“Dry January”, the month without alcohol, is not unanimous

The Anglo-Saxon concept, imported for the fifth year in France, does not speak to everyone.

To start the new year, what could be better than “Dry January”? Dry January, in French, consisting of not drinking a drop of alcohol in January. This challenge is designed not only to rest your body and purge it after having enjoyed the holidays, but also to experience a daily life without alcohol.

This Anglo-Saxon concept, imported for the fifth year into France at the initiative of around sixty organizations, is not yet unanimous. It is also not supported by the State, unlike the “No Tobacco Month”, organized in November. A situation regretted every year by part of the health world.

However, “Dry January” does not appeal to everyone, and some are not enthusiastic about the concept. “In any case, I don’t overdo it during the holidays, I never do it all year round either”says Marc, over a half of beer after his day’s work. “I don’t want to change my habits though.” For Agathe, 30 years old, the challenge is launched “cThis year, for the first time.” “I’ve been overdoing it a bit lately,” she justifies herself.

More than one in five adults exceed recommended limits

Alexan admits for his part that he had not planned to do “Dry January”. “I like partying a little too much for that.” Just like Hugo, seated with a pint of beer in hand. “I have just arrived at school, the priority is not health but rather having fun, going out and seeing friends. Alcohol helps you have fun.” On the other hand, Jean-Marie, 75 years old, did not wait for this concept to measure his consumption. “Every three or four months, I take a month’s break, we don’t die from it! It cleanses the body, it’s good for the liver and for lots of things.”

According to Public Health France, more than one in five French adults exceed the recommended alcohol consumption limits, i.e. a maximum of ten drinks per week and two drinks per day.