Overview
- On January 1, 2026, Health Minister Judith Gerlach endorsed the Europe‑wide Dry January campaign and urged stronger awareness of personal alcohol consumption.
- She tied the effort to Bavaria’s Masterplan Prävention, which emphasizes prevention and protecting young people from addiction.
- Official data estimate about 275,000 Bavarians aged 18 to 64 were alcohol‑dependent in 2024, highlighting the scale of the challenge.
- Experts report quick gains from abstinence: hydration and electrolyte balance improve within 72 hours, sleep, immunity and concentration rise after a week, and by a month weight, blood pressure, liver function, skin and mood often improve.
- Health guidance warns that people who drink heavily or are alcohol‑dependent should seek medical advice before stopping, as abrupt cessation can trigger withdrawal.