Teesside alcohol support service: 'Any reduction in drinking is beneficial'
Many people in Teesside are taking part in 'Dry January'
Last updated 1st May 2025
People across Teesside who are looking to take part in 'Dry January' are being told any reduction in drinking alcohol is a step forward.
It comes as a drug and alcohol support service is offering advice and highlighting the health benefits of cutting down on consumption.
Gillian Collier, a young persons substance misuse worker in Redcar at the charity 'With You', said: "With a lot of the people that we work with, we always say that small changes are still changes so for instance, if somebody was drinking on a daily basis but they've reduced the amount that they were drinking each day then that's still a reduction, which makes them a little bit more healthy.
"When we make a significant change within 28 days, the brain feels a lot more comfortable. We feel more comfortable with change after four weeks and it does work. Some people feel really, really beneficial. Sometimes it's the weight loss that they enjoy, they're not waking up with impending thoughts of doom, they've saved money and are doing things that a lot more healthier for them.
"It's brilliant for the people that are wanting to just quit for a whole month, that's absolutely fantastic. But for some people, they wouldn't be able to do that. They could be alcohol-dependent which means that if they stop drinking it could make them seriously unwell, so what we would say is any reduction is a good reduction but do it safely.
"There's lots and lots of reasons why people feel better when they stop drinking, because they're giving their liver some time away from the toxins from alcohol, so people's skin and everything feels more beneficial. Waking up the next morning after people have been drinking feeling quite mentally unwell is a horrible time for some people.
"The benefits are huge to be truthful; the benefits of feeling more awake and more alive, having more money in your pocket to do things that you maybe weren't doing because you were spending your money on a weekend going out and drinking, but if you've got good friends and family, maybe you could find other ways of socialising that's still fun.
"Having your liver replenish itself for a considerable amount of time is absolutely key. Alcohol affects the brain and everything. It's not just the liver, it can affect your nerves and it's attached to you physically, so if people stop drinking and they are dependent then it can cause a lot of problems."
You can find out more about 'With You' and get advice on their website.