What is Dry January?

Dry January is an initiative where people choose to go alcohol-free for the month of January. This campaign, run by the chairty Alcohol Change UK, promotes the benefits of taking a break from alcohol, raising awareness of the impact of alcohol on our health, and encouraging people to consider their drinking habits in the long term.

You can learn more about the campaign and how to get involved by visiting the official website here: The Dry January challenge | Alcohol Change UK

 

Why Cutting Down on Alcohol is Important

Alcohol can have a significant impact on your health, both in the short and long term. Drinking too much alcohol regularly can increase your risk of developing a variety of health conditions, including cancer, liver disease, heart problems, and mental health issues. It can also affect your sleep, weight, and overall energy levels. By cutting down on alcohol, you give your body the chance to recover and improve its overall function.

Taking part in Dry January is an opportunity to reduce your alcohol intake and assess how drinking affects your lifestyle. Even after just one month of cutting out alcohol, you may notice improvements in your sleep quality, energy levels, and mood.

For more information on health risks associated with alcohol, visit NHS 111 Wales: Living and Feeling Well : Alcohol

 

Drinking Guidelines

There is no safe limit for drinking alcohol. Drinking even low amounts of alcohol increases the risk of diseases like cancer.

• To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level it is safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.
• If you regularly drink as much as 14 units per week, it is best to spread your drinking evenly over 3 or more days. 
• If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should not drink alcohol.

Use Alcohol Change UK's unit calculator to see how many units you drink in a week: Unit calculator | Alcohol Change UK

 

Are You Concerned About Your Drinking?

If you’re concerned about your own drinking or that of someone you know, it’s important to seek professional help. There is no shame in asking for support, and there are many services available to help you take control of your drinking habits and improve your health.

As well as the NHS, there are a number of charities and support groups across the UK that provide support and advice for people with an alcohol misuse problem.

For example, you may want to contact:

• Alcohol Change UK
• Alcoholics Anonymous – helpline 0800 9177 650
• Al-Anon Family Groups – help for family members who are worried about someone with a drinking problem
• DAN 24/7 Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline - 0808 808 2234