Out of Hours What is Dry January?

Dry January is now a household term, and recommended limits) 6 months as Concern launches its Dry January after completing a month alcohol campaign for the fourth year, we hope even free.3 more people will take part in 2016. Drinking alcohol is deeply The aim of our campaign is to start a new embedded in British culture, conversation about alcohol, to encourage and it’s often the case people people to consider and discuss their alcohol are quizzed about why they’re consumption and ultimately, to inspire not drinking. Dry January gives behaviour change following a positive and people a great excuse/reason and fun-filled month of . the confidence to carry on saying Over the past 3 years, the impetus has no thanks to alcohol, even after grown with over 2 million people in the UK January has ended. participating in Dry January in 2015. To be absolutely clear; this challenge is not ENCOURAGING PATIENTS TO a detox or for those with dependency issues. GIVE DRY JANUARY A GO Instead, it’s aimed at the huge numbers of GPs are on the front line. Every people who are steadily drinking a bit too day they see patients who much, too often, (exceeding recommended may be drinking at above the guidelines of alcohol consumption1) without recommended levels, (although realising the effect it may be having on their this may not always be obvious), health. and those whose visit may be alcohol related. Alcohol is linked THE BENEFITS OF ABSTAINING FROM to over 60 medical conditions, Alcohol Concern’s Dry January logo. ALCOHOL including cancer, diabetes, Participants testify to how great a month off depression, and hypertension.4 everyone involved? After all, it will be easier to from alcohol can be; they sleep better, have Although it can be difficult asking patients promote it to others if you’re doing it yourself. more energy, some lose weight and save about their drinking behaviour, Dry January You can sign yourself, other staff and money, and others notice improvements in is a great way to broach the topic in a non- patients up at www.dryjanuary.org.uk. their skin and hair. threatening way, nudge patients to consider Join in the conversation by following us More recently, research from the Royal their drinking levels and encourage them to on Twitter, @DryJanuary and liking us on 2 Free Hospital in London has shown that cut down. Facebook.com/DryJanuary. there are positive physiological effects to In fact, almost all patients seeking medical be gained from taking part in Dry January. treatment would benefit from taking part in Jackie Ballard, The study, performed on moderate drinkers Dry January since: Chief Executive, Alcohol Concern, London. (those drinking around the levels of E-mail: [email protected] recommended limits), has shown people • In the cold and flu season, drinking alcohol experiencing improvements in concentration won’t aid recovery and can disturb sleep; DOI: 10.3399/bjgp16X683173 and sleep patterns, as well as having reduced • Alcohol can negatively interact with cholesterol and lower glucose levels, lower medication; blood pressure, weight loss overall, and REFERENCES losing 40% of their liver fat. • Alcohol contributes to anxiety, low mood 1. Alcohol unit guidelines. https://www. and depression, and Dry January is a great drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/what-is- alcohol/daily-guidelines (accessed 2 Dec 2015). OUR CAMPAIGN REALLY WORKS opportunity to encourage patients to look at lifestyle issues that may be affecting 2. Royal Free London. NHS Foundation Trust. As a behaviour change campaign, Alcohol Dry January results “staggering”. https:// Concern offers support through online their wellbeing; www.royalfree.nhs.uk/news-media/news/dry- communities and an email programme, • Cutting out alcohol can help people january-results-staggering/ (accessed 1 Dec encouraging people to persevere achieve weight loss goals; and 2015). throughout the month and offering them 3. Alcohol Concern. Academic research reveals • Over 10% of high blood pressure in men is Dry January leads to less drinking all year advice on non- alternatives, alcohol related. round. https://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/ and also opportunities to speak to health news/academic-research-reveals-dry-january- professionals. leads-less-drinking-year-round/ (accessed 1 Research has proven that Dry January is LEADING BY EXAMPLE Dec 2015). an effective behaviour change campaign. You knew this was coming didn’t you? It’s 4. World Health Organization. Alcohol in the The campaign was independently evaluated not just patients who can benefit from Dry European Union. Consumption, harm and policy approaches. http://www.euro.who. in 2014 by the University of Sussex and found January, you can too, and ideally you’ll be int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/160680/e96457. 72% of participants had sustained reduced leading the practice by example! So why not pdf (accessed 1 Dec 2015). levels of harmful drinking (drinking over take the challenge at your practice and get

32 British Journal of General Practice, January 2016