Almost one in three men planning to ditch alcohol for Dry January, study finds
New data indicates that almost one in three men is set to participate in Dry January, eschewing alcohol for the month due to concerns around health and finances.
Research conducted by Alcohol Change UK uncovers that 32% of men are prepped to skip the drink as worries loom over fitness, mental health and money matters. Based on a survey released Friday, which canvassed the opinions of 2,000 individuals across the UK, it was also found that more than one in five men (21%) who consume alcohol aim to cut down in the coming year.
Approximately one in three respondents (31%) have expressed apprehension regarding alcohol's potential long-term effects, pointing out fitness, energy, physical health, diet, and sleep quality as elements most detrimentally affected by alcohol consumption. Men’s aspirations for 2025 include enhancing their financial (33%) and physical health (24%), along with betterment of mental wellbeing (22%).
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Dr Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK, said that abstaining from alcohol for one month can bring reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes risk, alongside improvements in sleep, energy levels, and skin condition.
"People who take part in the Dry January challenge tell us they are sleeping better, have more energy, are saving money (average of £118 saved across the month) and are enjoying permanent improvements in their mood," said Dr Piper. He warned that regular or heavy drinking can have a profound impact on mental health, influencing feelings of stress and anxiety.
Dr Pip said the "tide is turning" against pervasive alcohol-centric marketing aimed at men, saying, "Men are heavily targeted by the alcohol industry to get us to drink more and more alcohol."