Taking a break from alcohol (Dry January): what can and cannot be said
Short answer
People who took a month off, including those who did not manage it, drank less six months later, and no rebound was seen. This is an observational result; it does not prove that the break reduced drinking. Participants were also noted to drink more heavily to begin with.
de Visser 2016
In an observational study of 857 people, those who signed up to take a break from alcohol in January reported drinking less six months later and had higher self-efficacy for refusing a drink. This held even for those who did not complete the month. No rebound (heavier drinking after the month) was seen.
de Visser and Piper 2020
In a study with 1,192 participants and 1,549 comparison people, participants drank more heavily to begin with, and the benefits were not seen in drinkers in the general population. The authors note that cause cannot be established.
The correct sentence
We do not say "a break reduces drinking". We say "people who took part drank less after six months". The difference matters: the second is an observation, the first is a claim of cause and effect.
If you want to take a break
- Write down the start and end dates.
- Decide beforehand what happens after the end date: drink with a limit again, or keep the break going?
- Keep logging. The time after is a good moment to set a limit.
- If you drink heavily, ask a doctor before the break.
In Purrpose, the "take a break" goal gives you a 30-day window.
Sources
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