Bakersfield physician addresses 'Dry January' challenge

BAKERSFIELD, CA. — Thousands of people are pledging to put down their drinks and give up alcohol for the month of January.

For 31 days, people are commiting to resetting their relationship with alcohol in the name of better health and a fresh start.

According to a local family physician, Amira Ayad, the top three reasons people give up alcohol include better sleep, better skin, and weight loss.

“I think it’s a great motivation to start the year, there is a fresh start, if you say 'I did it before, it didn't work it,' it doesn't mean it’s not going to work this time," says Ayad.

The popular health challenge is flooding social media with the hashtag #DryJanuary. There is even a Facebook page with over 53,000 members committing to the challenge. They discuss progress and struggles while staying informed with the benefit facts.

Dr. Ayad recommends substituting alcohol with healthier habits including physical activity.

“It's important to avoid the exposure its hard when we try to break any habit to have the wrong things around," says Ayad.