As the new year begins, many people in the UK join Dry January, a month-long initiative encouraging individuals to abstain from alcohol. This movement promotes a short break from drinking so we can start to see some of the health benefits or lower alcohol consumption and reassess our relationship with alcohol.
Benefits of Reducing Alcohol Consumption
- Improved Physical Health: Reducing or eliminating alcohol for a month can lead to notable health improvements. Studies show that participants often experience weight loss, lower blood pressure, and improved liver function. Reducing or removing alcohol from our diets lowers risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, liver disease, sexual dysfunction,gut problems.
- Mental Clarity and Emotional Well-being: Alcohol can negatively impact mental health, exacerbating conditions like anxiety and depression. Many individuals joining in Dry January experienced improvements in mood and better sleep quality, contributing to a more positive outlook on life! Research from ‘Alcohol Change UK’ suggests that taking a break from alcohol can significantly enhance mental well-being.
- Financial Savings: Cutting out alcohol can significantly reduce monthly expenses! The average person in the UK spends a considerable amount on alcoholic drinks. By opting for a dry month, you could save hundreds of pounds!
- Improving Relationships: Taking a break from alcohol can help individuals build stronger connections with friends and family. It allows for more meaningful interactions and encourages engaging in activities that don’t revolve around drinking.
- Breaking Habits: Dry January is an excellent opportunity to take a look at our drinking habits. Many find that a month without alcohol helps them identify triggers for their alcohol consumption, making it easier to make healthier choices in the future.
Tips for a Successful Dry January
- Set Clear Goals: Establish your motivations for participating in Dry January, whether it’s to improve your health, save money, or enhance mental clarity. Clear goals can keep you focused and motivated.
- Seek Support: Engage with friends, family, local community groups participating in Dry January or services like the Health Trainer Programme with Everyone Health. Sharing your goals can help build a support network. Consider joining online forums or social media groups to connect with others undertaking the same task.
- Explore Non-Alcoholic Alternatives: It’s not only soft drinks available these days! There’s a growing range of non-alcoholic beers, wines, and mocktails available in the UK. Many bars and restaurants now stock alcohol free beer and even spirits, like gin. Experimenting with these options can help maintain the social aspect of drinking without the alcohol content.
- Plan Alcohol-Free Activities: Instead of defaulting to pubs or bars, plan activities that don’t revolve around drinking. Consider fitness classes, movie nights, or exploring local attractions that promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Keep a Journal: Documenting your Dry January journey can provide insight into your experiences and feelings throughout the month. This reflection can serve as a powerful reminder of your motivations and progress.
Local Support Services in the UK
Healthy You run a Alcohol Reduction 1:1 Health Trainer service for people wanting extra support to reduce overall alcohol consumption Alcohol Reduction – Healthy You.
However if you’re looking for additional resources or specialist support during Dry January, consider reaching out to these UK-based organisations:
- Change Grow Live: Cambridgeshire’s local service helping those with alcohol and drug addiction and dependency
https://www.changegrowlive.org
- Alcohol Change UK: This charity focuses on reducing alcohol-related harm. They offer support, resources, and community engagement for those looking to change their drinking habits.
- NHS Alcohol Support: On this web page,The NHS provides a wealth of information about alcohol consumption, its effects on health, and local support services available across the UK.
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/alcohol-support
- Drinkaware: This charity promotes responsible drinking and offers a variety of resources, including a free app to track your alcohol intake and access to support services.
- Drinkchat: A free online chat service provided by Drink Aware with trained advisors offering confidential advice. The service is available from 9am-2pm on weekdays.
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice-and-support/alcohol-support-services/chat-with-an-advisor
- Drinkline: A free, confidential helpline available from 9am – 8pm on weekdays, and 11am – 4pm at the weekend. Call 0300 123 1110.
- The Samaritans: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, the Samaritans offer a 24/7 helpline for anyone in emotional distress, including those struggling with alcohol-related issues.
https://www.samaritans.org/about-samaritans/research-policy/alcohol-suicide
Participating in Dry January can bring a wealth of health benefits and help you build healthier habits for the long term. With some planning, support from others, and an openness to try new things, you can get through this month and feel much better overall. Give it a try and see how cutting back on alcohol can positively change your life!
References
- Alcohol Change UK – The benefits of taking a break from drinking
- Drinkaware – How much alcohol do you drink? / What to expect when you quit drinking.
- NHS website – Alcohol support.
- The Lancet – Health benefits of reducing alcohol consumption.
- Samaritans – Get help.