Dry January: reasons to take up the challenge

We rounded up your social media comments about going teetotal.

The Dry January concept, launched a few years ago in France and Monaco, involves taking a month’s break from alcohol. Every year, millions sign up to this initiative because of its benefits. According to a study by the University of Sussex, 71% of participants said they slept better, 88% said they saved money and admitted they had better control over their alcohol consumption afterwards. What about our readers? Here are your answers.

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While some, like Éric, resort to humour: “It’s cold in January, it’s not the right time,” others, like Florence, take the subject very seriously. “I wonder how some people can make fun of this initiative when there are so many tragic drink-related accidents every month. Offering people the chance to test their ability not to drink for a month is hardly pointless,” she says. Cheyenne says she does it every year, and “it feels really good.” Among the benefits she has noticed, Sylvie says she suffers from “fewer migraines.”

Sober all year round

Then there are those who don’t touch a drop all year round. “An alcohol-free year is arguably even better,” says Betty. “I don’t drink alcohol the rest of the year,” adds Kathy. “No alcohol for life,” says Alain. “Zero alcohol and I feel all the better for it,” added Irène, and Martine: “Dry year for me, I don’t drink alcohol.”

As for Juliana, she wanted to promote Veganuary. Since its creation in 2014, Veganuary has inspired and encouraged nearly a million people in 192 countries to eat vegan. “It’s for the planet and against animal cruelty and overproduction. Stop buying clothes too (Fast Fashion pollutes more than transport), in short, instead of thinking about not drinking, think about doing things that have a global impact for the future. I’m off-topic, I know, but as a sommelier, I don’t do Dry January, however I do drink responsibly all year round,” says this committed reader.

Practical information:

You can sign up to the campaign to receive tips, read about people’s experiences and even find recipes for alcohol-free cocktails throughout January. You can also download the free TryDry app to track your efforts in January and beyond!
The CHPG also has an addiction department to help with any problems you may have, with regard to alcohol in particular.