Le 1er January started the 5e Dry January edition [Le Défi de janvier], a social mobilization operation proposing to take a break from alcohol for a month. As has been the case since the launch of the initiative, the French Society of Public Health (SFSP) and its members support this new edition, which is being held again thanks to the mobilization of associative actors, including several of our members. , and without any public support.
This January Challenge allows you to give your body and your wallet a break, and to take stock of the place alcohol plays in your daily life. The health benefits of this break are proven: weight loss, better sleep, increased energy, better concentration and, ultimately, better controlled alcohol consumption, even among those who have not “succeeded”. » completely the challenge. Remember that any day without alcohol is a success.
The undeniable success of Dry January and its positive media coverage demonstrate a change in the relationship we have collectively with alcohol consumption. In 2024, more than sixty associations, federations, learned societies, patient groups, local authorities will be involved in the operation. We are asking for strong support from public authorities for Dry January!
Un major determinant of health
The entire population is affected by the negative consequences of alcohol consumption, and not, as is sometimes perceived, just dependent people.
Nearly a quarter of those aged 18 to 75 have consumption that exceeds the benchmarks promoted by Public Health France since 2017. These “consumption benchmarks” are as follows:
– Do not consume more than ten standard glasses per week;
– do not consume more than two glasses per day;
– allow days without consumption in a week.
In summary, and for a good understanding of the general public: “For your health, alcohol is a maximum of two glasses per day and not every day. »
Alcohol use is a major determinant of health, France occupying the unenviable 4e rank of European countries in terms of consumption, according to the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Tendencies (OFDT) (“ Drugs and addictions. Key figures », 2022). It contributes to social inequalities in health and is responsible for numerous health and social damages, for example in terms of acts of violence, and particularly family violence. Each year, 49,000 deaths are attributable to alcohol, the equivalent of cities like Vincennes (Val-de-Marne) or Albi (Tarn). Every year, alcohol costs society 120 billion euros.
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