Five million Britons are predicted to quit booze next month as ‘dry January’ gathers pace

Around 5.2million of us will attempt ‘dry January’ after our New Year celebrations

Poll also found one in five adults feels pressured to drink more than they want to

Over a third of youngsters said they drank because it made them more outgoing

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/

17 December 2019

One in ten Britons has pledged to ditch the booze next month – almost double the number two years ago.

Around 5.2million of us will attempt a ‘dry January’ after our New Year celebrations as the nation becomes more and more health conscious, a survey of 2,000 found.

The YouGov and Alcohol Concern poll also found one in five adults feels pressured to drink more than they want to – usually by friends or colleagues. 

Dr Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK, said: ‘Many of us will have had the experience of being encouraged to drink more than we really want to.

‘And pushing others to do the same, particularly at times like Christmas.

‘Even when it’s not as explicit as pushing, little things like drinking in rounds can pile on the pressure to drink more.

He added: ‘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.’

Over a third of youngsters said they drank because it made them feel more outgoing.

Sue, from Stratford-Upon-Avon, 58, took part in Dry January last year and said: ‘I now feel comfortable not drinking alcohol.

‘I have more time, am more productive, feel healthier mentally and physically and sleep better too.

‘I enjoy the freedom of being able go out somewhere and simply enjoy the event.

‘Often friends say they are jealous that I have been able to do it and they think they should cut down or stop as well.

‘I’m still not thinking too far ahead, and know that I can’t be complacent, but I really don’t want to drink alcohol again – my life is so much richer without it.’

Dry January was launched in 2013.