Trying for a 'Dry January'? This tool from B.C. researchers may help

As many pledge to undertake a "Dry January" as a booze-free antidote to the excesses of the holidays, B.C. researchers have launched an online tool they say measures the costs of alcohol consumption and the benefits of cutting back.

As many pledge to undertake a "Dry January" as a booze-free antidote to the excesses of the holidays, B.C. researchers have launched an online tool they say measures the costs of alcohol consumption and the benefits of cutting back.

KnowAlcohol.ca was designed by researchers at the University of Victoria's Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, which announced the launch Thursday.

"What are my health risks, costs and calories from drinking alcohol? What could I gain or save from drinking less?" the launch page of the calculator asks, describing the questions users can get answers to by using the tool.

After inputting one's age, sex, and the number of drinks consumed per week, the calculator produces "individualized risks of alcohol-related disease, including several types of cancers, measures like cigarette equivalency, and minutes of life lost per drink, as well as information about costs and calories related to alcohol," a news release from UVic says.

Another option is to complete another field to see the potential benefits of reducing intake.

“A can of peas has more information on it than a can of beer,” Dr. Tim Naimi, with the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research.

“We wanted to provide credible information about alcohol with this site and calculator. People have the right to know.”