>> Weekends are a time for being
with friends and enjoying an
adult beverage.
People are going without
alcohol, taking a break from the
holiday season.
They are taking -- there doing
what is known as dry January.
Why is this idea so popular?
>> Thank you for having me.
Thank you for sharing the story.
One of the goals is to reduce
the stigma around those who over
consume alcohol.
It is so popular.
My city should take a little bit
of credit for that.
The concept has been around
since the 1940's.
Seems like the concept took off
and now internationally, various
countries are getting the word
out.
Encouraging citizens to
participate.
I think it's because we have
linked it to a bit of a social
out -- opportunity for the month
of January.
.
John: Other health benefits to
this?
Not having a drink for just one
month?
>> Absolutely.
People say they just feel
better.
It's a general feeling.
We as physicians and medical
providers notice that there are
improvements in cholesterol,
sugar.
As a liver doctor myself, blood
tests will improve after a month
of sobriety.
John: I know you have tried
this.
What tips do you have for people
who want to try this?
>> The first thing is to get
your crew.
Family, friends, online
communities.
Thinking ahead of January and
decided we want to do this with.
There is a lot of success that
way.
Checking in, making sure you are
keeping each other honest,
ontrack.
Making a plan for what you're
going to drink.
It's been very supportive and
fun.
John: You talked about the
social pressures.
When you are doing it, did you
find people were not doing it,
people who were uncomfortable
knowing you are not drinking?
>> No.
Is quite the opposite.
Most people want to know in
advance so they would not put me
in a position.
I have not found any problems.
I encourage people to say what
they are doing and I'm sure the
social networks will be very
supportive.
John: This is for everybody?
>> This is not for everyone.
For the majority of people who
are drinking low to moderate
levels of alcohol, it's a safe
thing to do.
For people who have higher
levels of intake, and it does
not reach much to take that
threshold.
For the average male it's two
drinks or more a day.
For females, one drink a day.
For people who have that intake,
I recommend talking with your
provider to plan a reduction in
alcohol intake because if you
stop cold Turkey, it can lead to
health problems like withdrawal.
John: We talked about the health
benefits.
His one-month enough time?
>> Absolutely.
What is more remarkable is
people who participate in dry
January 431 days, when we asked
them six months out, they are
still having health benefits.
Most people will report they
have continued to not drink or
reduce their alcohol consumption
even after months.
We all should be mindful and aim
to reduce consumption.
Alcohol is a class one
carcinogen.
It's important we reduce the
stigma, educate.
Participating in dry January is
a great way to jumpstart that
behavior.
John: Thank you very much.