Health Experts Highlight Benefits of a Month-Long Alcohol Break
LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – A significant portion of Americans, specifically one-quarter, took part in Dry January in 2024, as reported by a survey conducted by Civic Science. This widely embraced New Year’s resolution encourages individuals to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January.
Health professionals highlight that avoiding alcohol for a month can lead to several positive changes, including improved sleep and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Dr. Cara Poland, affiliated with Michigan State University, emphasizes that alcohol has widespread effects on the human body, impacting nearly every organ system.
“It’s an excellent opportunity to start forming healthier habits. For some individuals, this could mean stopping alcohol consumption altogether,” Poland explained.
Poland further noted that people might experience improvements in chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure during the period of abstinence. Additionally, participants may notice weight loss due to the caloric content of alcoholic beverages, which are often considered empty calories.
In addition to these benefits, other positive outcomes include better sleep quality, increased energy levels throughout the day, and a general sense of well-being. According to data from Civic Science, only 28% of those who refrained from drinking during January revert to their previous habits after the month ends.
Patrick Patterson, the executive director of Mid Michigan Recovery Services, believes that the month serves as an ideal time to cultivate discipline.
“When it comes to alcohol, it’s often the most commonly abused substance,” Patterson stated.
Patterson added that changing drinking patterns can help individuals reflect on common misconceptions about alcohol and understand why its usage continues to rise across the country.
“First and foremost, do we really need to drink? Do we really need to consume as much as we do? If we feel that alcohol is essential, then why?” Patterson questioned.
Both Poland and Patterson agree that the large number of participants in this trend can serve as a source of motivation and accountability, helping individuals stick to their resolution throughout the month.
For those planning to resume drinking after the month, experts caution that tolerance levels may have changed, and participants should be mindful of their consumption levels.
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