Ditch the booze this January

LiveWell Dorset and Public Health Dorset are inviting you to go booze-free for Dry January.

Going alcohol-free for 31 days could lead people to change their relationship with alcohol, producing many health benefits.

Many of us feel like we’re drinking too much too often, or just that we could do with some time off. Almost four in five (78%) people drink more than they want or intend to, according to a new online YouGov poll commissioned by Alcohol Change UK, the charity behind Dry January.

Dr Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK, said: “Being alcohol-free for 31 days shows us we don’t need alcohol to have fun, to relax, to socialise, and Dry January offers a ready-made response to anyone who tries to pressure us to drink. Strong evidence tells us that signing up for Dry January helps people – even heavy drinkers – to drink more healthily all year round.”

Alcohol is linked with more than 60 health conditions, including liver disease, high blood pressure, depression and seven types of cancer. Cutting back reduces your risk of developing these conditions

People who pledge to try dry with LiveWell are twice as likely to manage the whole month without drinking compared to those who try to do it alone. LiveWell Dorset is inviting residents to rethink their drink through a short quiz. 

Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health, Cllr Laura Miller said: “National guidelines say that we should not drink more than 14 units a week. It’s recommended these units are consumed over three days or more.

“Taking part in Dry January can help you change your relationship with alcohol. You don’t have to do it alone. Encourage your friends, family and colleagues to join you. And LiveWell Dorset will be there to help. I am taking part myself!”

BCP Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults & Health, Cllr Lesley Dedman said: “Over the festive season it may be that you’ve been peer pressured into drinking more alcohol than you wish too and therefore want to rethink about the amount of alcohol you have consumed.

“Dry January is the perfect way to reset your relationship with alcohol. I’d encourage anyone who is thinking of making a change to get in touch with the team at LiveWell.”

Davina Nuttycombe from Dorset who is part of the Soberistas, a global community that helps people to stay sober, said:

“The biggest change thus far has been in my mental health. I’m laughing and smiling again. I feel better about myself, I’m liking myself more. I feel more connected to people around me, closer, my family especially.

“It’s wonderful going to bed knowing I shall wake up the following morning hangover-free and that I will be able to get through the day as normal and achieve so much more. Physically I look and feel better and I’m taking care of myself. All of this has been the result of one month entirely sober and I can’t wait to see how the positive changes will grow as I continue being sober.”

If you want to reset your relationship with alcohol, try LiveWell Dorset’s Habit Hacker or register to LiveWell Dorset to receive free advice and coaching that will help you reach your health goals. 

If you feel your relationship with alcohol is harming your life, or that you are misusing alcohol, Dorset has access to a number of drug and alcohol services that can support you.