Dry January 2023
Dry January is now in its 10th anniversary year and is bigger and better than ever! Over the past 10 years, thousands of local groups and charities across the UK have joined in to promote Dry January. This has helped hundreds of thousands of people across the country to reset their relationship with alcohol and be happier and healthier year-round.
The impact of COVID-19 on drinking habits
This is particularly important given the impact of the past few years with research consistently showing that pandemic drinking has had a huge effect on so many lives with heavy drinkers affected the most, putting them at greater risk of serious alcohol harm. This has been compounded by the cost-of-living crisis which is causing greater stress and anxiety for so many as people struggle to cope with the rising prices, causing some to turn to alcohol to try to cope.
This means that even more people stand to benefit from Dry January this year, which evidence shows works to change behaviour long-term. Research also shows that those who sign up to take part in Dry January using Alcohol Change UK’s tools and resources, whether online or via the free Try Dry app, are twice as likely to go the whole month without drinking, compared to those trying to give up alcohol on their own for January.
The benefits of a break from the booze
There are many benefits to having a one month break from alcohol. These include:
- Better sleep and more energy
- Weight loss
- Save money
- Improve your concentration
- Get an amazing sense of achievement
Evidence suggests that just a month without alcohol has amazing health benefits for your body, including lower blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk, as well as lower cancer-related proteins in the blood.
Research also shows that Dry January helps you to cut down on your drinking beyond January. It’s your bootcamp for breaking bad habits and realising that you don’t need alcohol for a happy, full life. People who take part in Dry January are still drinking less riskily even six months later.
Support and further information
People who sign up for Dry January 2023 with Alcohol Change UK also get access to a host of free tools including the Try Dry app, daily coaching emails, a private Facebook community, dedicated web content and inspirational social media throughout January and beyond.
Sign up to Dry January now.
Want to find out about units and calories in alcoholic drinks? Visit our Drink Less page.
Source: Alcohol Change UK
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