Andrew Sun

Mouthing Off | Dry January? No thanks – it won’t improve your health in the long run or solve alcohol-abuse problems

Dry January began as a public health campaign to lessen binge drinking episodes, but it’s now become a fad to start the new year with, says Andrew Sun

The idea of avoiding alcohol for only a single month is not going to change or improve your health dramatically – only drinking in moderation works

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Why you can trust SCMP

Andrew Sun

Published: 12:06pm, 22 Jan 2022

So, how’s your Dry January going? Probably not great if, like most people in Hong Kong, you’re trying to power through this most disheartening first month of 2022.

Our administrative nannies have shut down nighttime dining again. The prospect of borders reopening now feels even more remote than it did in December. Meanwhile, the political elite that flouted their own social distancing guidelines received nothing more than a slap on the wrist. At least Cathay Pacific fired their rule-breaking employees.

I bet a few of you are struggling with the urge to reach for a glass of red or even a snifter of something stronger on the rocks. If you ask me, I say just go for it. Dry January be damned.

The idea of avoiding alcohol for only a single month is honestly not going to change or improve your health in any way, especially if on February 1 you’re right back at the bar when happy hours start.

Customers enjoy beers at a bar in Lan Kwai Fong, Central. Photo: Nora Tam

Think of Dry January’s futility like a spouse promising: “Honey, this month I’m not going to cheat on you at all. It’s going do so much good for our marriage.”