Dry January

Dry January is the UK`s one month alcohol free challenge. It encourages the UK`s adults to abstain from consuming alcohol following the Christmas binge. Alcohol can be pleasurable, in moderation, but it can also cause harm, ranging from a hangover to significant long term health conditions.

The UK Chief Medical Advisor recommends the following for men and women:

• To minimise health risk associated with alcohol to a low risk, it is safest to not drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.
• If you regularly drink over 14 units per week, ideally it should be spread over 3 days per week. Injury and long term health illness is increased by heavy drinking over 1 or 3 episodes per week.
• There is an increase risk of health problems (including cancers of the mouth, throat and breast with the regular consumption of alcohol.

The Dry January Health Promotion campaign focuses on the benefits a reduction in alcohol can make to an individual, their families, the and the wider society. A 31 day challenge can kick start a healthy way of living.

Not only does alcohol affect physical, mental heal and wellbeing, but it can also impact productivity in the workplace.

Each year it is estimated the 17 million working days or 5% of all absences are related to alcohol (Alcohol change).  Employers are encouraged to consider the legal aspects and business consequences, such unexplained absences, accidents, near misses or performance issues which alcohol use can bring.

Supporting Dry January could benefit not only the employee health, but the health of your business to.

For any help with alcohol issues in the workplace, get in touch.

Alcohol changes (www.alcoholchanges.org.uk)

Working Years lost to alcohol https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/

UK Chief Medical Advisor Low Risk Drinking Guidance(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)