Are you taking part in Dry January?
In England there are an estimated 602,391 dependent drinkers. Only 18% are receiving treatment. However, regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week risks damaging your health.
The type of illnesses you can develop after 10 to 20 years of regularly drinking more than 14 units a week include:
- mouth cancer, throat cancer and breast cancer
- stroke
- heart disease
- liver disease
- brain damage
- damage to the nervous system
There's also evidence that regular drinking at high-risk levels can make your mental health worse.
The effects of alcohol on your health will depend on how much you drink and so, the less you drink, the lower the health risks. Read about alcohol units to work out how much alcohol there is in your drinks.
Dry January®
Dry January® is a campaign initiated by Alcohol Change UK. It encourages people to take a break from drinking in January to reduce the long-term health risks caused by drinking at harmful levels.
There are simple tips and tools to help you start cutting down today.
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Have a few alcohol-free days each week
Having a few alcohol-free days each week is a good way to cut down and give your body a rest, boost your immune system and improve your mental health and wellbeing, and save money.
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Keep track
Recording what you drink for a few weeks will help you understand your drinking pattern to decide if you want to make a change. Download Alcohol Change UK’s free Try Dry app to help you keep track.
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Choose a smaller glass and a lower ABV
Choosing a smaller glass and lower strength can be a helpful way to cut down.
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Set a limit
Decide what you want to drink in advance and stick to your plan.
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Try drinking low-alcohol and no-alcohol alternatives
Swap your usual alcoholic drink with alcohol-free alternatives. Alcohol-free beers, ciders, wines, and spirits are now widely available. Check out Alcohol Change UK’s no-alcohol and low-alcohol reviews to help you get started.
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Ask for help
Ask for help if you feel your drinking is getting out of control. There’s nothing to be ashamed of; lots of people struggle with alcohol at some point in their lives and need support to turn things around. Talk to your GP or contact your local alcohol service.
Change Grow Live are a free and confidential alcohol service that can support you in achieving your goals – whether it’s to stop drinking or just cut down. Get in touch with them on 0800 014 7440 or by emailing thealcoholservice.info@cgl.org.uk
Alcohol Change UK has more tips on managing your drinking.
The NHS also has advice on practical things you can try to help you cut back. Read more here.
