"Dry January" What are the benefits of giving up alcohol for a month?

The trend of giving up alcohol in January has been spreading for a few years now. But do the 31 days bring so much? What happens in the body? And are there any risks? Experts provide answers.

DPA

31.12.2024, 18:40

dpa

The Christmas markets are closing, the family celebrations are over and New Year's resolutions are being discussed on New Year's Eve. For many people, this is the perfect time to think about giving up alcohol, which is often consumed so much in December. For some years now, the trend known as "Dry January" has therefore become more popular, meaning giving up alcohol in the first month of the year.

But where does the trend come from? According to Christina Rummel, Managing Director of the German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS), it originated in the UK and quickly spread to Europe. The timing is obvious: "The beginning of the year is traditionally the time for good resolutions. After Christmas and New Year's Eve - occasions when people often drink a lot of alcohol - it makes sense to take a break: To start the new year fit and feeling better all round."

What are the direct benefits of giving up alcohol?

Giving up alcohol in January initially has the same benefits as giving up alcohol in general - both on a physical and psychological level: "Fewer infections, less risk of cancer, less risk of accidents, fewer conflicts in social relationships, a healthier heart, better sleep, improved blood pressure," says Rummel.

However, a study conducted by the University of Sussex in England in 2018 showed that even going without for just one month can have a big impact: According to the study, the 800 test subjects reported "having more energy, losing weight, sleeping better and generally being in better health". And, last but not least: saving money." According to Rummel, the body can also be detoxified during this time. After all, alcohol is a cytotoxin that increases the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease if consumed frequently.

The DHS Managing Director emphasizes: "The month without alcohol is a great opportunity to rethink your own drinking habits: When, where and why do I drink alcohol? You might find out: I can have fun without alcohol and even feel fitter and better overall than when I drink alcohol."

Dry January is a challenge - and not for everyone

But is it actually that easy for regular drinkers to give up for a month? "There are offers to network with the Dry January community via social media. You can also make a challenge out of it with friends. And simply have fun together - without alcohol," recommends Rummel to those who need help. You can also talk together about the importance of alcohol for your own life and whether you could perhaps do without it.

However, Dry January is not suitable for everyone. For example, it carries serious risks for alcoholics: "If they suddenly stop drinking, they can suffer severe withdrawal symptoms and need medical help," explains Rummel.

What happens in the body when you stop drinking?

But to what extent can just one month of abstaining from alcohol be helpful in detail? Stephanie Eckhardt, Head of the Addiction Prevention Department at the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), explains: "When you give up alcohol, the liver in particular recovers. This is responsible for breaking down alcohol." The more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk of various liver diseases. "Taking a break from alcohol for several weeks is already enough to allow the liver to recover."

In addition, general well-being, fitness and performance improve. "After four weeks, high blood pressure can be reduced, the complexion improves and vital energy increases further. Alcohol also has a lot of calories," emphasizes the expert. Giving it up can therefore also help you lose weight. "The longer you don't consume alcohol, the less you feel the need to drink alcohol. This makes it easier to do something good for your health."

"Temporarily abstaining from alcohol also helps to test whether there is a risk of addiction to alcohol. If you find it difficult to give up alcohol, you benefit twice over. Because then it becomes clear that there is a risk of addiction." If you make a firm commitment not to drink alcohol in January and then fail, the habit of consumption is already so strong that you should seek professional help.

Dry January as a long-term opportunity

Weaning off alcohol is not easy: "Anyone who consumed alcohol frequently - or even daily - before the alcohol-free period has to get rid of habits that have crept in over the years." Alcohol-dependent people in particular must therefore be monitored by a doctor when giving up alcohol.

Eckhardt recommends to those drinkers who want to try giving up in January: "Think about alternatives to the usual consumption situations in order to avoid the trigger stimulus and break your consumption routines."

Ideally, Dry January will help you get through January and promote a conscious approach to alcohol. Eckhardt emphasizes: "For those who consciously perceive the positive effects of the alcohol-free period, both reduced consumption and long-term abstinence from alcohol will be easier."