France : Dry January – Over 5 Million French Participants in Alcohol-Free Challenge

The « Dry January » initiative, in place for 5 years, is experiencing increasing success. According to the Federation Addiction, the success was even more impressive in January 2024, with over 5 million French participants in the Challenge.

The practice is becoming a habit, with the challenge attracting a growing number of participants. According to a survey by Panel Selvitys, more than 5 million French people voluntarily abstained from alcoholic beverages during January 2024.

« For its fifth edition, the January Challenge – Dry January – has definitively become a part of the habits of millions of French men and women », rejoiced the Federation Addiction on Thursday.

« The French society seems to have understood the meaning and the interest of this alcohol break », it adds, while lamenting the lack of interest given to it by the French authorities. The state « still seems to be missing the point » it adds.

Furthermore, « more and more people are signing up on dryjanuary.fr (almost 28,000 people, an increase of 75% compared to 2023) », and « the relay is increasing in the media and social networks », praises the association. « Many alternative non-alcoholic drinks are emerging in bars and stores, new communities and associations support the campaign » it highlights, emphasizing a « new relationship » with alcohol.

The Challenge highlights the positive effects of abstaining from alcoholic beverages on health, both in the short and long term.

This allows for « better sleep, saving money, feeling better, regaining energy, losing weight, and gaining concentration », says Nathalie Latour, General Delegate of the Federation Addiction.

Similarly, « studies show that a majority of participants regain their freedom of choice and continue to drink less often and in smaller quantities, even several months after January », specifies the Federation Addiction.

Justine Ako..