New research from Alcohol Change UK finds 17.51 million are planning a month off alcohol in January 2026.
People across the UK are more motivated than ever to kick off the year on a healthier, happier note, as new research from Alcohol Change UK finds 17.51 million are planning a month off alcohol in January 2026.
The latest polling from the charity behind the renowned Dry January® challenge, entering its 14th year, suggests almost a third1 (32%) of UK adults plan to attempt a 31-day break from alcohol in the New Year.
UK drinkers’ top motivations3 for taking a break from alcohol in January include:
Beyond individual motivations, the research found three in 10 (31%) UK drinkers2 report feeling more concerned about the long-term damage that their alcohol consumption might be doing to them, while a similar proportion say alcohol negatively affects their appearance, fitness, sleep and physical health4. Reflecting these concerns, more than one in two drinkers (52%) have attempted to manage their drinking in the past year.
When asked about goals for the year ahead, the top priorities for people across the UK in 2026 are their fitness and physical health (32%), strengthening their finances (31%), and improving their mental health and wellbeing (26%). That may explain why more than a fifth are keen to drink less alcohol throughout 20262 as more people become aware of the benefits of cutting back.
Dr Richard Piper, CEO at Alcohol Change UK, said: “The Dry January® challenge is an actionable step we can all take in the New Year that delivers big results. Every year, people tell us that taking a month off drinking using Alcohol Change UK’s free tools gives them a real boost – from more cash in their pocket and fresh energy to better sleep, fitness gains and a sense of renewed control over their relationship with alcohol that lasts well beyond January.
“To get the most out of the experience, our science-backed tools and resources and online community group are with you every step of the way and proven to creating lasting changes. With the Try Dry® app, we’re twice as likely to enjoy a fully alcohol-free month and go on to drink less long after January ends. At a time when many of us are focusing on our health, wellbeing and finances, this simple 31-day reset can make a remarkable difference.”
Independent research from the University of Sussex previously found that with the Try Dry® app and daily email journey, participants double their chances of achieving a completely alcohol-free month vs those attempting 31 days off on their own, while 70% are still drinking less alcohol six months later. Doing the real thing – the Dry January® challenge with Alcohol Change UK – rather than a less impactful DIY version on our own, makes all the difference.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton said: “It’s fantastic that millions of people will be taking positive steps towards better health and wellbeing in the New Year.
“As we work to build a healthier nation through our 10 Year Health Plan, initiatives like the Dry January® challenge remind us that prevention starts with the choices we make every day, and the evidence shows it can lead to lasting changes. Whether it's improving sleep, boosting mental health, or saving money - taking a break from alcohol can make a real difference to our lives.
“The Try Dry® app boosts your chances of success, so I'd encourage anyone taking part to download it and join the millions making 2026 their healthiest year yet."
To highlight the scale of the Try Dry® app’s impact since its launch in 2018, users have:
Dr Jeevan Fernando, the official Dry January® Doctor for 2026, added: “So many of us find our alcohol consumption creeping up over time in a subtle way, making it hard to spot the impact this is having on our health and wellbeing. From poor sleep, headaches and brain fog to high blood pressure, depression, anxiety and increased risk of health conditions associated with alcohol, millions are feeling the toll of their drinking.
“However, once we develop habitual associations with alcohol, it can be quite tricky for us to make changes that stick on our own. That’s why the Dry January® challenge by Alcohol Change UK is so effective, offering tools, resources and a strong community that helps so many people get on the road to better health and wellbeing. If you’re among those considering an alcohol-free month in January, don’t go it alone – take advantage of the Try Dry® app and all the other resources that are proven to give you the best experience and change your habits longer term.”
Join the millions of people putting their health, wellbeing and finances first with an alcohol-free start to 2026 with the Try Dry® app. Find out more and download the app here: www.dryjanuary.org.uk.
For interviews, case studies, and tips on having a successful Dry January® challenge, or to speak to the official Dry January® Doctor, Dr Jeevan Fernando or spokespeople about alcohol harm and health and wellbeing benefits on offer by taking a break/changing our relationship with alcohol, please contact [email protected].
About the research – methodology and references
The research was conducted by Censuswide with two samples:
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.
[1] All ‘yes’ responses combined
[2] ‘All ‘agree’ responses combined
[3] All UK drinkers, non-drinkers excluded, with top motivators
[4] ‘Somewhat negative’ and ‘very negative’ responses combined
Try Dry all time stats:
Money saved: £1,547,565,893.63
Units saved: 258,125,478.30
Calories saved: 16,156,485,686.73
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:
It’s easy to take part:
Those using the free, premium app for their Dry January® challenge can:
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 https://alcoholchange.org.uk.
Official Partners of the 2026 Dry January® challenge by Alcohol Change UK:
Official Brands of the Dry January® challenge:
Official Supporters of the Dry January® challenge:
