More than one in four Brits were planning an alcohol-free January in 2025 to give their mind, body, and bank balance a boost, according to new research from Alcohol Change UK.
The data, released ahead of the 2025 Dry January challenge, found that 15.5 million people were planning to have a month off drinking alcohol.
Among their top motivations, saving money led the way at 24%, followed by better sleep (18%), and improving fitness, losing weight, and overall health (all 16%).
Danielle Houliston, Executive Director of Income and Engagement at Alcohol Change UK, emphasised that since its creation in 2013, Dry January has been run every year and has helped hundreds of thousands of people in the UK change their relationship with alcohol.
She said: “Broadly, there is a stigma around it, and there is a lack of education and knowledge about what people feel is risky or problem drinking – many people probably don’t realise it.
“What the Dry January challenge does is it gives people a unique opportunity, in a less stigmatised way, to actually, for the first time for many people, really look at their relationship with alcohol.”
Independent evaluations reveal that six months after participating, 70% of people who take on the Dry January challenge drink less frequently and consume less when they do.
Zoe Walls, 25, from Brixton, decided to participate in Dry January in preparation for a race she is due to complete in February.
“At first, I thought I’d really struggle, but honestly, I don’t even miss it – I’ve realised I don’t need alcohol to have fun or unwind at the end of the day.
“The biggest surprise for me has been how much better I feel – my sleep is deeper, my skin looks better, and I just have more energy overall,’ she said.
Reflecting on the challenge, Zoe admitted that she once assumed cutting out alcohol for a month wouldn’t change much in the long run.
“I used to think it was just a short break, but now, I can’t imagine going back to drinking the way I did before.
“I’ll still have the occasional drink, but I know for sure I’ll be drinking way less from now on,’ she added.
However, not everyone is convinced.
Adam Harris, a 23-year-old male who chose not to participate in Dry January, dismissed it as “a bit of a trend, a bit of a fad.”
Sceptical of its long-term impact, he said: “It won’t stop people from having 20 pints in February will it.”
Adam argued that it might make people feel healthy temporarily without addressing deeper lifestyle changes.
And the statistics highlight the challenge ahead.
Almost a quarter of Brits who drink reported consuming more alcohol in 2024 compared to the previous year.
More men than women reported drinking above the low-risk guidelines of 14 units per week in the last six months (35% versus 22%), which may explain why more men planned to take part in Dry January this year (32% versus 26%).
Dr Richard Piper, CEO at Alcohol Change UK, reflected on the broader cultural shift: “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.”
Piper noted the increasing recognition of alcohol’s effects, from poor sleep and hangovers to strained relationships and work struggles.
He sees this acknowledgement as a key reason why so many are ready to rethink their relationship with alcohol.
Ultimately – despite the speculation – with millions taking part each year, Dry January remains a significant fixture in the UK’s calendar.
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