The New Year is just around the corner and Warrington Borough Council is supporting Dry January to encourage people to have a break from alcohol for a month.
By signing up to Dry January you will receive tips, ideas and reassurance to help you stay free from booze for 31 days.
• January is a good time to give your body a break from alcohol, especially if you want to lose a few pounds gained over the festive season. Alcohol contains a fair amount of sugar, so cutting it out for a short time is a good move.
• A month off alcohol is really good for your health. It boosts your energy levels and improves your sleep and it can also save you money.
• Even six months later, evidence from Dry January shows that two-thirds of participants are still drinking less
Cllr Pat Wright, executive board member for statutory health and social care, said: “Over the festive season many people drink more than usual as they celebrate at parties and get-togethers.
“January is the perfect time to commit to a break from alcohol. The Dry January campaign is not about never drinking again. It’s simply an opportunity for people to reflect on their drinking patterns and to give their body a break from alcohol after Christmas.
“We know from previous years that people who sign up to Dry January feel better, lose weight and save money.
“It makes sense to give it a go. You’ll be committing to something you would probably be doing anyway – but this will give you that extra push and motivation at a time when money is tight and you’re thinking about your health and weight.”
Last year, 16% of the UK adult population took part in Dry January and, as a result, 79% of them said they had saved money, 62% said they had better sleep and more energy and 49% said they had lost weight.
To sign up for Alcohol Concern’s Dry January and register for tips to make the most of the month, visit www.dryjanuary.org.uk.
