2024-01-08 06:30:00
For ten years, many Europeans have decided to follow Dry January. That is to say, to take a break from their alcohol consumption for the entire month of January. “Dry January is an ideal way to take a break from our consumption and our relationship with alcohol. It only takes a few weeks to break a habit and that is enough to commit to a more moderate and healthier relationship with our consumption in the long term,” explains the dedicated site.
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Around 10% of French people say they follow this campaign invented in the United Kingdom. According to figures from the latest survey by the French Observatory on Drugs and Addictive Tendencies, people over 15 consume 10.5 liters of pure alcohol per year. According to data from the Public Health France barometer, in 2017, 50% of 18-75 year olds drank alcohol at least once a week.
Skin, weight and sleep
What is the real impact of this abstinence on health? The benefits for the human body – both physically and mentally – arrive quickly from the first glass of alcohol when rested. “It’s very encouraging because the first beneficial effects arrive quickly. In a few days, barely a week, it is already possible to see that we are sleeping better, with more restorative sleep,” assures Professor Amine Benyamina, head of the psychiatry and addictology department at the Paul- Brousse, in Paris, and president of the French Federation of Addictology. People sleep more because the nights are no longer disturbed by alcohol.
In about two weeks, it is possible to notice weight loss. Alcohol contains a lot of calories. Thus, stopping your consumption allows you to reduce your body fat and, therefore, lose a few kilos. Obviously, be careful not to replace alcohol with increased consumption of sodas, candies or other sugary products! “Among other quickly visible effects, it is common to notice better thinking skills, more beautiful skin, increased energy, a more radiant complexion, etc. », adds the addictologist. Alcohol is a powerful vasodilator, meaning it dilates blood vessels quickly. The condition of the skin improves especially in those who suffer from redness linked to rosacea.
Support from loved ones
What about the liver? Stopping alcohol allows the liver to breathe. Freed from toxins, he can rest and detoxify. Good news: after a few weeks of abstinence, this organ begins to regenerate and can completely recover. In addition to the health benefits, quitting alcohol also saves money.
Public Health France recommends not exceeding ten standard glasses per week and two standard glasses per day. It is also important to maintain alcohol-free days. In regular drinkers, withdrawal symptoms can be felt quickly: dry mouth, nausea, sweating, tremors, etc. For a successful Dry January, help from loved ones is essential. “Tell those around you that you are doing a month without alcohol. This way, those around you will not offer you alcohol during this period. Anticipate times related to alcohol consumption by replacing them with other activities. For example, plan your sports session around aperitif time or take your dog out at that time,” recommends Professor Benyamina.
Refuse too much glass
He reminds us that the important thing is not to let yourself be trapped by “reflex alcohol”. “Don’t get carried away with alcohol, try replacing it with other drinks, like a mix of sparkling water and fruit. Anticipate these moments to better face them. And don’t hesitate to contact support groups and download certain applications like My Défi. Being part of a community allows you not to feel alone. »
And after a month of stopping, what happens? “Some people continue the momentum and stop – or drastically reduce – alcohol,” notes Professor Benyamina. For those who start drinking again, this cessation has been beneficial, because it proves their ability to consume less alcohol. The important thing is to refuse too much glass. »
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