Dry January 2022: More People Than Ever Set to Take on Challenge

Nearly one in five are set to take on the Dry January 2022 challenge to boost their health and wellbeing.

New research has shown 18% of those surveyed, equivalent to 7.9 million people across the population, are set to take a month off from alcohol at the start of the New Year.

Of those who have already taken part, nine in 10 found they saved money, seven in 10 slept better and six in 10 said they lost weight as a result.

With the adverse effects of the covid pandemic and associated lockdowns seeing many drinking more heavily – almost three in 10 drinkers found themselves drinking more in 2021 compared to the year before – there has never been a better time to kick the habit.

Alice Wiseman, Alcohol Lead for the Association of Directors of Public Health, said; “The last 18 months have been difficult for many reasons and unfortunately, the anxiety, frustration and changes to routine that came with the pandemic have also led to a worrying increase in alcohol consumption.

“It’s easy to think of having a drink as a quick fix to help you wind down, but even low levels of regular drinking can cause long term health issues and actually increase your level of anxiety and stress.

“Too many people don’t really understand the link between some common illnesses and alcohol. Put simply, the more you drink, the higher your risk of cancer, heart disease and other serious illnesses.”

A quarter of people surveyed would like to drink less in 2022, giving Dr Richard Piper, Chief Executive of Alcohol Change UK, encouragement.

He said; “With many of us experiencing heightened levels of stress, it’s hardly surprising that some of us might be drinking more without realising.

“The good news is that being in control of our drinking can improve our overall health and wellbeing. And that’s where Dry January 2022 comes in.”

To take part in Dry January, click here to find out more and get started on January 1st.