“Dry January”: these tips for taking up the challenge of the month of January without alcohol

After the holiday binges, it’s time for many to slow down on alcohol consumption. Some will try or try since New Year’s Day the challenge of “Dry January”, that is to say a month of January without alcohol. This challenge is for everyone, and particularly for all those who are wondering about their consumption or who want to take a break. To succeed in this challenge, Laurence Cottet, author of Nope ! I stoppedgives some advice in the show Well done for you.

Do not see this challenge as a punishment

“First, it should not be done as a punishment. You really have to make the decision to do it,” she warns Mélanie Gomez and Julia Vignali. The author, who tells in her book how she managed to drastically limit her alcohol consumption, explains that Dry January must be “fun and educational” for all those who want to take up the challenge.

“It’s also to learn information about alcohol, its harmful effects, etc,” adds Laurence Cottet.

Take up the challenge as a group

The author of Nope ! I stopped, also advises to carry out this challenge surrounded. “There are self-help groups, especially on Facebook, starting with mine, Alcool Addiction France Janvier,” she shares, pointing out that this group has 3,500 members. “It’s great because you put a post saying that you’ve started, but it’s going to be difficult, and you have a lot of people responding that you’re not alone.”

“Don’t do it alone, and take advantage of this sober January to ask yourself about your relationship with alcohol,” adds Laurence Cottet. And for participants who do not manage to maintain zero alcohol in January, for birthdays or other reasons, do not panic according to Dr. Christele Peybernard, addictologist psychiatrist, the main thing is to reduce consumption. “There will be a benefit anyway,” she notes.

Based on studies, the doctor claims that alcohol-free January “brings benefits on health, sleep, skin, weight loss, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol for those who have it, and the beneficial effects are seen beyond the month”.