Were you one of the many this morning who woke up vowing never to drink again after over indulging yesterday? If so, why not join in the national Dry January campaign, which will see pubs and clubs across North East Licolnshire signing up to promote non-alcoholic alternatives to their customers? Chief reporter Sarah Howson found out more.
MORE than a dozen of North East Lincolnshire's pubs and clubs have signed up to support the national Dry January campaign – with many already developing a new mock-tail menu.
The aim of the Alcohol Concern appeal is to challenge those who enjoy a drink to give up the booze for 31 days – and at the same time, save a few quid, lose a few pounds, and feel more energised and refreshed in the process.
Alcohol consumption in Britain increases by 40 per cent in December, with Britons consuming more than 600 million units of alcohol during this month alone.
The latest national figures also show 14 per cent of people drink more than they intend to over Christmas, while 54 per cent of men and 41 per cent of women are expected to drink over the recommended guidelines.
Locally the drive is being led by North East Lincolnshire Council, with support from bars, pubs and clubs.
Local leisure centres, Freshney Place Shopping Centre and Shoreline Housing Partnership are also getting behind the month-long appeal – promoting the campaign and handing out information at public access points.
Councillor Peter Wheatley, portfolio holder for health and chair of the health and wellbeing board said: "Nationally, over 17,000 people took part in Dry January in 2014 and many reported that taking a month-long break from alcohol acted as a reset button concerning their alcohol use for months afterwards, not only helping people to drink less per drinking day but also to drink less frequently.
"We know from previous years that people who do Dry January will feel better, lose weight and save money."
There are a number of ways alcohol can damage the body, including:
Drinking is linked to around 12,500 cancers in the UK each year and can cause seven types of cancer.
In the body, alcohol is changed into a chemical called acetaldehyde, which damages cells and causes hangovers.
It also affects the level of oestrogen in the body, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Plus research has shown drinking small amounts of alcohol – such as one small drink a day – can offer some protection for people at risk of heart disease for those over the age of 40, drinking more does not reduce the risk further.
In fact, it can increase the risk of stroke and high blood pressure, as well as a number of other conditions.
Joanne Hewson, deputy chief executive, communities added: "January is the perfect time to sign up to a holiday from alcohol. It's an opportunity for people to reflect on their drinking patterns and to give their body a break from alcohol after the festive period.
"We are supporting Dry January and many other local organisations, including pharmacies, Freshney Place, Shoreline, Lincs Inspire and some town centre pubs are getting involved, too.
"Look out for the posters around the town.
"I will definitely be taking part."
To register to take part in Dry January, log on to www.dryjanuary.org.uk
You can also find out more at www.facebook.com/DryJanuary and on twitter #DryJanuary2015.
