New figures from a survey commissioned by Alcohol Concern suggest over 3 million people in the UK are planning to give up alcohol over January.
In recent years we have reported on the rise of Dry January and other 'sober sprint' campaigns. This month Alcohol Concern encouraging drinkers to sign up and potentially experience a number of reported benefits such as saving money, having more energy or losing weight.
The charity says a YouGov poll of 2,086 participants found those most likely to be planning a Dry January are those with children aged 12-16, as well as those with three or more children in their household (11%). People aged 35-54 (7%) and those in Northern Ireland (10%) or the North East (8%) are the most likely to be planning to take the first month of the new year off. Those working full-time are also more likely to take part (7%) whilst those who have tried Dry January in the past are more likely to want to sign up for support. Alcohol Concern are also promoting a new Dry January app to help people achieve their goal and track progress.
Dry January and other month off campaigns have not been without their critics. Alcohol Concern officially launched it in 2013 and subsequent debate focused on whether participant's drinking increased in the following months, but subsequent evaluation indicated 72% of participants maintained lower levels of risky drinking six months on. Alcohol Concern also says that 49% of people report losing weight, while 62% sleep better and 79% say they save money. Other studies have also suggested improvements in physical health of harmful drinkers can be seen following a month off, whilst Public Health England have said 'Dry January is based on sound behavioural principles' and 'for some people it can help them re-set their drinking patterns for weeks or even months after completing the challenge.'
Perhaps a more valid question over the public health benefits of Dry January relate to who is participating. Notably most at-risk drinkers tend not to describe their drinking as 'problematic', so to what extent Dry January encourages participation amongst heavier drinkers may be a valid issue; indeed the available research suggests the chances of successfully completing the whole month off were higher amongst those with more moderate levels of alcohol use, lower frequency of drunkenness and greater drink refusal skills before taking part. The same though could be argued for all heavy drinking groups including those engaging in treatment services, a group Dry January is not aimed at. The latest survey though may also raise a further question of how many drinkers who have not previously tried it are planning to participate.
Whilst identifying the exact impacts of Dry January or other campaigns may be hard to pinpoint, most supporters would still agree that such approaches should be regarded only part of the solution to reducing alcohol problems. There is little doubt that a period off drinking can have beneficial impacts for those drinking above the guidelines, either in terms of wellbeing or helping to kick-start a lower risk drinking pattern thereafter, and a growing number of options are available to support such goals in terms of alcohol-free drinks, apps or online support groups such as Club Soda. Many public health advocates though still emphasise the wider environment is working against those with moderation goals; price, availability and advertising will continue to be seen as the key areas of action for population-level gains.
Comments