Sefton Council is urging residents to take a much needed post festive break from drinking and sign up to the nationwide Dry January campaign this month.
The holiday season is known as a time to be merry but new figures from campaign organisers, Public Health England and Alcohol Concern, show that two in five of us (1) who drink more than usual during the Christmas period feel in need of a bout of abstinence the following month
Despite feeling ready for a break, social pressures mean many will continue to drink:
- More than half of us (53%) (2) drink alcohol over the Christmas period even when we don’t necessarily want to
- Of those who drink more than they usually do over the festive season, one in four (27%) (3) agree that they feel guilty for drinking more
- Nearly a third (30%) (4) agree that they feel run down as a result of drinking
People are being encouraged to take a break from booze and to consider having a Dry January in the New Year to reset their drinking habits. Research carried out earlier this year showed 67% of participants had sustained reduced levels of drinking six months after completing Dry January. (5)
Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “The festive period is a fantastic time across Sefton but, like across the rest of the UK, many people drink much more than usual, which can be very damaging to our health.
“A period of abstinence often helps encourage less harmful, better drinking habits in the long term and Dry January could even be the start of a longer term drink free life.
“I am urging all residents across Sefton to get their 2016 off to a healthy start and to sign up to Dry January.”
Jackie Ballard, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern said: “In the run up to Christmas many people start drinking more than usual as they celebrate the festive season with parties and get-togethers.
“Dry January is an incredible opportunity to give the body a break and gain some great health benefits such as; lower blood sugar, lower blood pressure, improved sleep, losing weight and feeling more energised.”
To sign up for Dry January and register for tips and tools to make the most of the month, people should visit www.dryjanuary.org.uk
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