Our grateful thanks to Alcohol Change UK (alcoholchange.org.uk) and to the Britiish Liver Trust (britishlivertrust.org.uk) for their contributuion to our radio report, which you can hear again at the bottom of this page.
Dry January. Every January, millions of people across the UK choose to take a break from alcohol by taking part in Dry January, the national campaign led by Alcohol Change UK and supported by health organisations including the British Liver Trust.
The idea is simple: go alcohol-free for the month of January. But the potential benefits – for physical health, mental wellbeing and longer-term drinking habits – can last far beyond 31 days.
It is not about labelling people as “problem drinkers”, nor is it about abstinence forever. Instead, it’s about resetting your relationship with alcohol, noticing how it affects your body and mind, and giving yourself space to make more informed choices going forward.
Alcohol Change UK, which runs the campaign, describes Dry January as a chance to “pause, reflect and reset”. Dry January isn’t about perfection, guilt or proving anything. It’s about giving your body a break, your liver a rest, and yourself a chance to reflect on what role alcohol plays in your life.Whether you complete the full month or simply cut back, the key message from health experts is clear: any reduction in alcohol can be beneficial.
Who Is Dry January For? Dry January is for anyone who drinks alcohol and is curious about what a break might do for them. You don’t need to drink heavily to benefit. Even people who consider themselves “moderate drinkers” often report improvements in wellbeing. However, Dry January is not recommended for people who are dependent on alcohol or who experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. In those cases, medical advice should always be sought.
Why Alcohol and Liver Health Matter. Alcohol is processed primarily by the liver, and drinking regularly or heavily can put it under significant strain. According to the British Liver Trust, liver disease is one of the few major causes of death in the UK that is still rising – and alcohol is the biggest risk factor.
What’s particularly concerning is that liver damage often develops silently, with few or no symptoms in its early stages. By the time warning signs appear, serious harm may already have been done.
Taking a break from alcohol, even for a short period, allows the liver time to recover and can reduce fat build-up, inflammation and stress on this vital organ.
The Health Benefits of Going Alcohol-Free for a Month. Research shows that people who take part in Dry January often experience noticeable benefits, including:
Many participants are surprised by how quickly they begin to feel the difference – sometimes within just a couple of weeks.
It’s Not Just About January. One of the most important findings from Alcohol Change UK is that Dry January can have a lasting impact. Studies show that many participants continue to drink less harmful amounts of alcohol six months later, even if they go back to drinking.By breaking habitual patterns – such as drinking to relax, cope with stress or out of routine – people gain insight into why they drink, not just how much.
Listen to this weeks radio report
All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.
