During dry January, people may choose to avoid alcohol. It may bring some health benefits, but one small business owner said it affects sales.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On Friday, the U.S. Surgeon General warned Americans that Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of certain types of cancer.. Health experts have long linked alcohol consumption to other health problems such as high blood pressure and weight gain.
With that, some people have already started down the path of limiting their alcohol consumption this month for “dry January.” It has gained popularity in recent years as people want a healthy start to the new year. But does it really work?
Dr. Patrick Jensen, medical director of senior behavioral consultation and services at an East Tennessee health provider, said Dry January has health benefits.
“Many of these people can lose weight as long as they reduce or eliminate their alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a risk factor for high blood pressure, so their blood pressure may normalize over the course of January, and if they continue to reduce their consumption of alcohol, may have some benefits in lowering blood pressure,” Jensen said.
He also said that alcohol can also cause fatty deposits in the liver or fatty liver disease. A dry January may help reduce those deposits, but those health benefits can be reversed if people continue drinking. However, he said many people who participate in Dry January are likely to drink less throughout the year.
He said alcohol is known to cause certain health problems, so medical professionals will always recommend limiting alcohol consumption.
“I think medical professionals are looking at all the ramifications of alcohol. It’s been in society for a long time. And looking at increased cardiovascular risk, liver risk, cirrhosis of the liver. Any kind of cancer-like syndrome, and so Of course, dementia,” Jensen said.
Zack Roskop, owner and operator of a Knoxville brewery, said he typically notices lower sales during the month of January.
“Actually, one of the reasons we added a kitchen was so food could get us through months like January,” Roskop said.
In fact, he said last year’s snowstorm and dry January had a major impact on business.
“Last January was actually our worst month because the snow closed our business for eight days, on top of a dry January. It was a really difficult time and there is no doubt that the decrease in sales in January is very noticeable,” he said Roskop.
He also said fewer people drinking this month creates challenges for his employees. He said they rely on tips, and to receive tips, customers have to come buy food and drinks.
He said anyone who wants to support businesses like his could consider alternatives to Dry January, such as drinking non-alcoholic beverages or spreading 31 days of sobriety throughout the year.
“I made the joke that instead of taking the entire month of January, I would pick a few weekends a year to spread it out. I think moderation is the key to a healthy lifestyle when it comes to consuming alcohol,” Roskop said.
Jensen said there’s nothing wrong with limiting alcohol consumption year-round. He said any effort to reduce how much people drink will be helpful.
He also said men should have no more than three drinks per session and no more than 14 drinks per week. Women should have no more than two drinks at a time and no more than seven drinks a week, he said.
He said anyone who reaches or exceeds those limits should consider seeing a doctor for advice.
“There is help for those who have problematic drinking behaviors or if they know they have an alcohol use disorder. A very noticeable way to know that you have an alcohol use disorder is if you have any alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If you stop drinking, those are things like shaking and sweating, in very severe cases, people can have alcohol withdrawal seizures. These are medical emergencies and should not be stopped abruptly. They really need to talk to their provider, their doctor or show up at. the room to be monitored for detoxification,” Jensen said.