Press release: More than half of UK drinkers have tried to manage their drinking – the top methods revealed

• To moderate or not to moderate? This is the question showing a nation divided
• Gen Z and Millennials feel more concerned about alcohol than older generations and are more likely to moderate their consumption
• Alcohol-free alternatives a popular choice, particularly among younger generations
• It's not too late to take part in the Dry January® challenge and reset your drinking habits

Among those who have tried to manage their alcohol consumption, the five most popular methods include having alcohol-free days; attempting to drink less when drinking; opting for alcohol-free alternatives; taking longer breaks of weeks/months and having alcohol-free nights out.

This research also points to differences in attitudes and approaches to alcohol between generations. While on average, 3 in 10 (30%) people in the UK who drank alcohol in the last six months report becoming more concerned about the long-term damage that their drinking might be doing to them**, these concerns are highest among the 25-34 age group (43%) and lowest among those aged 55 and above (18%).

Health Survey for England (HSE) data suggests that those aged 55-64 and 65-74 are the most likely to drink above the low-risk guidelines of 14 units a week (approximately six pints of normal strength beer or lager, or a bottle and a half of wine per week), and these age groups are also the least likely to try to manage their drinking according to a poll commissioned by Alcohol Change UK. In comparison, data from the HSE suggests those aged 34 and under are least likely to drink above the low-risk guidelines than any other age group, mirroring Alcohol Change UK’s findings that they are the most likely to have tried at least one method to manage their drinking.

Dr Richard Piper, CEO at Alcohol Change UK, the charity behind the Dry January® challenge said:

“With one in five of us wanting to reduce how much alcohol we drink in 2025, it’s great to see that more than half of drinkers in the UK are already testing out different methods to manage our drinking.

"From swapping out alcoholic drinks for the excellent alcohol-free alternatives to experimenting with alcohol-free days, taking longer breaks and going on alcohol-free nights out, it seems the idea of moderation year-round is growing in appeal, particularly among younger generations.”

Driving the trend of moderation year-round is a booming alcohol-free drinks market, with almost 9 in 10 pubs (86%) now stocking alcohol-free options in response to rising demand. This reflects the findings, that just over three in 10 (31%) UK drinkers find a pub, bar or restaurant more appealing if it has a good selection of alcohol-free alternatives available**.

These alternatives are more popular among younger generations, with around one in five (19%) of 25–34-year-old drinkers using alcohol-free options as one way to manage their drinking, compared to 1 in 12 (8%) of those in the 45-54 and 55+ age groups.

This data comes as 15.5 million*** people in the UK – almost three in 10 (29%) – are planning to have an alcohol-free January this year, and almost one in five (19%) want to cut back on their alcohol consumption throughout 2025**.

To help those taking on the Dry January® challenge unlock maximum benefit, Alcohol Change UK has a raft of free tools and resources including the Try Dry® app, daily inspiring emails and a vibrant online community. Independent research shows that taking advantage of these tools double their chances of achieving a completely alcohol-free 31-days and are more likely to achieve long-term changes to their relationship with alcohol vs those attempting to avoid booze in January on their own.

Piper added: “Taking longer breaks and doing all the things we’d usually do, just without alcohol, is what the Dry January® challenge is all about. As a kick-starter for so many people worldwide every New Year, it gets us thinking about our future priorities and plans and reflecting if our relationship with alcohol is a help, or a hindrance to these goals. It doesn’t just offer physical, mental and life benefits, but puts us in a stronger position to decide if and how much we drink for the rest of the year.

“It’s clear from this research that certain age groups are even more likely to benefit from taking part in the Dry January® challenge and cutting down year-round. For those aged 55 to 64 - the generation most likely to drink in ways that increase their risk of experiencing alcohol-related harm, yet least likely to have tried to manage their drinking, it could be just the springboard they need to take back control of their relationship with booze. This is where the Try Dry® app comes in. It’s available for free year-round, not just during the Dry January® challenge, to log, monitor and make changes to our drinking habits.”

It’s not too late to take part in the Dry January® challenge or put the wheels in motion to reset your drinking habits. Download the Try Dry® app or sign up at dryjanuary.org.uk to get started.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS 

Contact: For interviews, case studies and tips on taking part in the 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.

* Reverse of those who said ‘N/A – I haven't done anything to manage my drinking’
** ‘Strongly agree’ and ‘somewhat agree’ responses combined
***All ‘yes’ responses combined. Respondents who never consumed alcohol were excluded from Q4 but later included as "N/A" in reporting to ensure the full base was represented.

Age group breakdown – % of those moderating vs not moderating

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