Almost one in three men is planning to take part in Dry January and give up alcohol for the month amid health and financial concerns, according to new data.
Research commissioned by charity Alcohol Change UK has found that 32% of men are planning to forgo booze next month amid concerns for their fitness, mental health and finances.
The survey of 2,000 people in the UK, published on Friday, also revealed that more than one in five men (21%) who drank alcohol wanted to consume less next year.
Top goals cited by men for 2025 included improving their financial health (33%) and fitness or physical health (24%) and improving their mental health and wellbeing (22%).
Health benefits of giving up alcohol for a month include lower blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk as well as better sleep, more energy, and brighter skin, Dr Richard Piper, chief executive at Alcohol Change UK, said.
“People who take part in the Dry January challenge tell us they are sleeping better, have more energy, are saving money (average of £118 saved across the month) and are enjoying permanent improvements in their mood,” he said.
“Psychologically, regular or heavy drinking can affect our mental health and influence feelings of stress, low mood and anxiety,” Dr Piper added.
He said the new data suggested the “tide is turning” against an “inescapable” alcohol-centric marketing targeted at men.
He said: “Men are heavily targeted by the alcohol industry to get us to drink more and more alcohol.
“These companies spend millions putting booze front and centre of the things we love, from sporting events, gigs and ‘lads’ nights out’ to products in our favourite TV shows and films, or just via inescapable advertising we see as we go about our lives and on social media.”
Former England and Liverpool FC footballer Neil “Razor” Ruddock, 56, is taking part in Dry January next month and said that, while he still enjoys a drink, it was important to have “balance”.
“There was a massive pressure to drink, especially from the older players, it was part of the culture.
“But the way I used to drink had a serious impact on my health over time, and whenever I’ve been in trouble or done something that I regret, alcohol was always involved.
“So, my attitude to drinking and boozing habits had to change.
“While I do still like a tipple, it’s about balance for me now to keep my health and life in check.”
The film, titled Bossing The Booze with Razor, Motty and Franks, was released on Boxing Day on YouTube to support the charity’s campaign to encourage others to take part in Dry January.
