More Brits Will Be Doing Dry January Than Ever In 2021, Says Poll

A new poll released today claims more UK drinkers than ever are set to ditch alcohol in January as part of Dry January in 2021.

A poll by charity Alcohol Change UK said more than 6.5million adults will try and do Dry January, up from 3.9million last year. That means one in five people who drink alcohol in the UK will be attempting to ditch the booze.

And it shows on google... ahead of corks popping on New Year's Eve, google search terms rocketed for queries like, 'How to get through Dry January' and 'How to survive dry January'.

Alcohol Change UK launched Dry January in 2013 - the first year saw only 4,000 people join. Many charities now run a similar campaign, like Cancer Research's Dryathalon which sees people being sponsored for taking on the challenge. Public Health England are now a Dry January partner too.

READ MORE: Tips if you're trying a month sober

READ MORE: 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Doing Dry January

Online, the reaction to Dry January seems to be more divided than ever. For some January 2021 seems like the perfect time to take a break from booze - for others, with school closures and possible lockdowns looming, it seems like a time for the wettest January yet.

Many, however, have said it could be the easiest opportunity yet - with no pubs open across much of the UK and people being unable to socialise, it could make things a lot easier.

Some also think it could be the time they've needed to try the most - research has shown one in five of us have felt concerned about the amount we've been drinking since coronavirus lockdowns started in March. One quarter of British people admitted drinking more often and earlier in the day 'to try and cope'.

Dr Richard Piper, Chief Executive of Alcohol Change UK said: '2020 has been a year like no other. 'Many of us have spent the year stressed, scared and tired. When things get tough, we can find ourselves slipping into drinking habits we wish we could break, but Dry January can help.

'It’s our chance for a reset – 31 days to try something new, and to see some amazing benefits like brighter skin, a fuller wallet, a calmer mind and a better night’s sleep.'

As the debate continues to rage online about whether January 2021 is the perfect or worst time to contemplate Dry January, perhaps there's one piece of advice we can take from this year forward: do whatever (safely) you need to do to get through, and don't judge others, because it probably isn't going to do anything to help you.

Or do the shooting funny memes at each other thing... whichever you prefer.

Alcoholics Anonymous helpline is open 24/7 on 0800 9177 650. You can also email them at help@aamail.org or live chat via their website at www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk.

Drinkline, a free, confidential helpline for people who are concerned about their drinking, or someone else's can be called on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).