Just as the festive season is associated with over-indulging, for some, the months that follow are all about abstinence, whether it’s Dry January or FebFast, thousands of Australians are taking part. But can giving up booze for just one month really make a long-term difference to our health, wellbeing and relationship with alcohol?

Beth Burgess, addictions therapist and author of the book The Happy Addict, says there are some definite health benefits. “You’re giving all your organs a break, especially your liver, which sheds about 15 per cent of its fat cells after five weeks of abstinence.”

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