COULD you ditch the booze for a month?

Dry January - in which people give up alcohol for 31 days - is here again, and health organisations in Dorset are encouraging residents to take part.

According to LiveWell Dorset and Public Health Dorset, going drink-free for one month could lead to long-term changes in people’s relationship with alcohol.

Almost four in five (78 per cent) people drink more alcohol than they want or intend to, according to a new online YouGov poll by Alcohol Change UK, the charity behind Dry January.

Davina Nuttycombe from Dorset who is part of the Soberistas, a global community that helps people to stay sober, said:

“The biggest change thus far has been in my mental health. I’m laughing and smiling again. I feel better about myself, I’m liking myself more. I feel more connected to people around me, closer to my family especially.

“It’s wonderful going to bed knowing I shall wake up the following morning hangover-free and that I will be able to get through the day as normal and achieve so much more. Physically I look and feel better and I’m taking care of myself. All of this has been the result of one month entirely sober and I can’t wait to see how the positive changes will grow.”

Dr Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK, said: “Being alcohol-free for 31 days shows us we don’t need alcohol to have fun, to relax, to socialise, and Dry January offers a ready-made response to anyone who tries to pressure us to drink. Strong evidence tells us that signing up for Dry January helps people – even heavy drinkers – to drink more healthily all year round.”

Alcohol is linked with more than 60 health conditions, including liver disease, high blood pressure, depression and seven types of cancer.

LiveWell Dorset has launched an online quiz to help you ‘rethink your drink’: www.livewelldorset.co.uk/articles/rethink-your-drink/

Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, Cllr Laura Miller, said she is taking part in Dry January.

“National guidelines say we should not drink more than 14 units a week,” she said.

“ You don’t have to do it alone - encourage friends, family and colleagues to join you. LiveWell Dorset will be there to help - I am taking part myself.”

Useful websites include www.livewelldorset.co.uk/register/ and www.publichealthdorset.org.uk/your-health/alcohol-and-other-drugs.aspx