Give Dry a Try

This January Borders Alcohol & Drugs Partnership (ADP) is asking people to consider giving up alcohol for a month.

Many of us tend to let our hair down during the festive period when there are more opportunities to socialise with loved ones. We can end up overindulging a little in one way or another; this might be drinking more alcohol, eating less healthily or eating more than usual.

So the New Year, a traditional time for resolutions and lifestyle changes, seems like the perfect opportunity to 'give dry a try'.

Making a small change to your lifestyle can make a big difference to your health. By giving up alcohol for the month of January, you will probably notice benefits such as:

• Feeling better
• Losing weight
• Sleeping better
• Saving money

Individuals who have participated in 'Dry January' campaigns previously have reported noticing these benefits.

Dr Tim Patterson, Joint Director for Public Health, said: "Following what can be a busy, stressful and overindulgent period of festivities, the New Year is a good time to participate in the 'Dry January' campaign, look after yourself and introduce some lifestyle changes.

"You don’t need to drink alcohol to spend time with friends – why not go for a coffee, take a stroll in the beautiful Borders countryside together, enjoy a mocktail or try a new hobby instead?

"those who decide to 'give dry a try', we hope that having completed a Dry January will make it a bit easier to stick to low risk drinking guidelines in February and the rest of the year."