Free app offers useful tips if you’re planning dry January

Somerset residents are being urged to consider taking part in dry January to lower their risk of health issues including diabetes, cancer-related proteins in the blood and high blood pressure as well as saving money.

Around 1 in 5 adults - or about 10 million people - in England regularly drink at levels that significantly increase their risk of harm, at more than 14 units per week.

Research shows that those who take part in dry January by downloading Alcohol Change UK’S free app, Try Dry®, or by signing up for its coaching emails are twice as likely to have an alcohol-free month, compared to those who try on their own, and have significantly improved wellbeing and healthier drinking habits six months later.

Dr Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK, said: “Many people feel they could do with taking a break from drinking once the festive period is over. Whether it’s to help you feel healthier, boost your mood, improve your sleep, or to reset your drinking long-term, why not give Dry January® a go?

“As well as bringing lots of health benefits, Dry January® teaches you some brilliant new skills for relaxing and having fun without alcohol which you can carry through to February and beyond – whether that’s going out, being with friends, or coming home from work on a Friday night.

“The app allows you to track your units, calories and money saved from not drinking.”

Becky Reynolds, director of Public Health and Prevention at B&NES Council, said: “Dry January is an opportunity for people to reflect upon the reasons behind their drinking behaviours and learn new ways to unwind. If you’d like to try the benefits of reducing your alcohol intake, why not give Dry January a go?

“The Try Dry® app is an excellent resource to help you through this. If you need extra support with reducing your alcohol intake, you are not aloneplease contact Developing Health and Independence (DHI) our local drug and alcohol treatment service.”

Visit the www.dhi-online.org.uk for more information. Find out more at: alcoholchange.org.uk.