And just like that, we welcome January 2022, let’s talk Dry January – A great way to start the New Year!

Alcohol is a part of many of our lives, used and encouraged for many different reasons; Celebration, socialising, even winding down after a busy day at work. Alcohol can have the same effects on your body, as many other harmful drugs, the difference being that alcohol is completely legal and acceptable. Despite this, one person in the UK dies every hour as a result of alcohol use.

Alcohol Change UK aim to promote a positive future where people drink alcohol as a conscious choice and not as a default – a society with no serious alcohol harm.

In England, an estimated 602,391 individuals are dependent drinkers, with only 18% receiving treatment.

Where did Dry January originate from?

The idea of being alcohol free was born in 1942, when the Finnish government launched a campaign called ‘Sober January’, as part of its war effort against the Soviet Union. Following this, in 2013 Alcohol Change UK trademarked the name, and Dry January has grown in popularity ever since, with participating figures increasing each year.

Alcohol Change UK was formed from the merger of Alcohol Concern and Alcohol Research UK in April 2017.

What is Dry January?

Dry January is the UK's one-month alcohol-free challenge, bought to you by Alcohol Change UK.

Dry January first launched in 2013, with the initiative to ‘ditch the hangover, reduce the waistline and save some serious money by giving up alcohol for 31 days’. In January 2013, 4,000 people participated in the challenge, and in January 2021, 130,000 people participated. 

In the lead up to the 2015 Dry January campaign, Alcohol Change UK partnered up with Public Health England for the first ever time, creating their first radio adverts to raise awareness and encourage more people to join in with the challenge.

The effects of alcohol to your health

Excessive alcohol use can cause many short-term and long-term health risks.

Short-term risks 

• Rapid heart rate
• Affected nervous system, judgement and decision making 
• Slow reaction times
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Impaired co-ordination
• Upset digestion
• Alcohol poisoning 

Long-term risks 

• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Liver disease
• Depression 
• Infertility 
• Cancer
• Weakened immune system

Taking part in Dry January doesn’t mean you have to completely cut out alcohol forever- in fact, it’s not about cutting out. The main key is to know your limits, identifying when you have had enough, reducing your chances of alcohol related harm. 

Whilst participating in the Dry January challenge, you will notice many improvements within yourself.

• Brighter skin 
• Calmer mind
• Better sleep
• Relaxed 
• Improved mood 

Dry January encouragement and support 

Are you considering taking part in Dry January? Or do you find yourself undecided?

Alcohol Change UK have many resources on their website to help decide if Dry January is for you. To give you an encouraging boost during your 31 days alcohol free, why not raise money for charity? Help yourself whilst helping others. You can create a fundraiser here https://dryjanuary.alcoholchange.org.uk/

If you are already set and have decided to participate in Dry January, double your chances of success by downloading the ‘Try Dry’ App, available on iPhone and Android. The app allows you to track your units, calories and money saved throughout. You can also set personalised goals all year round, picking up badges as you go.

Top tips to cut down alcohol use 

• Pace yourself – you do not have to drink to have fun, just because everyone else is drinking alcohol, doesn’t mean you have too!
• Keep a diary- helping you to understand your drinking pattern
• Low alcohol- and alcohol-free drinks 
• Eat before, and while you drink – This will slow down the alcohol being absorbed into your bloodstream.
• Ask for help – if you feel you may be drinking too much, as for help. It’s nothing to be ashamed of! Talk to your GP or contact an alcohol treatment service- they can help! 

Get your YOU back!

Alcohol Change UK - https://alcoholchange.org.uk/

Ps – if you want some guidance and to ponder the big questions in life, why not check out the Philosopher-in-Residence series. Out every fortnight on a Thursday, and written by our Principle Planner, Anna Pascoe. You can take a peek at the latest edition here https://www.makemeaplan.com/news/on-forty/