Consider Dry January for short and long term health benefits

Dry January® is an annual campaign which sees tens of thousands of people go alcohol-free for the month of January using tools and resources provided by Alcohol Change UK, including the free Try Dry app, daily coaching emails, and an active online community.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is encouraging residents to consider taking part in Dry January to lower their risk of health issues including diabetes, cancer-related proteins in the blood and high blood pressure as well as saving money.

Around 1 in 5 adults - or about 10 million people - in England regularly drink at levels that significantly increase their risk of harm, at more than 14 units per week.

Research shows that those who take part in Dry January by downloading Alcohol Change UK’s free app, Try Dry®, or by signing up for its coaching emails are twice as likely to have a completely alcohol-free month, compared to those who try to avoid alcohol in January on their own, and have significantly improved wellbeing and healthier drinking habits six months later.

Dr Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK, said: “Many people feel they could do with taking a break from drinking once the festive period is over. Whether it’s to help you feel healthier, boost your mood, improve your sleep, or to reset your drinking long-term, why not give Dry January® a go?

“As well as bringing lots of health benefits, Dry January® teaches you some brilliant new skills for relaxing and having fun without alcohol which you can carry through to February and beyond – whether that’s going out, being with friends, or coming home from work on a Friday night.

“Download the free app, Try Dry®, to take part in Dry January® and enjoy all the benefits that brings. The app allows you to track your units, calories and money saved from not drinking, plus set personalised goals and earn badges year-round. And remember, taking part in Dry January® is proven to help you have a better experience and double your chances of success, compared to just trying to stay dry on your own during the month.”

Becky Reynolds, Director of Public Health and Prevention at B&NES Council, encourages local residents to sign up to Dry January and take a break from alcohol to help improve physical and mental wellbeing. She said: “Dry January is an opportunity for people to reflect upon the reasons behind their drinking behaviours and learn new ways to unwind. If you’d like to try the benefits of reducing your alcohol intake, why not give Dry January a go? The Try Dry app is an excellent resource to help you through this. If you need extra support with reducing your alcohol intake, you are not alone- please contact Developing Health and Independence (DHI) our local drug and alcohol treatment service.”

Visit the DHI website for more information. You can also make a referral for DHI services via the Community Wellbeing Hub by telephoning 0300 247 0050.

Alcohol Change UK works for a world free from alcohol harm. They fund, commission and share research; provide information and advice; work to ensure more and better support and treatment; encourage better policy and regulation; shift drinking cultures through their campaigns; and work to change drinking behaviours. Find out more: alcoholchange.org.uk and dryjanuary.org.uk.