Overview
- Bavaria’s health minister, Judith Gerlach, publicly urged residents to take part in the month-long alcohol pause to reset after the holidays and raise awareness of personal drinking habits.
- State data estimate about 275,000 adults aged 18 to 64 in Bavaria were alcohol dependent in 2024, underscoring the campaign’s public-health relevance.
- Experts report early benefits from abstinence: within 72 hours hydration and electrolytes recover, after a week sleep quality, immunity and concentration improve, and by a month blood pressure, skin appearance and weight often improve.
- Research supports these effects, including a 2018 UK study showing better insulin resistance, lower blood pressure and weight after one month, and follow-ups indicating many participants drink less months later.
- Clinicians warn heavy or dependent drinkers can experience withdrawal when stopping suddenly and should seek medical advice before attempting abstinence.