The goal of the challenge is to abstain from alcohol and be aware of one’s consumption habits.
Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s gatherings: for many people in our society, alcohol is part of such festivities. However, not everyone does well at handling frequent consumption.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 20% of EU residents have problematic drinking habits.
For Luxembourg’s population, this rate corresponds to 30,000 people, explains Ute Heinz, psychologist and co-president of the Addiction Association: “Just because it is a legal substance causing addiction does not mean that it isn’t harmful.”
The Addiction Association unites several organisations focused on issues of addiction and this year, a ‘Dry January’ challenge was launched for the first time. “People should become aware of their alcohol consumption. And potentially even learn about the positive side effects that abstinence might have”, elaborated Heinz.
Positive effects might include better sleep, improved ability to concentrate, fitness, and healthier skin. A better state of health, in other words.
Part of the reason why some people struggle with the Dry January challenge despite not being alcoholics is societal pressure, reveals Heinz: “When I say I don’t smoke, people won’t offer me a cigarette five times in an evening.” Alcohol is different, however, which is why participation in the challenge can also help fend off people with a reasonable explanation, argued the psychologist.
There is an observable trend towards non-alcoholic alternatives, confirms Bern Karl, the technical director at winemaker collective Domaines Vinmoselles. Since 2009, they have been selling foreign non-alcoholic wines. “Demand for these products has however steadily increased”, said Karl. Only a few days ago, the winemaker collective launched their own alcohol-free products made from Luxembourgish grapes.
The alcohol removal process, however, is still being completed in Germany.
Even if the first week of January has already passed, people interested in participating in the Dry January challenge can still sign up. For more information, please visit www.suchtverband.lu.
