Drink free January - can you make it work?

The Christmas period is often a busy time, packed with social events and parties.  Although we enjoy eating out and drinking with friends, family and colleagues during December and on New Year’s Eve, this can be a drain on our energy and our wallets! 

This month you might be one of the thousands of people giving up the booze for January - giving your body, mind and bank account a break as we kickstart 2025.

There are many benefits of a month without alcohol, and resisting the temptation to have a drink will soon start to reap rewards.

Better sleep

Research shows that after a week of being drink free, 70% of people sleep better.  Alcohol can disrupt your sleep pattern meaning you spend less time in more restful deep sleep.  You will be hangover free and feel refreshed the next day with more energy.

 

More alert

As the month progresses you might also start to notice improvements in your memory, particularly your short-term memory. You might find that you can retain information for longer, you’re less forgetful and that you’re more able to concentrate.

Weight management and fitness

Alcoholic drinks are high in empty calories which can make it difficult to maintain or lose weight.  As the average pint can total up to 200 plus calories and a large glass of wine about the same it’s easy to see why you might find your waistband loosening after a couple of weeks.  Drinking water and water-based drinks will also hydrate you and help you think clearly.

If one of your new year’s resolutions is to do more exercise, being alcohol-free will provide a solid foundation for feeling healthier, and it could give you the impetus to kick start a fitness regime or try a new hobby.

Health improvement

If you’ve got high blood pressure, it is likely that it’ll start to reduce by the end of your challenge. Research has found that just four weeks without a drink can be enough to start lowering  blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol. 

Financial gain

The money you save on buying alcohol could be put towards something for yourself.  See how it adds up over the month and focus on a treat that you would enjoy instead.

Alcohol-free alternatives

Staying sober for January doesn’t have to be boring.  There are plenty of delicious non-alcoholic options available from flavoured sodas to AF beers and wine to mocktails.  Choosing a mocktail over a cocktail is slowly starting to be viewed as a lifestyle choice and bars and restaurants are offering more varieties than ever before.

Taking the month to have a break from alcohol could be just the reset you need for the new year. However, if you’re struggling and worried about the amount you are drinking, Change with CADAS are here to help.

We support anyone who feels their addiction is problematic. We don't require people to give up alcohol altogether if that's not what they want to do but we do focus on reduction of harm.

If you need help or advice, please check out our website

www.changewithcadas.co.uk or give us a call on 01539 266061 and we can have a chat about the support we can offer.