Millions of people are trying 'Dry January' in the UK this year.
The new year is always a time of promises, resolutions and fresh starts.
With almost three in ten drinkers taking in more alcohol in 2021 than the previous year, according to the Alcohol Change UK charity, many have resolved to cut consumption in 2022.
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Dr Richard Piper, chief executive of Alcohol Change UK said: "We know that things are feeling uncertain at the moment and some of us will be looking for ways to try to cope.
"As the pandemic continues to take its toll, research consistently shows that, for many people who were drinking heavily, our drinking habits may have taken a turn for the worse."
A month off alcohol can rapidly lower blood pressure, cholesterol and the risk of diabetes, according to the Royal Free Hospital.
But going 'cold turkey' can prove dangerous, even deadly, for those who are dependent on alcohol.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal range in severity, with the milder ones starting within a few hours or a day of your last drink.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical advice and should not suddenly stop your alcohol consumption:
- seizures (fits)
- hand tremors ('the shakes')
- sweating
- visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real)
- depression
- anxiety
- difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
If you've been drinking alcohol heavily for an extended period of time, you can speak with a GP who can help you to gradually reduce your intake.
A majority of higher risk drinkers, who consume more than 15 units of alcohol per week, have tried to reduce consumption in the last six months, according to Alcohol Change UK.
This often involves spending a day, week or month without alcohol, reducing the amount they drink when they do drink, trying alcohol-free alternatives, or keeping the house an entirely alcohol-free space.
Going it alone it alone can prove hard, and some people are more likely to try a sober month when they have a friend doing it with them.
Alcohol Change UK offers a free Try Dry app and email coaching programme, which it says are proven to help people achieve an alcohol-free month
Dr Richard Piper: "It makes sense to get on top of our drinking using strategies that are proven to work.
"And that's where Dry January comes in.
"It offers the opportunity for a total reset. 31 days to try something new.
"Sleep better and have more energy, improve your mental health and concentration, look fabulous and get brighter skin, save money and feel an amazing sense of achievement.
"What's more, over 70% of people who do Dry January continue to drink less six months later - so it's an investment in your health and happiness year-roung.
"Taking part in Dry January means accessing brilliant free tools and resources, especially the outstanding Try Dry app, our motivational and inspiring email coaching programmes, and the fabulous online support group.
"If you're interested in resetting your relationship with alcohol, make this January a much better, richer experience and download the free Try Dry app or sign up at dryjanuary.org.uk."
