Tom Holland reveals he had a ‘scary’ realisation after attempting Dry January for the first time

To get over a heavy festive period, to save some cash or for just whatever reason (it doesn’t even matter if you don’t have one) you might have decided to have a go at doing Dry January.

The month without booze is a challenge completed by plenty of Brits – even famous ones.

Tom Holland is one of those celebs who took on the month without booze and has been open about his journey with sobriety since, not to mention launching his own alcohol-free beer.

And in one conversation about ditching drink, he revealed he had a ‘scary’ realisation after attempting Dry January.

Holland did Dry January two years ago. (Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images)

Appearing on the Rich Roll podcast, the Spider-Man star explained he’d had a ‘complicated’ relationship with alcohol as it was his ‘go-to to celebrate’ as well as his ‘go-to to commiserate’.

So in January 2022 he decided to go sober for the month with no real intention to do it long-term.

“And in doing Dry January, it really scared me because I had a really tough time,” the 28-year-old said.

“I couldn't quite wrap my head around how much I was struggling without booze in that first month. And it really scared me.”

Holland then decided to ‘punish’ himself by deciding to do two months.

He now has his own alcohol-free beer. (TheStewartofNY/GC Images)

“The second month was no easier if anything like it got a little bit harder,” he explained. "So then again, I was starting to kind of panic thinking ‘damn, I have a bit of an alcohol thing’.”

The actor explained he’d had an ‘upsetting conversation with a doctor’ about his liver a year earlier and this acknowledgment of an issue contributed to a decision to do March too.

“And I got through March and started to feel a little bit better, but was still really struggling,” Holland said. “So I said to myself, if I can make it to June 1st, which is my birthday, and I can do six months without booze, I will have then proved to myself that I don't have a problem. I'm just young and enjoying a drink. And then by the time I'd done six months sober, I really started feeling the benefits.”

Holland found he was sleeping was better, handling stressful situations and his relationships with his partner and family were better.

He then decided to try and get through a year. But by the time he’d ‘crossed that annual mark’, he ‘was done’.

The actor recalls thinking: “I’m never gonna drink again because this is the best version of myself.”

The best booze alternatives to try now

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Best for IPA fans: BERO Variety Pack, £27 (approx)

Tom Holland’s new sober drinks range is a pretty good place to start. The variety pack comes with three booze-free tinnies: Kingston Golden Pils, Edge Hill Hazy IPA, and Noon Wheat. It’s gone down a treat with customers too - just take a look at the five-star reviews if you need convincing.

Best imitation stout: Guinness Zero, £2.83 per can

Guinness fans say this is the closest you’ll get to the real deal - and production of Guinness Zero tripled last year, so you’ll be in good company here.

Best ice-cold lager: Peroni, £4.60 per case

Of course, there was only one place to look. Peroni 0.0% claims to have the flavour of the renowned lager without the booze. It’s only £4.60 for a case, so you’re saving pennies too.

Best IPA variety pack: Lucky Saint, £22 (12 pack)

One of the best non-alcoholic beer brands on the market, Lucky Saint proudly uses centuries-old techniques to create modern beers that give maximum flavour (without the hangover). This pack comes with everything you need to survive Dry Jan: a new Superior Hazy IPA and Superior Unfiltered Lager.

Best real-tasting G&T: Tanqueray Alcohol Free Spirit, £15.90

If your go-to order is a good old G&T, then look no further than Tanqueray. Fans recommend mixing with a mediterranean tonic for best results.

Best booze-free cider: Galipette Brut Dry Cider, £30 per litre

If it’s cider you’re after, then Galipette has hundreds of five-star reviews. One shopper raved: “Wow. This is now my number one alcohol-free cider. I love the balance of sharpness and sweetness which, for me, is spot on.” Sold.

Most impressive rum: Caleño Dark and Spicy, £19

The best alternative to spiced rum? Caleño Dark and Spicy. Crafted from tropical pineapple, fiery ginger, and zesty limes, it’s a punchy flavour that feels like summer.

Dry January is a campaign developed by Alcohol Change UK, you can find support and resources for taking part here.

Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.