Dry January challenge offers health benefits but poses risks for heavy drinkers
31-day alcohol abstinence trend continues more than a decade after it started
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Dry January is here, bringing the 31-day challenge to abstain from drinking alcohol after a holiday season when research shows people consume more alcohol than any other time of year.
The trend, now more than a decade old, is holding steady according to experts. But while there are health benefits for some, doctors warn it may not be safe for heavy drinkers.
Health Benefits
Dr. Micean Johnikin said there are many health benefits for those who complete the Dry January challenge, including weight loss, better sleep, better hydration which leads to better skin care, and improvement of mental health.
However, Johnikin said Dry January may not be a great idea for heavy drinkers — women who have more than four drinks a day and men who have more than five drinks a day.
“Trying to quit cold turkey if you are a heavy drinker like that could actually lead to alcohol withdrawal syndrome and that can be life threatening,” Johnikin said.
Holiday Heart Risk
Heavy drinking during the holiday season could lead to what’s known as holiday heart, Johnikin said.
“That is found when folks take in large quantities of alcohol. Binge drinking can actually cause a condition called atrial fibrillation, which many of us are familiar with, when the top chambers of the heart start to beat erratically,” she said.
Getting Help
For those who need help getting through Dry January, apps and websites are available. Johnikin said many websites recommend a week-by-week approach where participants set new goals each week.
Business Impact
On the business side, Dry January can hurt bar sales. Devon Tait, who works at Tin Roof near UK’s campus, has experienced three Dry Januarys as a bartender.
“As much as I respect the New Year’s resolution for some people who want to slow down the drinking, it slows us down in a drastic way. People don’t want to drink,” Tait said.
Tait said some people don’t make it through the full month.
“Some may cave. I’ve seen people not make it through the full Dry January, but some people definitely cave after the 20th day or the 15th day,” he said.
Despite working around alcohol, Tait is considering trying the challenge himself this year.
Johnikin said cutting back on alcohol decreases chances of dementia, and alcohol is also connected to many types of cancers.
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