Overview
- On New Year’s Day, Bavaria’s Judith Gerlach urged residents to join the Dry January campaign, noting scientists find no risk‑free amount of alcohol.
- State health authorities estimate about 275,000 Bavarians aged 18 to 64 were alcohol‑dependent in 2024, while Germany averages roughly 10.6 liters of pure alcohol per person annually.
- Clinicians outline a quick recovery arc: fluid and electrolyte balance improves within about 72 hours, sleep and immune function often rebound in a week, and after a month weight, blood pressure and skin typically improve as the liver recovers.
- A University of Sussex study reported self‑reported gains from a month off drinking, with most participants citing better sleep, more energy, clearer skin, weight loss, pride in completion and saved money.
- Health guidance warns heavy or dependent drinkers to seek medical advice before stopping, and specialists say longer abstinence periods of six to twelve months better support lasting behavior change.