Dry January: strategies that may help manage booze cravings.

A report cited about 17.5 million Britons planned a month-long Dry January, but only around a third are estimated to complete it. The article reports experts suggesting value-based goals and a 'delay, check-in, engage' technique to reduce cravings.

Many people try Dry January after drinking more than usual over the festive period. A report cited by the article said about 17.5 million Britons intended to begin the new year with a month-long abstinence from alcohol. Published survey figures suggest most do not complete the month, and experts quoted in the piece describe psychological approaches to help manage urges. Key points: - The article reports Alcohol Change UK’s figure that about 17.5 million people planned to take part in Dry January. - YouGov survey data quoted in the article found that 29% of participants had a sip within a week and 16% had drunk by January 3rd, while an estimated one third complete the month. - Dr Fiona Dowman, a clinical psychologist quoted in the article, emphasises clarifying personal values and describes a "delay, check-in, engage" technique for managing cravings. - Denise Hamilton-Mace, founder of Low No Drinker and an Alcohol Change UK ambassador quoted in the article, discusses planning for social situations and notes that some alcohol-free drinks can be triggers for certain people. Summary: Reported interest in Dry January is high, but many people report slipping early in the month and only about a third are estimated to finish. The article presents expert views that value-based goals, brief delay and grounding steps, and planning for social settings are relevant to how people experience the month. Undetermined at this time.