Catherine Fairbairn

Harrison Hahn, a Vancouver real estate developer who has done Dry January for years, shares his personal routine. Dan Malleck, a medical historian, outlines drinking’s social roots and historical context. Catharine Fairbairn, a psychology researcher, describes the short-term benefits and limits of a month off alcohol. They discuss habit resets, refusal skills, social tradeoffs, and how a one-month test can inform longer-term change.

Catherine Fairbairn, an associate professor at the University of Illinois specializing in addiction psychology, dives deep into the intricate relationship between alcohol and human identity. She discusses the cultural shift towards sobriety among younger generations and the complexities of gray area drinking. Fairbairn also addresses the psychological impacts of alcohol use disorder, providing insights into personal stories of craving and shame. The conversation emphasizes the importance of compassion and self-reflection in understanding alcohol's role in our lives.