With the excess of Christmas a distant memory, many people are abandoning alcohol this January. To complete the Dry January challenge you must avoid alcohol for 31 days. A popular Alcohol Concern awareness raising campaign and fundraiser, Dry January provides you with the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of those affected by alcohol misuse. If you have already kick-started your alcohol-free month, below are our top tips to help you maintain your motivation:

Stay Motivated 

Although it’s “only a month”, Dry January can feel like a long stretch if you’re used to enjoying the odd drink on a regular basis. By the time the first weekend of January approaches you may find yourself tempted by a glass of your favourite alcoholic drink. To stay focused, take the challenge one day at a time, just as you would if you were giving up alcohol for good. Inform all of your friends and family that you are taking part in the worthwhile cause and encourage them to support you throughout the month.

Make Sober Plans

It is important to keep yourself busy and if you’re worried about socialising with friends sober, try to avoid situations where you would commonly drink. If you are invited to occasions that include going to pubs, clubs and parties, opt to spend the night at home and organise activities with your friends and family that involve being sober. The cinema, sporting games and shopping trips are perfect activities that include socialising whilst sober. 

Enjoy The Rest And Treat Yourself

During Dry January you should take full advantage of the hangover-free weekends, and enjoy feeling energised and refreshed throughout the month. As a result of taking part in the alcohol-free month, you will also notice that you are saving money. Try to put the money that you are saving from not drinking towards a treat - whether it’s for a Summer holiday, new pair of shoes or save for a rainy day. 

Be Adventurous With Non-alcoholic Drinks

Going without alcohol doesn’t mean that you have to endure dull drinks. An entire month off alcohol will give you the opportunity to explore the wide range of soft drinks, mocktails and dealcoholised wines, beers and ciders available. Be adventurous and try alcohol-free versions of your favourite classic cocktails; refreshing and full of flavour mocktails will leave you without a hangover.

Become The Designated Driver

Nominating yourself to be the group driver for the night is a great way to avoid the temptation of drinking. With the responsibility of driving others home there is no stigma to abstaining from alcohol, you save money and you’ll feel better than your friends in the morning. 

Acknowledge Your Achievement 

Acknowledge your alcohol-free achievements throughout the Dry January process by setting short-term goals. Short-term goals allow you to track your progress, whether that’s making it through the first weekend of January alcohol-free, getting to ten days or resisting the temptation to drink at a friends birthday party. Monitoring your achievements will encourage you to complete the challenge and stay alcohol-free for an entire month. 

By taking on the Dry January challenge you can enjoy a healthy start to the new year. So, maintain your motivation and say “no” to the temptation of alcohol. For additional information about how we can help you start the new year healthy, medication and treatment that we provide please click here.

How Can You Fundraise?

You can create your own Dry January fundraising page on JustGiving.
You can text donate to DRYJ31 to 70070 with the amount you want to donate. So just text DRYJ31 £10 to 70070 if you want to donate £10.
You can download a copy of the Dry January 2015 Sponsorship Form.
Or you can post a cheque to Alcohol Concern, 25 Corsham Street, London, N1 6DR.