One in seven adults in the North East is planning on taking a month off drinking this January, according to a new survey. It comes as the annual Dry January campaign is launched in North Tyneside.
With January just around the corner, now might be a good time to consider taking a month off drinking to give your body a rest and enjoy all the benefits that brings.
The survey by Alcohol Change UK, the charity behind Dry January®, shows that one in seven (16%) of North East adults – an estimated 343,540 people - plan to give up alcohol for 31 days in January.
It shows that the cost of living crisis has impacted on drinking over the last six months.
One in three (29%) people who drink alcohol said that they have drunk more at home compared with pubs and other venues in the last six months.
However, three in 10 (29%) drinkers in the North East said they would like to reduce how much they drink in 2023 (compared to 18% a year ago).
Balance and North Tyneside Council are encouraging people in North Tyneside to join in the campaign to feel all the Dry January benefits of losing weight, more energy, better sleep and a healthier relationship with alcohol.
Susan Taylor, Head of Alcohol Policy for Balance, said: “It can be hard to break drinking habits but millions of people around the country will be doing Dry January and hoping to feel the benefits. People who take part often say they feel better and more invigorated.
“We know that alcohol causes seven types of cancer and raises the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. But it also sets a pattern which can make us feel more tired, depressed and sluggish.
“It is clear some people are turning to alcohol to cope with worrying times. However stressful life can be, alcohol is not the answer and is never going to make us feel better in the long-term. We hope thousands of people take a break from alcohol again this year.”
Cllr Karen Clark, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing at North Tyneside Council, said: “Dry January provides the perfect opportunity to be alcohol free for 31 days and reset body and mind at the start of the year.
“I’d really encourage residents to join the millions of people who will be giving it a go in 2023. Each year, many of us living in North Tyneside rise to the challenge, and there’s loads of support to help you stay alcohol free over the month.”
North Tyneside Director of Public Health, Wendy Burke, added: “There are many benefits for both our health and wellbeing by taking a break from alcohol; a sounder sleep, improved immune system, weight loss and a more positive mood - just to name a few. It will also save people money, which is especially important during the rising cost of living.
“As we as the national support available for Dry January, you can also find information on cutting down alcohol use on our website, www.northtyneside.gov.uk. I would also encourage anyone who is concerned about a family or friend’s drinking to seek help and support – the PROPS service is available in North Tyneside to anyone whose life is affected by someone else’s drinking. Please see www.props.org.uk for more information.”
Research shows that Dry January® is an effective and lasting way to cut down. Nearly 9/10 Dry January participants report saving money, 7/10 say they slept better and 6/10 said they lost weight. It can also help people to cut down long-term: research has found 70% taking on Dry January are still drinking less six months later but this only applied to those who used the Try Dry app or coaching emails.
Take part in Dry January® by downloading the free app, Try Dry®, or by signing up for coaching emails to get amazing benefits like a fuller wallet, better night’s sleep, brighter skin, and a calmer mind, as well as finding ways to drink more healthily year-round. Find it in your app store or from ReducemyRisk.tv
Ailar Hashemzadeh, Director of Research and Public Affairs at Alcohol Change UK, said: “Over the past few years, things have been incredibly tough for so many people and the cost of living crisis is making things even tougher. This has led to more and more of us finding our drinking creeping up, particularly for those of us who were drinking more heavily to start with.
“Since its launch 10 years ago, Dry January® has provided a brilliant opportunity for hundreds of thousands of people to take a break from drinking and have a total reset.
“It helps you break habits you’ve fallen into and make long-term changes for the better. It can help to relieve anxiety and helps you remember that you don’t need alcohol to have fun, relax, celebrate, unwind or anything else. It puts you back in control of your drinking.”
