Everyone who knows me knows I like a drink. I've worked in wine bars, adore lethally strong cocktails, and pubs are pretty much my favourite places. But this Christmas I found myself yearning for a break from booze. "I actually can't wait for Dry January," I texted my boyfriend on Boxing Day, and again the day after.
I'm not alone. Since 2017, the popularity of Dry January has seen a sharp increase year on year, peaking in 2021 (possibly aided by the winter lockdown removing any temptation to hit the pub). Even though the number of people taking part in the challenge dipped last January, social media analytics company Brandwatch found that online mentions of non-alcoholic beverages continued to surge throughout 2022, suggesting more people are taking to non-alcoholic drinks - and not just due to abstinence challenges, either. Since 2019, online interest in giving up alcohol entirely has been growing. In fact, a recent survey commissioned by Sentia highlighted how four in 10 UK adults have already cut out alcohol, or are at least attempting to. Fifty-nine percent cite health as the primary consideration. So, has the popularity of Dry January over the last few years spurred on a broader "sober-curious" movement?
What is certain is that people are right to be concerned about the effect drinking might be having on their health. Fitness and nutrition expert Penny Weston runs an online wellness platform called Made on Demand. She tells me how, even in the short term, "alcohol can affect mood, appetite, weight, libido, as well as cause a spike in insulin levels which are like those caused by poor diet". Over a long period, this can have severe effects. "What we eat and drink is extremely important in maintaining good cognitive function and protecting us against conditions such as diabetes and Alzheimer's."
This story is from the January 04, 2023 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 04, 2023 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why Is It Cheaper To Go To Dubai Than Turkey In June?
June is a superb time to travel in Europe. The sense of spring freshness lingers; the crowds of July and August have yet to arrive; and prices are significantly lower than the summer peak.
What Tay Tay's Birthplace Tells Us About The Election
Eric Garcia explains how Berks County in Pennsylvania, the place where Taylor Swift grew up, shows the challenges for both parties as America prepares to go to the polls this year
Tesla Profits Down Amid Job Losses And Delivery Issues
Tesla experienced a 55 per cent decline in profits this quarter compared to the same period last year, according to the EV company’s latest financial disclosures.
Paris Migrant Crackdown Is For Olympics, Say Aid Groups
French police evicted migrants from a makeshift camp in Paris a few steps away from the River Seine yesterday, the latest operation in what aid groups call a campaign of “social cleansing” ahead of this summer’s Olympics.
How The Safety Of Rwanda's Capital Compares To London
Deputy foreign secretary Andrew Mitchell claims that Kigali is arguably’ safer than London, writes Colin Drury. But is it?
Bodies Found With ‘Hands Tied' In Mass Graves In Gaza
Remains of more than 300 people discovered at hospital sites
Emotional Klopp prepares for final Merseyside derby
Liverpool boss admits the clash is not his favourite game
Chelsea's collapse is lowest point in topsy-turvy season
“This is Chelsea Football Club, not Cole Palmer Football Club,” Mauricio Pochettino declared on the eve of his side’s visit to Arsenal.
Ruthless Arsenal humiliate beleaguered London rivals
So much for this being one of Arsenal’s awkward remaining fixtures, not to mention the idea the title race was over.
Hunt's scope for tax cuts hit by high borrowing figures
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has been dealt a blow after official figures revealed borrowing for the last financial year overshot forecasts, hitting £120.7bn as wages and benefit payments soared.
