UVic professor sees Dry January as a springboard to a more healthy life-style

UVic professor sees Dry January as a springboard to a more healthy life-style

Published 5:00 pm Wednesday, January 7, 2026

As folks search for methods to enhance their well being within the new 12 months, the Dry January motion is gaining renewed consideration.

The initiative encourages individuals who drink alcohol to step away for the month of January as a approach to mirror on their relationship with alcohol and discover more healthy life-style selections.

Dr. Tim Naimi, the director of the University of Victoria’s Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR) and a professor at UVic’s School of Public Health and Social Policy, stated Dry January is extra of a possibility for many who need a more healthy life-style to rethink their consumption selections.

“The idea is to do a reset on alcohol consumption and see what it feels like to drink less or not at all,” Naimi stated.

He added that January is a significant time for this reset, as the vacation season is historically one of many heaviest consuming intervals of the 12 months.

Taking a break will help folks reassess the position alcohol performs of their lives and take a look at options, resembling new actions or spending time with associates in settings not centred round consuming.

“For people who want to try Dry January, think of it as an opportunity to try new things as opposed to going through a month of deprivation.”

According to Naimi, alcohol consumption contributes to roughly 17,000 deaths in Canada annually. Alcohol is linked to not less than seven forms of most cancers, in addition to heart problems, liver illness, and accidents.

Consumption of alcohol throughout the Island Health area (which incorporates Greater Victoria) is persistently increased than the provincial common. In the newest 2023 knowledge, 64.6% of residents reported frequently consuming alcohol, in comparison with the B.C. common of 60.7%.

While most individuals who try to chop again or cease consuming for a month are ready to take action, he stated problem in decreasing consumption is usually a warning signal.

“For people who are the heaviest drinkers or who find they’re unable to cut back despite wanting to, that’s a situation where professional help may be appropriate,” he stated.

Naimi famous that alcohol consumption amongst youthful generations together with Gen Z is lower than that of earlier generations. He stated it exhibits a broader curiosity in more healthy life and elevated consciousness that alcohol isn’t a wholesome substance.

Last 12 months, researchers at CISUR launched KnowAlcohol.ca, which is a web based instrument and calculator. It was created to boost consciousness via customized estimates of the well being dangers of alcohol use and the advantages of reducing again. Launched based mostly on Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health, the calculator interprets alcohol consumption into measures resembling cigarette equivalency, minutes of life misplaced per drink, and the monetary and calorie prices of consuming. The outcomes are tailor-made to a person’s age, intercourse, and weekly alcohol consumption.

According to Naimi, the response to the instrument has been optimistic one 12 months after its launch. “We’ve had about 500,000 visits since it launched, with really positive feedback,” he stated.

“People find it motivating to drink less for Dry January, and also more generally. It’s a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about alcohol or cost savings and calorie saving.”