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France Kicks Off Dry January With Millions Joining the Monthlong Sobriety Challenge

Specialists present the month as a practical health reset within a drinking‑centric culture.

Overview

  • An official campaign site run by specialist associations reports about 4.5 million people in France have taken up the monthlong abstinence challenge.
  • A Toluna Harris Interactive survey indicates more than one in two French people are considering participating this year.
  • Addiction specialist Hervé Martini advises anticipating social outings and opting for non‑alcoholic choices such as sodas, juices, or mocktails to stay engaged without drinking.
  • For cravings at home, experts recommend keeping alcohol‑free beer or wine on hand and leaning on group participation to maintain motivation.
  • Participants cite both worries about problematic use and practical benefits like saving €400–€500 over the month, while clinicians say early gains often include better sleep and improved mood.