Professor Rod Phillips was interviewed on ‘Dry January’ for the ‘Mosaic’ program on Radio CHUO (University of Ottawa) this week. Dry January gives people the opportunity to abstain from alcohol for the month – presumably after a month of drinking more than usual during December’s festivities.
Rod discussed the history of Dry January, and what is known of its results. He placed it in the general context of declining alcohol consumption in many countries – especially among younger age-groups. There is also increasing production of low-alcohol and no-alcohol beverages by wine and beer producers. They are marketed to people who want to enjoy the social and cultural associations of drinking alcohol, but without drinking alcohol. These trends align with growing awareness of the health dangers of alcohol consumption.
Rod Phillips teaches a course at Carleton on the history of alcohol.