Are you trying out Dry January this month?
Maybe you’ve decided to cut down on what you would usually drink?
Or perhaps you’re just curious about how reducing your alcohol intake can lead to better health and wellbeing?
Keep reading to find out more!
Dry January is an annual campaign run by Alcohol Change UK.
The campaign was set up to try and support people who are thinking about reducing their alcohol intake, with a goal of having as many alcohol-free days as you can throughout the month of January.
Alcohol Change UK created a Try Dry App, which can be used to help track your alcohol-free days, alongside the other additional benefits of reducing your alcohol consumption, such as tracking sleep improvements, your mood and the amount of money you have saved from not drinking alcohol.
What other benefits are there to reducing your alcohol intake?
Reduced risk of cancer:
Alcohol consumption, especially regularly and in excess, can have significant and sometimes unexpected health consequences. Did you know that alcohol is a cause of cancer? According to Cancer Research UK, alcohol can cause 7 types of cancer. This includes breast and bowel cancers. Reducing the amount of alcohol you drink will help to reduce your risk of cancer.
Improved immune system:
Reducing your alcohol intake for a longer period of time can help boost your immune system and help you to recover from colds and flu faster.
Better sleep:
Your sleep quality can improve when you drink less alcohol. The quality of your sleep can improve, meaning you will feel more refreshed and energised during the day.
Better bowels:
If you suffer from irritable bowel symptoms, reducing your alcohol intake can help ease symptoms of bloating, constipation and diarrhoea.
Give Dry January a try!
There are so many benefits to reducing your alcohol intake, so why not give Dry January a go? You could set a target for yourself to see how many days you steer clear of alcohol, and plan a sober reward for the end of the month for all your hard work!
Advice from Alcohol Change UK:
People who are clinically alcohol dependent can die if they suddenly, completely stop drinking.
If you experience fits, shaking hands, sweating, seeing things that are not real, depression, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping after a period of drinking and while sobering up, then you may be clinically alcohol dependent and should NOT suddenly, completely stop drinking.
But you can still take control of your drinking. Talk to a GP or your local community alcohol service who will be able to get help for you to reduce your drinking safely. Find out how to seek support here.
Alcohol addiction support:
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, there are local services who can offer support, such as Recovery Steps and The Well Communities CIC, alongside your GP.