Why This January Might Be Your Best Chance Yet to Rethink Your Relationship with Alcohol
There's a statistic that might surprise you: in the financial year 2023 to 2024, there were 339,916 alcohol-specific hospital admissions in England alone, according to the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. That's nearly a thousand people every single day ending up in hospital because of alcohol. Yet when we think about giving up drinking, many of us imagine it's something only problem drinkers need to consider.
The truth is quite different. After years of rising alcohol consumption across the UK, we're at a turning point. Attitudes are shifting, particularly amongst younger generations, and there's never been a better time to reassess your own relationship with alcohol - whether that means cutting back, taking a break, or stopping altogether.
The UK's Changing Drinking Landscape
We're a nation of drinkers. Adults in the UK consume 10.7 litres of pure alcohol per person per year on average, equivalent to around 21 UK units per week, according to Alcohol Change UK (based on World Health Organization data). That's roughly 10 pints of beer or two bottles of wine every week. Around four in five (80 percent) adults report drinking alcohol, according to Alcohol Change UK.
But here's where it gets interesting: attitudes are changing. Recent research from Aviva revealed that nearly half of UK drinkers plan to reduce their alcohol intake, with health and wellbeing cited as the primary motivators. Between 2019 and 2024, the number of people planning an alcohol-free January more than doubled from 4.2 million to 8.5 million, according to Alcohol Change UK.
Young people are leading this shift. In 2022, 26 percent of 16–24-year-olds reported not drinking alcohol in the previous 12 months, compared to 19 percent in 2011, according to Alcohol Change UK. We're witnessing a genuine cultural change in how Britain thinks about alcohol.
The Real Health Impact
The health risks of regular drinking are more serious than many people realise. In 2023, there were 10,473 deaths from alcohol-specific causes registered in the UK, the highest number on record, according to the Office for National Statistics. This represents a 38 percent increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The NHS advises that if you drink alcohol, it's recommended to drink no more than 14 units a week, spread across 3 days or more. Yet the Aviva research found that fewer than a quarter of people (21 percent) correctly identified that people should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week to keep health risks low.
But what exactly is a unit? Understanding this helps you keep track of your drinking accurately. One unit of alcohol equals 10ml of pure alcohol, which is roughly: a single 25ml shot of spirits (40% ABV), half a pint of standard strength beer or lager (4% ABV), or just under half a standard 175ml glass of wine (at 12% ABV, which equals about 2.1 units). A 175ml glass of wine actually contains around 2.1 to 2.3 units depending on the strength, meaning just one glass most evenings puts you over the recommended weekly limit.
Alcohol is linked to seven different types of cancer, including bowel, breast, liver, and mouth cancer. It affects your liver, increases blood pressure, disrupts sleep quality, and impacts mental health. For men, regular drinking can also cause erectile dysfunction by affecting blood flow and nerve sensitivity. For women, alcohol can weaken bones over time, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, particularly after menopause when bone density naturally decreases. The more you drink, the greater your risk of developing serious health conditions.
The Hidden Danger of Liver Disease
One particularly concerning aspect of alcohol-related liver disease is that it often develops silently. Many people assume that if their liver function blood tests come back normal, their liver must be healthy. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Alcohol-related liver disease typically presents with symptoms only in its later stages, when significant damage has already occurred. By the time symptoms like jaundice, swelling, or persistent fatigue appear, the disease may be quite advanced. This is why prevention and early intervention are so crucial - waiting for symptoms or abnormal blood tests may mean waiting too long.
The Benefits of Cutting Back
The good news? Your body begins to repair itself remarkably quickly when you reduce or stop drinking. Many people notice improvements within days or weeks.
Research from Alcohol Change UK shows that a month off alcohol can lead to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk, as well as lower cancer-related proteins in the blood. But the benefits extend far beyond physical health.
People who reduce their drinking often report better sleep quality, improved energy levels, clearer thinking, better mood and mental wellbeing, healthier skin, and significant financial savings. If you regularly spend £40 per week on alcohol, that's over £2,000 per year that could be redirected towards things that truly matter to you.
Making Change That Lasts
January offers a natural starting point, but successful change requires more than good intentions. Here's what works:
· Start where you are. You don't need to go from regular drinking to complete abstinence overnight. Even small reductions bring health benefits. Perhaps start with alcohol-free weekdays or limit yourself to drinking only at weekends.
· Have a clear reason. Whether it's improving your health, saving money, being more present for your family, or simply wanting to feel better, knowing your 'why' helps when motivation wanes.
· Find alternatives. The non-alcoholic drinks market has exploded in recent years, offering sophisticated options that feel special. Having alcohol-free alternatives on hand makes social situations easier.
· Seek support. You're not alone in wanting to drink less. Campaigns like Dry January provide free resources, apps, and community support. The Dry January app from Alcohol Change UK offers daily tips, tracking tools, and encouragement to help you stay on track. Share your goals with friends and family who can encourage you.
· Be patient with yourself. Research shows that developing new habits takes at least two months. If you slip up, don't give up - just start again the next day. Progress isn't always linear, and that's perfectly normal.
When to Seek Professional Support
It's important to distinguish between wanting to cut back and needing medical support to stop. If you experience physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating, or anxiety when you haven't had a drink, or if you find it impossible to cut down despite wanting to, you may have developed alcohol dependence.
Stopping drinking suddenly can be dangerous if you're dependent on alcohol, and medical supervision is essential. Similarly, if you're finding it difficult to cut back on your own, or if alcohol is affecting your relationships, work, or mental health, professional support can make all the difference.
This is exactly where your GP can help. We can assess your drinking patterns, discuss your health risks, provide evidence-based strategies for cutting back, refer you to specialist services if needed, and support you with any physical or mental health concerns related to alcohol.
Many people feel embarrassed about discussing their drinking, but remember - we're here to help, not judge. Having an honest conversation about alcohol can be the first step towards meaningful change.
Your Next Steps
As we enter 2026, consider this your invitation to reassess your relationship with alcohol. You don't need to have a 'problem' with drinking to benefit from drinking less. You don't need to become teetotal to see improvements in your health and wellbeing.
What you do need is to be honest with yourself about how much you're drinking and whether it's serving you well. If you're drinking more than 14 units per week, experiencing any negative effects, or simply curious about how you'd feel without alcohol, this January could be your turning point.
Whether you're planning Dry January, want to establish healthier drinking habits, or need support with alcohol dependence, a conversation with your GP is a positive step forward. We can provide personalised advice based on your individual health, lifestyle, and goals.
The statistics show that more people than ever are choosing to drink less. You're not alone in reconsidering alcohol's place in your life. Why not start the conversation today?
Ready to take control of your health? Book a consultation with a Livi GP to discuss your relationship with alcohol and get personalised advice and support for making positive changes.
