Call out to the people of the North East to stay dry for 31 days
Balance, the North East Alcohol office, is challenging people across the region to start the New Year with a clear head by ditching the booze for a month.
Alcohol Concern’s Dry January campaign, regionally partnered by Balance, is calling on drinkers to take a break and give up alcohol in January.
Now in its third year, Dry January aims to get people thinking and talking about their relationship with alcohol by abstaining for a month. It’s hoped the benefits of the experience will encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles during the rest of the year.
People who have gone dry in previous Dry January campaigns have experienced a range of benefits including weight loss, sleeping better, saving money, and learning that they don’t need alcohol to enjoy themselves.
Nationally, more than 17,300 people signed up to take part during January this year – with around one in four coming from the North East. Half of the top 10 locations across the UK for sign-ups were from the North East – including the top three.
Balance is now calling on people across the North East to help the region achieve similar successes by opting in favour of alcohol-free fun during January 2015.
Balance has teamed up with all 12 North East councils to encourage people to use the 31 days throughout January to try something different in place of drinking. Whether it be taking up a sport, learning a new skill, or throwing a tea party – there’s an array of hints and tips to help those who sign up to Dry January make it through the month.
Colin Shevills, Director of Balance, said: “Dry January provides the perfect opportunity for people to take a break from drinking after the excesses of December. So, before the festive season kicks in, we’ve joined forces with Alcohol Concern to call on the people of North East to commit to the Dry January challenge.
“Alcohol is linked to more than 60 medical conditions and diseases including liver disease, various cancers, stomach ulcers, raised blood pressure, stroke and dementia.
“It’s important to remember that most people who suffer alcohol-related health problems are not alcoholics or binge drinkers. They are people who have been drinking at or above the recommended limits on a daily or almost daily basis over a number of years.
“Taking time out allows you to take stock of your alcohol consumption and reassess your attitude towards drinking, as well as providing short term benefits to your health and wellbeing.
“North Easterners did the region proud last year by signing up to Dry January in their thousands so let’s try and do the same this year.”
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.