One in six Britons – almost nine million people – plan to take part in ‘Dry January’ from tomorrow, which involves giving up alcohol for the whole month.
Most will see it as part of a New Year’s health kick, a way to shed a few pounds – or just a way to save money.
But experts who spoke to The Mail on Sunday warned that many of those keen on Dry January may have a drinking problem without realizing it.
Lucy Rocca, a former heavy drinker who runs the 75,000-member alcohol addiction support group Soberistas, says: “Dry January attracts people with a dysfunctional relationship with alcohol.” “If you didn’t drink too much, you didn’t have to set a challenge to stop for a month.”
Lucy Rocca, a former heavy drinker who runs the 75,000-member alcohol addiction support group Soberistas, says: “Dry January attracts people with a dysfunctional relationship with alcohol.” If you didn’t drink too much, you wouldn’t have to set the challenge to quit for a month.
Ms Rocca, 48, who gave up drinking in 2012, a year before Dry January was launched by the charity Alcohol Change, adds: “I did similar things – I told myself if I was six weeks or a month. If I could hold on, I would I’m fine, I don’t have a problem.
Ms Rocca, 48, who stopped drinking in 2012, a year before Dry January was launched by the charity Alcohol Change, added: “I did similar things – I told myself if I could do it for six weeks or a month would do if I could keep it up, I will.” Well, I don’t have a problem.
“Dry January is a formal version of this: it’s a test that people use to prove to themselves that they’re doing well when in fact they’re not.”
“I could drink more than one bottle of wine a night, sometimes even three.” I used alcohol to numb emotions, cope with stress and cope with life. And I think that is the case for many people who participate in Dry January. “It’s a story I hear all the time from our members.”
The clinical psychologist and addiction specialist dr. Richard Sherry agrees. He says addicts often unconsciously make compromises or symbolic behavioral changes that enable them to continue “using” – a phenomenon known as “bargaining”.
He says: “We see this with gambling addicts who say as long as they don’t bet on races and only use scratch cards, everything is fine.” For drinking, it might say: “It’s not a problem if I just drink. on the weekends “, or “… if I can go a whole month without drinking alcohol.”
“This does not address the core issues that cause someone to drink too much.” For some it becomes a month-long break and then it’s back to normal.”
The majority of Soberistas members are middle-aged, middle-class women with college degrees, families and busy lives. Yet they once drank far more than the recommended maximum of fourteen units per week (the equivalent of six pints of beer or lager, or a bottle and a half of wine).
The rise of Wet February – a social media trend encouraging people to start drinking once Dry January is over – is a good example of this, Ms Rocca added.
The rise of Wet February – a social media trend that encourages people to start drinking once Dry January is over – is a good example of this, says Ms Rocca.
She claims that a big problem is that many people do not see themselves as “the kind of person” who has a drinking problem.
The majority of Soberistas members are middle-aged, middle-class women with college degrees, families and busy lives. Yet they once drank far more than the recommended maximum of fourteen units per week (the equivalent of six pints of beer or lager, or a bottle and a half of wine).
Ms Rocca describes herself as a “grey area alcoholic” – outwardly functioning but still dependent on alcohol. And many often drink too much.
“But they don’t fit the stereotype of an alcoholic, so they don’t see that there’s a problem,” she says. “Alcohol problems come across a wide spectrum, and anyone who drinks regularly will develop some degree of dependence.”
One member of Soberistas, businesswoman Kim Hughes (57), who used to drink a bottle or more of wine every night, says: “I did Dry January several times and also gave up alcohol for Lent.” I told myself when I had one If I could not drink for a month, I wouldn’t have a problem. But I counted down to the end and couldn’t wait to start drinking again.”
Alcohol Change charity initiative: “Dry January offers the opportunity to reform people’s relationship with alcohol.”
Research from the University of Sussex found that Dry January participants claimed to have a sense of achievement at the end, thought more deeply about their relationship with alcohol, slept better and even had better skin. And when they were asked again six months later, many said they were still drinking less.
But the charity Drink Aware, which compares alcohol sales data with self-reported surveys, found that people consistently underestimate their alcohol consumption by at least 30 per cent. Other research has shown that drinkers underestimate how much they drink by up to 76 percent. And one in five people still regularly drink more than the recommended limits.
Statistics show that one in four adults drink regularly, and there were 8,974 alcohol-related deaths in the UK in 2020 – an increase of 8.6 per cent on 2019. Research has shown that many regular drinkers have reduced their consumption during the pandemic .
Ms Rocca says Soberistas members cite a range of issues that lead them to drink regularly, adding: “Some talk about anxiety and sleep problems linked to menopause, others talk about having to choose between caring for elderly parents and their teenage children are trapped either or .” They suffer from empty nest syndrome when their children go to university.
“Others are in unhappy relationships, are lonely or struggle to balance work and home life.” These are the issues that need to be addressed.
“I focus my time on exercise, meditation and trying to live in the present rather than worrying about things I can’t control and judging myself.” Ultimately, you have to change the way you deal with the stress of life.”
Dr. Sherry adds, “Most people will participate in Dry January because they know their alcohol consumption is not healthy.” But it’s important to use this moment to ask yourself, “Am I consuming alcohol in an unhealthy way?” Am I using it because I can’t handle stress, health or work?
“When we stop drinking, we sleep better and feel better.” Dry January should encourage personal reflection and deeper conversations, perhaps with a healthcare provider.
“Think of this as the start of a permanent change, rather than a month to get through it or a temporary break.”
Despite her concerns, Lucy Rocca believes Dry January can be used to test one’s addiction to alcohol: “When you finally get off the walls, you know you have a problem.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
