Dry January leads to ‘long-term changes’

Drinkers who abstain from alcohol during Dry January exhibit long-term changes to their drinking behaviour, new research has found.

Those who take part in Dry January drink less and get drunk less in the long-term, research has shown

According to a recent study by the University of Sussex, people who take part in the Dry January campaign drink less and get drunk less in the long-term.

The study followed up nearly 900 participants in Alcohol Concern’s Dry January campaign, finding that after six months, 72% had kept harmful drinking episodes down and 4% were still not drinking.

“The long term effects of Dry January have previously been questioned, with people asking if a month booze-free would cause people to binge drink once the 1 February comes around,” said Emily Robinson, director of campaigns at Alcohol Concern.

“This research is the proof of how, with the help, advice and support we offer throughout the month, our model can really change behaviour and reduce drinking.”

“Given the huge burden alcohol misuse has on society as a whole, we need the government to take action at a national level, but we also believe Alcohol Concern’s Dry January campaign can really help individuals take a positive step towards cutting down their drinking and improve their health.”

Researchers also found that men and women were more likely to refuse alcohol in social situations or when they were feeling upset of worried after taking part in Dry January.

The study also highlighted that such behavioural changes were prevalent in those who had not even completed the month.

Dr Richard De Visser, senior lecturer at the University of Sussex who led the research, said: “What’s really interesting to see is that these changes in alcohol consumption were also seen in the participants who didn’t complete the whole month alcohol free.

“Even if participants took part but didn’t successfully complete the 31 days, it generally led to a significant decrease across all the measures of alcohol intake.”

Dry January is a campaign by Alcohol Concern which encourages drinkers to give up alcohol for a month after Christmas.