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 across the UK are encouraging residents to take part.

According experts, 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.