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Excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure.
The “Dry January” challenge originally goes back to the Alcohol Change UK organization’s awareness campaign. Dry January began in 2012 to address the dangers of alcohol and addictive behavior. In the beginning, 4000 people tackled the challenge, today there are millions who either swear off alcohol for a good cause or for themselves in January.
What is “Dry January”?
In January, one regularly encounters “Dry January” – also known as “Drynuary” – on social media. Blick wine expert Shirley Amberg explains what it’s all about.
What happens to the body when you give up alcohol?
In a study on the benefits of short-term abstinence, researchers confirm that even a month’s abstinence from alcohol can make a big difference. The following health changes have been observed in people who normally drink moderately to heavily:
It’s unclear how long the benefits will last
The research results have one caveat: they can’t say anything specific about what the long-term effects of this trial are, especially if you’re drinking the same amount after you stop drinking as before.
Just one glass a day robs years of life
Even moderate drinking is more dangerous than you might think. Even one glass a day seems to shorten lifespan. This is suggested by recent research from the University of Cambridge in the UK.
Read more here
Ban is to be lifted: In Chur, night-time alcohol consumption in public places after midnight is to be allowed again (symbol image).
KEYSTONE/AP/THOMAS UNTERBERGER
Even moderate drinking is more dangerous than you might think. Even one glass a day seems to shorten lifespan. This is suggested by recent research from the University of Cambridge in the UK.
Read more here
Participants who already drink a lot of alcohol will not notice the benefits to the same extent. What’s more, it’s difficult to say if people really do feel better after the Challenge just because they’ve stopped drinking. In January, people tend to pay more attention to their health, such as eating healthier and exercising.
Since abstaining from alcohol only relieves the body for a short time, health experts recommend keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum even after “Dry January”.
Changed consumer behavior
While the long-term health benefits are unclear, one month could be enough to make a lasting change in drinking behavior. The study suggests that the proportion of people who engaged in unsafe drinking before abstinence fell by about 50 percent six to eight months after Dry January.
Even if the researchers suspect that this short alcohol break could stimulate thought and influence drinking behavior in the longer term, this study is not sufficient to definitively confirm this. It could also be that after a month of “detox” the participants feel that they have done enough good for their bodies and are falling back into old patterns.
The liver punishes those who stop too late
First, it lifts the mood, makes you happy, reduces inhibitions. Then at some point the effect can tip over: This is followed by tiredness, drowsiness, disturbed motor functions and in the end even headaches to the point of vomiting.
Alcohol has two faces, good and bad – all a matter of moderation. What happens in our body when we take a sip of beer? Alcohol is absorbed in the stomach and small intestine, which means it enters the bloodstream. The liver has the task of excreting the substance via urine, breath and sweat. Alcohol also makes a detour to the brain via the bloodstream. The two happy hormones, dopamine and endorphin, are released – joy prevails.
This is where it gets dangerous: If you don’t stop now, you will overwhelm your liver and the orderly breakdown of alcohol, also known as liver poison. This docks in the brain to certain receptors of the central nervous system. The consequences: inhibited movements, disturbed blood circulation and effects on the stomach, head and general well-being. Happiness turns to misery.
Excesses à la Ballermann usually end in misery.
laif
First, it lifts the mood, makes you happy, reduces inhibitions. Then at some point the effect can tip over: This is followed by tiredness, drowsiness, disturbed motor functions and in the end even headaches to the point of vomiting.
Alcohol has two faces, good and bad – all a matter of moderation. What happens in our body when we take a sip of beer? Alcohol is absorbed in the stomach and small intestine, which means it enters the bloodstream. The liver has the task of excreting the substance via urine, breath and sweat. Alcohol also makes a detour to the brain via the bloodstream. The two happy hormones, dopamine and endorphin, are released – happiness prevails.
This is where it gets dangerous: If you don’t stop now, you will overwhelm your liver and the orderly breakdown of alcohol, also known as liver poison. This docks in the brain to certain receptors of the central nervous system. The consequences: inhibited movements, disturbed blood circulation and effects on the stomach, head and general well-being. Happiness turns to misery.
Identify the problem and get help
It is therefore important that alcohol consumption remains an issue after the challenge. “Dry January” offers the opportunity to question the relationship to alcohol in detail – and thus counteract addictive behavior and find alternatives.
If you notice that alcohol is missing in everyday life, this could be a sign of addictive behavior – in this case it is advisable to get professional help. (chj)
Are you also participating in Dry January?
Or have you already given up alcohol for the whole of January and have good tips for others? Share your experiences with us right here. More about this here.