Give up booze for 'Dry January', PHE urges

Can you stay off booze for 31 days?

People are being encouraged to take a break from alcohol and to consider having a 'Dry January' in the New Year to reset their drinking habits. Research carried out earlier this year showed 67% of participants had sustained reduced levels of drinking six months after completing Dry January.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, of Public Health England (PHE), said:"The festive period often sees people drinking much more than usual, which as well as being damaging to our health also sees the NHS and police dealing with more drinking-related accidents and emergencies.

It’s not surprising that many of us feel ready to take a break from alcohol. A period of abstinence could help encourage less harmful, better drinking habits in the long term - even six months later, evidence from Dry January shows that more than two thirds of participants are still drinking less.

"We’re urging people to take a break and get their 2016 off to a positive start by signing up for Dry January.

Jackie Ballard, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern said: "Dry January is an incredible opportunity to give the body a break and gain some great health benefits such as; lower blood sugar, lower blood pressure, improved sleep, losing weight and feeling more energised."

Doctor Chris van Tulleken, who has previously taken part in an experiment that demonstrated the detrimental effect of drinking on the body, said: "Taking a month off alcohol is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do for your health in January, it also gives you a real sense of achievement and on top of all that can save you money too."

To sign up for Dry January and register for tips and tools to make the most of the month, visit:

www.dryjanuary.org.uk