A top doctor is urging people to support Dry January as he marks three years without alcohol.
Rob Gillies, Executive Medical Director at Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust, gave up booze in January 2013.
The 57-year-old said: “My wife challenged me to go one month without alcohol. I really loved my wines and lagers but my motivation for giving up was to get fitter.
“I lost one stone in weight quite quickly. But the biggest change was in sleep patterns. Giving up alcohol led to much better quality of sleep. I also had increased energy and better concentration levels.
“I felt so much better over that initial month so I just carried on.”
Alcohol Concern’s Dry January encourages people to take a fresh look at their relationship with drink. Dry January challenges people to cut out booze for 31 days.
The charity says people who abstain will see health benefits as well as saving money. You can sign-up to a Dry January here: http://www.dryjanuary.org.uk/
Rob, from South Liverpool, added: “We live in a society where alcohol is everywhere. It is engrained in culture. Because of that there seems to be a social stigma on those of us who don’t drink.
“It was three years ago this January that I gave up alcohol. I would recommend people give it a try. One month is achievable. It really is no different to giving up chocolate or coffee.
“People can make Dry January fun. They could get some of their friends to take part, or even make the challenge a way to raise some funds for charity.”
The Trust’s Alcohol Liaison Team will have a stall in Southport Hospital this week promoting Dry January.
People who are concerned about their drinking should speak to their GP. They can offer help and support.
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