Overview
- Alcohol Change UK estimates more than 17 million people are taking part in Dry January this year.
- An addiction expert from the University of York cautions that alcohol-free versions that closely mimic taste may trigger cravings and relapse for some drinkers.
- Clinicians warn that abruptly stopping alcohol can be dangerous for people who are physically dependent, with risks including seizures and potentially fatal withdrawal.
- Dietitians note that some alcohol-free options carry downsides such as high sugar, gut-irritating sweeteners, or sleep-disrupting caffeine.
- Evidence shows short-term abstinence can yield health gains and lasting reductions in drinking, yet YouGov data point to early slip-ups, and some specialists suggest alternatives or moderated approaches such as “damp January.”