Launched in England in 2013 and officially sponsored by Public Health England since 2015, Dry January challenges participants to abstain from alcohol throughout January. While France's government initially considered support but backed away amid pressure from the wine industry, the initiative remains compelling—especially given that alcohol causes 41,000 deaths annually in France, eleven times more than road accidents.
This shouldn't deter anyone motivated to participate. Officially known as the January Challenge in France and backed by over 40 associations focused on addiction, cancer prevention, and public health, it gained massive traction last year with 3 million participants in England. A University of Sussex study of 800 Dry January participants from 2018 revealed clear health gains. With one in four French adults drinking excessively, January offers a perfect reset. The only downside? You'll likely feel remarkably better afterward.
For most in the Sussex study, benefits were immediate:
1. 71% reported better sleep quality
2. 70% enjoyed more energy
3. 57% experienced improved concentration
4. 58% lost weight
5. 88% saved money
6. 88% gained better control over alcohol intake year-round
Drinking days dropped from 3-4 per week, with one fewer drink per session. Plus, 71% realized they didn't need alcohol to enjoy life, and 93% felt a strong sense of achievement by month's end.
These gains align with reduced risks of mouth, liver, breast, colon, and stomach cancers, alongside clearer, better-hydrated skin. Ready for the January Challenge?
