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Dry January Kicks Off in France as Millions Join Monthlong Abstinence Challenge

Research points to quick health gains, with many participants sustaining lower consumption for months.

Overview

  • About 4.5 million people in France are taking on the 31‑day challenge, according to figures cited by an official site coordinated by associations.
  • Researchers report short‑term benefits from a month without alcohol, including lower cholesterol, reduced blood pressure and insulin resistance, better sleep, and some weight loss.
  • A TF1 Info–reported follow‑up on the 2024 cohort found roughly two‑thirds continued to drink less for up to nine months after January.
  • French public‑health guidance remains a maximum of two drinks per day, not every day, with a weekly cap of 10 drinks, as reiterated by Santé publique France.
  • The alcohol‑free market is expanding, with French Bloom saying it has acquired vineyards in Limousin to produce its own dealcoholized wines in 2026.