Mind, body, bank balance – why over a quarter of Brits are planning a booze-free January

• 15.5 million[i] Brits plan a month off drinking alcohol in January
• Almost one in 10 (9%) put improving their relationship with alcohol in their top three goals for 2025
• Alcohol Change UK urges those keen to reset their relationship with alcohol to use tools that double their chances of 31-days alcohol-free this Dry January® challenge

The data, released ahead of the 2025 Dry January® challenge, found that 15.5 million people are planning to have a month off drinking alcohol in January 2025. Topping the motivations for those attempting a 31-day break from booze is a desire to save money (24%), followed by better sleep (18%), losing weight and improving fitness and overall health (all 16%).

This comes after almost a quarter (23%) of Brits who drink say they have drunk more alcohol this year than in 2023². More men (35%) than women (22%) report drinking above the low risk drinking guidelines of 14 units per week in the last six months³, which may explain why more men than women are planning to take a break from alcohol in January 2025 (32% men v 26% women)¹.

Among those who have ever drunk alcohol, the findings reflect increasing awareness of alcohol’s impact on their health and lives. Over a third (34%) think alcohol negatively impacts their physical health (34%), a third their diet (33%), almost a third (32%) their fitness, three in 10 (30%) their energy levels and sleep quality and almost a quarter their mental health (24%)⁴. On average, more than one in 10 say it negatively affects their relationships with family (15%), friends (13%), or partners (13%)⁴.

Dr Richard Piper, CEO at Alcohol Change UK, said:

“More of us are connecting the dots between the alcohol we drink and the impact it has on our health, wellbeing and quality of life. From poor sleep, headaches and hangovers, to spending more money than we’d like or struggling at work or in our relationships, our research provides a strong picture of the reasons why so many of us are ready to rethink our relationship with alcohol.”

When looking ahead to 2025, the nation’s top priorities for the year include shoring up their finances (34%) and improving their physical and mental health (both 24%). Just under one in five (19%) would like to reduce the amount of alcohol they drink throughout 2025² and almost one in 10 (9%) say improving their relationship with alcohol is among their top three goals for the year ahead.

Sara Brooks, Chief Marketing Officer at BetterHelp, the world’s largest online therapy service and Headline Partner of the Dry January® 2025 challenge, said:

"This research from Alcohol Change UK highlights just how much our relationship with alcohol influences our mental health.

“It’s clear that more of us are considering the wide range of impacts alcohol has on our lives – from increasing our anxiety levels and hampering our fitness and physical health to preventing us from getting good quality sleep and putting pressure on our finances and relationships. Millions of people are using this understanding as inspiration to address their drinking habits with a 31-day break.

“The Dry January® challenge, Try Dry® app and wider tools and resources are all designed to help us on this journey to build a better relationship with alcohol. In doing so, we can enjoy all the benefits it brings – like improved mental clarity, reduced anxiety and greater emotional well-being – all of which will lay the foundations for a healthier, happier life in the New Year and beyond."

Piper added: “While we will each have our own personal reasons for taking part in the Dry January® challenge, there’s a clear link between the nation’s goals for the year ahead and the volume of people turning their attention to their relationship with alcohol.

“The great thing about a month off alcohol is the immediate benefits, such as better sleep, reduced anxiety, increased focus and saving money. And, when we use tools like the Try Dry® app, we’re not only doubling our chances of 31-days alcohol free but are guaranteed a better experience that’s proven to help us cut down longer term. This can supercharge our other personal goals: whether they are about our finances, fitness, mental health, hobbies, work performance or relationships. By shifting alcohol away from the spotlight, we free up time, money, energy to focus on what really matters to us.”

To help those taking on the Dry January® challenge make the most of their 31-days alcohol-free and unlock maximum benefit, Alcohol Change UK offers three tools, which can be used together or separately: the free Try Dry® app, daily inspiring content delivered by email, and a vibrant online community.

Independent research has shown that taking on the Dry January® challenge using these free tools doubles our chances of achieving a completely alcohol-free 31-days vs attempting to avoid alcohol on our own. In addition, 70% of Dry January® challenge participants are still drinking less alcohol six months later and experiencing significantly improved wellbeing and reduced alcohol-related health risks long-term.

Join the millions of people going alcohol-free at the start of 2025 by downloading the Try Dry® app and taking part in the Dry January® challenge by Alcohol Change UK. Find out more at www.dryjanuary.org.uk.  

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS 

Contact: For interviews, case studies, and tips on having a successful Dry January® challenge, please contact [email protected]. 

About the research - methodology:

The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2000 nationally representative UK general consumers aged 18+. The data was collected between 20.11.2024 - 25.11.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

[i] Respondents who never consumed alcohol were excluded from Q4 but later included as "N/A" in reporting to ensure the full base was represented.

Alcohol Change UK – The charity behind the Dry January® challenge

Alcohol Change UK is an independent charity working for a world free from alcohol harm. We fund, commission and share research; provide information and advice; work to ensure more and better support and treatment; encourage better policy and regulation; shift drinking cultures through our campaigns; and work to change drinking behaviours. Find out more at: www.alcoholchange.org.uk 

Dry January® trademark notice   

Dry January® is a registered trademark of Alcohol Change UK. We request that any articles referencing Dry January® are only used to describe people signing up to take part in the Dry January® challenge by Alcohol Change UK, using the tools and resources we provide such as the Try Dry® app and our daily email coaching journey.   

Research shows that anyone taking part in the Dry January® challenge by Alcohol Change UK, is twice as likely to be successful in having an alcohol-free month and change their drinking habits longer-term, compared to those attempting an alcohol-free month on their own in January. Therefore, to ensure people get the most positive benefits from the challenge, it's helpful to be clear on what it means to take part.   

Taking part in the Dry January® challenge by Alcohol Change UK gives people access to:   

• The Try Dry® app - the tool to rule your Dry January® challenge: Backed by behavioural science and designed to guide you through the 31 days, you can track your units, calories and money saved, log your dry days, earn badges, access tips, stories and more
• Your Dry January® email journey: Daily coaching emails with tips, tricks, inspiration and information from experts in alcohol, to make your month easier and more fun    
• The amazing Dry January® online community on Facebook where you can connect with others and share your experiences  
• A whole host of web content including dozens of fascinating personal stories and expert advice and information  

It’s easy to take part:    

• Download the free and easy to use Try Dry® app via the App Store or Google Play
• If you'd prefer not to use an app, you can sign up to take part via the website at dryjanuary.org.uk   

Important advice on alcohol withdrawal 

If you drink very heavily or regularly, the Dry January® challenge may not be for you. People who are clinically alcohol dependent can die if they suddenly, completely stop drinking. If you experience fits, shaking hands, sweating, seeing things that are not real, depression, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping after a period of drinking and while sobering up, then you may be clinically alcohol dependent and should NOT suddenly, completely stop drinking. 

But you can still take control of your drinking. Talk to a GP or your local community alcohol service who will be able to get help for you to reduce your drinking safely. Find out more on the Alcohol Change UK website.

Headline Partner and Official Partners of the 2025 Dry January® challenge by Alcohol Change UK:

• Headline Partner of the Dry January® challenge – BetterHelp
• Official Beer of the Dry January® challenge – Lucky Saint
• Official Spirit and Wine of the Dry January® challenge – Lyre’s
• Official Kombucha of the Dry January® challenge – Counter Culture
• Official Soft Drink of the Dry January® challenge – DASH Water
• Official Brand of the Dry January® challenge – TRIP Drinks
• Official Brand of the Dry January® challenge – Wise Bartender

1. All ‘yes’ responses combined
2. ‘Strongly agree’ and ‘somewhat agree’ responses combined
3. Responses ranging from ’15-21 units’ to ’50 units or more’ combined
4. ‘Somewhat negative’ and ‘very negative’ responses combined