Hartlepool’s challenge to start the New Year by ditching the booze for 31 days

Now in its sixth year, Alcohol Concern’s Dry January asks people to put the excesses of the festive period behind them and start the New Year with 31 days off the booze to feel healthier, save money and re-set their relationship with alcohol. 

The campaign launched on 15 December, which marks one of the busiest days of the year for the emergency services as Christmas parties lead to alcohol-related injuries and violence. Alcohol harm costs the region an estimated £1.01bn every year, including £209m to the NHS and £331m in crime and disorder costs, equating to around £386 for every man, woman and child.

With recent findings showing more than one in four people in the North East are drinking above the low risk guidelines of 14 units a week for both men and women, Dry January encourages people to take a break which can give the body a chance to recover.

In 2015, the Royal Free Hospital in London found an alcohol-free month has a positive impact on blood sugar levels, blood pressure and the liver. And an estimated 72% of people who complete Dry January say they are drinking less six months later[ii].

Alongside Hartlepool Borough Council and staff at Hartlepool United, Victoria Park, Balance is promoting the many benefits of giving your body a break from booze, including losing weight, sleeping better and saving money.

The North East has led the way in terms of Dry January sign ups over the past four years, with the highest proportion of people taking up the challenge, compared to any other region in the country. The same YouGov poll shows 6% of UK adults are planning to take part – around 3.1m people.

Colin Shevills, Director of Balance, the North East Alcohol Office, said: “After the excesses of the festive period, Dry January is a great opportunity to give your body a break from alcohol at a time when many other people are also taking a month off. “Drinking above the low risk limit puts us at more risk from around 60 different medical conditions, including at least seven types of cancer. Regular drinking also makes us more tired, anxious and less productive, so taking some time out can have real positive effects on our health and wellbeing.

“Dry January can also stop drinking becoming too much of a regular thing – research shows three-quarters of people who complete the month are drinking at lower levels six months on.

“We’re encouraging people to get family, friends and colleagues on board too. It can be a real motivating factor taking on a challenge together and we know that it can make us more likely to succeed.”

This year’s campaign is again supported by Hartlepool Borough Council, who are joining the calls for local people to take on the challenge.

Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Interim Director of Public Health, said: “This January, we are urging Hartlepool people to start the new year right and see how much better they can feel after a drink-free month.

“Research has shown the majority of those who take part in the annual challenge end up drinking less and more infrequently in the long run. After a December of excess and festive fun, make it your mission to ditch the drink and in the process, save money, lose weight and feel healthier.”

Lisa French, 49, from Hartlepool, has spent the last 13 years battling alcohol and mental health issues but is now sharing her story to help others. Through support from HART and Addaction, Lisa has now undertaken a reduction programme and counselling to help her on the road to recovery. She is now looking forward to taking part in her first Dry January challenge.

Lisa said: “My life totally changed 13 years ago when I lost my mam. I found it incredibly difficult and really struggled coping. I started to drink more, as it helped numb the pain."

“I found out about Dry January through HART and Addaction and knew I wanted to take part this year, as it is the first time I’m in a position to do it successfully. I am looking forward to doing it as I’m not planning on having a drink over Christmas and New Year. I don’t feel the need to have a drink to enjoy myself. I know by not drinking I will have more fun and be happier.

“I also want to encourage people who think they might have an issue with alcohol to seek help, as there are a lot of services out there that can help you. From my experiences I have learnt that you can’t judge people. Lots of different people have problems, we don’t know what their stories are. But everyone should be able to access the same support services. They made a huge difference to my life and I will always be incredibly grateful.”

Some more facts about Dry January 2017

· 79% of participants said they saved money. The average person spends £50,000 on booze in their lifetime

· 62% said they had more energy and slept better

· 49% lost weight

Top tips for seeing Dry January through to the end:

• Don’t forget to include Dry January on your Facebook or Instagram page. It might also encourage your friends and is a good way to give a mention to your favourite charity if you are fundraising.
• Take part with a friend and spur each other on – people who take part in Dry January with someone else are more likely to go the full month. Buddying up means you’ll support each other through any wobbles, celebrate each other’s achievements and enjoy other distractions and treats together.
  
• Try something new – take advantage of feeling better in yourself and join the gym or try a new sport. Even just getting out into the fresh air and blowing away those cobwebs (hangover free!), will make you feel great.
  
• Keep track of progress – regular drinking can soon pile on the pounds in more ways than one and it’s a good idea to keep a record of weight loss or money saved as a great way of helping you stay on track.
  
• Download the Dry January app available on iOS and Android to help track progress, and for handy tips and tricks.

After Dry January you might not feel like another full month off. But it might get you thinking about taking more days off drinking, especially midweek. Why not download the Public Health England Days Off app?

To sign up to Dry January, find out more about the campaign and to access a wealth of support and advice, visit the Dry January website at www.dryjanuary.org.uk.

For more information about Balance, visit www.balancenortheast.co.uk or www.reducemyrisk.tv.