Public health leaders in West Sussex encourage people to take up Dry January

Research conducted by Alcohol Change UK, the charity behind the Dry January initiative, has revealed almost nine million Brits are signing up to the campaign, with the cost of living crisis influencing their decision.

One in six (16 per cent) of those surveyed said they were drinking more to cope with worries around the crisis, while one in seven (14 per cent) have prioritised purchasing alcohol over essential items, such as groceries.

One in four said they have drunk more in 2022 than 2021, with one in three young adults who drink (36 per cent) citing anxiety after drinking as a factor in them deciding to reduce their alcohol consumption.

During a typical week, British drinkers consume an average of 13.7 units of alcohol, but one in three (30 per cent) drink more than than the maximum 14 units recommended by the UK’s chief medical officers.

Help in West Sussex

Dan Barrett, Public Health Lead for substance misuse at West Sussex County Council, said: “Research has shown a month off alcohol lowers blood pressure and it reduces the risk of diabetes. It lowers cholesterol and it also reduces levels of cancer related proteins within the blood.”

With health services under pressure, Dan said it’s especially helpful to keep A&E departments clear of alcohol related accidents.

He added: “The longer-term health harms from prolonged periods of heavy drinking can also lead to numerous health conditions, which of course can put pressure on healthcare systems.

“One of the real key benefits of Dry January is that it helps people to reset and re-establish healthier patterns and behaviours around their drinking, so it's almost like a moment to pause and reflect.

“If that reflection is done consistently, then people do go on to change their drinking habits longer-term after having a month off.”

Dan said help and support is available through the West Sussex well-being program.

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