there when you open your cabinet or open your fridge. Having someone to hold you accountable, whether it's a buddy system or even one of these automated apps," says Wade.

Dr. Amy Swift at Silver Hill Hospital says refraining from alcohol can save relationships and save lives.

"The more that we are allowing people to choose sobriety, the more that we will mitigate the risks of what intoxication can do," says Swift.

Many restaurants and manufacturers are adding more nonalcoholic drinks.