The Christmas markets are winding down, the family holidays are over. Many people see the beginning of the new year as the perfect opportunity to reflect on whether they should cut back on their consumption alcohol with the end of the holidays. That’s why for some years the “Dry January” trend has become one of the most popular “tests” – those who participate in it decide to completely avoid alcohol consumption during the first month of the new year .

But where did this trend come from? Christina Rummel, director of the German Addiction Center (DHS), explains that the trend first appeared in Great Britain and from there spread quite quickly to the rest of Europe. “The beginning of the year is traditionally the time when we make our plans and manifest our positive intentions. After Christmas and New Year’s Eve – days when we often drink a lot of alcohol – it’s an opportunity to take a break, in order to enter the new year in the best possible shape and feel better.”

What are the advantages of abstaining from alcohol?

General abstinence from alcohol has significant physical and psychological benefits: “Fewer infections, reduced risk of cancer, reduced risk of accidents, less conflict in our social interactions, improved heart health and sleep, better blood pressure,” Rummel lists. .

However, as a 2018 study by the University of Sussex in England showed, even abstinence for just one month can prove to be very beneficial: the 800 participants in the University’s study said they “have more energy, lose weight, sleep better and their condition their health is generally better. And last but not least: they also save a lot of money.”

In addition, over time the body can detoxify. Alcohol is also a real poison for the cells and its frequent consumption increases the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. As Rummel emphasizes, “a month without alcohol is the perfect opportunity to rethink how we drink: when, where and why do I drink alcohol? We may also realize that we can have a good time without drinking and that we feel better when we don’t drink.”

Dry January is a challenge

But how easy is it for a regular drinker to not drink at all for a month? “There are several ways to connect through social media with the community of people who are trying Dry January – or on the other hand one can try this particular challenge with their circle of friends,” suggests Rummel for those who are struggling.

It is also important to discuss the importance of alcohol in our lives and how we could perhaps live without drinking at all. Of course, Dry January is not a trend suitable for everyone. It could turn out to be dangerous, for example, for really alcoholic people: “Stopping alcohol consumption abruptly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms,” Rummel explains, adding that alcoholics “need medical help.”

What happens to our body during abstinence?

But what happens to our body when we abstain from alcohol? “During abstinence from alcohol, our liver in particular recovers, which is responsible for the metabolism of alcohol,” explains Stephanie Eckhardt, head of addiction prevention at the Federal Health Information Center (BZgA). The more alcohol we drink, the greater the risk of various liver diseases.

Abstaining from alcohol also improves general well-being and fitness. “After four weeks our high blood pressure drops, our skin looks better and we have more energy for life. In addition to the others, we also save the many calories that alcohol has,” emphasizes the expert. “The more we avoid alcohol, the less our desire for alcohol decreases. Hence gradually it is easier and easier to do something good for our health”.

“Occasional abstinence from alcohol also helps determine whether we are at risk of developing an addiction to alcohol. When someone has difficulty abstaining from alcohol, the benefit for him is twofold, because then it is realized that there is a risk of addiction.” Anyone, on the other hand, who has decided not to drink alcohol in January and can’t make it through the end of the month is probably addicted enough to need professional help.

An opportunity with a long-term horizon

“Those who frequently – or even daily – drink alcohol before the period of abstinence, should be able to get rid of habits that have been formed over a number of years,” the expert points out. Alcohol dependent people in particular should be supervised by medical professionals during the abstinence period.

For those who want to try Dry January, Eckhardt suggests “thinking about alternatives to the usual situations in which they drink alcohol, in order to avoid triggers and “break” their consumption habits.”

Dry January can ideally help those who try it to develop a conscious relationship with alcohol, which will also have a long-term horizon. As Eckhardt points out, “those who consciously consider the positive implications of a period of abstinence from alcohol will find it easier to both reduce consumption and stay abstinent from alcohol for the long term.”

Edited by: Giorgos Passas